About Dr. Woda
Craig Woda, MD, PhD is a Pediatric Hospitalist in the emergency room and newborn nursery affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Boston Children’s Hospital and Milford Regional Medical Center. He is also a board-certified Pediatric Nephrologist. Craig completed his PhD in renal physiology at Georgetown Medical School and then obtained his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY. He did his pediatric residency at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. He has been in practice for 15 years.
Craig and his wife Rachel, and their two children, Jordan and Elias, live in Providence, Rhode Island.
The Tradition of Brit Milah
Brit Milah is the most ancient Jewish ritual that is still practiced today. It connects an infant and his family to our Jewish ancestors, the Jewish community of today and to those who will follow us. It is a time of joy and celebration.
The biblical source for brit milah is the commandment for Avraham to circumcise himself, all the males of his household, and all his male descendants.
In fact, the Torah recounts several other cases of brit milah in addition to Avraham’s own circumcision, Tzipora, Moshe’s wife, circumcises their son, and Joshua’s circumcision of all the previously uncircumcised males before the Israelites entered the Land of Israel. The Jewish people continued to observe Brit Milah through the generations, and circumcision has become the most profound symbol of the Jewish community, a physical sign attesting to a covenant of the heart. Jews throughout history risked their lives to circumcise their children as the brit milah was a symbol of Jewish distinctiveness.
Jewish communities have practiced this rite of passage for thousands of years, even under the threat of persecution.
Circumcision does not determine the Jewishness of a child: having a brit milah does not make a non-Jewish child Jewish, just as not having a brit milah does not make a Jewish child non-Jewish. Still, this act represents a transitional moment as the newborn now carries a testimony to his inclusion within the Jewish people, and this is the first rite of passage for a Jewish boy.
Honored Roles & Symbols
Sandak
This is the most honored role. The Sandak holds the baby while the Brit is performed. The Sandak should be a Jew who can testify that the Brit was performed in accordance with Jewish law. While traditionally, the Sandak is a male; there is no reason a woman cannot be a Sandak. The high esteem in which the Sandak is held is manifested by a position of honor standing next to the chair of Elijah. Traditionally, this role is given to a grandfather. In some communities, it is customary to give the rabbi this honor. And some suggest that the father of the child should himself be the Sandak, for since the mitzvah to circumcise the child is incumbent upon him, he should assist in the ceremony in every way possible. This is the custom in many Sephardic communities.
Kvatter(male) and Kvatterin(female)
This couple (not necessarily husband and wife) brings the baby into the room where the brit will take place. They are colloquially known as the godparents. It is not necessary to fill both roles.
Candle Lighter
Generally a relative or close friend.
Tallis, Kiddush Cup & Candlesticks
It is especially meaningful to use ritual objects that have some family history, such as those used for a wedding, bar or bat mitzvah, bris, etc. Please check with your family to see if they have special ritual objects. If either the Kiddush Cup or Candlesticks have special significance, please let me know so that I can make reference to them at the Brit.
Readers
Parts of the ceremony need not be read by the mohel. If there are individuals whom you would like to read during the naming ceremony (in either Hebrew or English) or the preceding blessing over the wine, please let me know. Non-Jewish family members are welcome to be readers and to participate in the Parent’s and Grandparent’s blessings.
FAQ
When should I call?
You are welcome to call prior to the delivery with any questions. Once your baby is born, please call as soon as possible.
When does the Brit Mila take place?
Brit Mila takes place on the 8th day after the baby’s birth. The day the baby is born counts as day number one so the Brit Mila will take place on the same day of the week as the baby was born – the following week. If the baby is born after sundown then it is considered to have been born the next day – so, the ceremony is delayed by one day.
Can Brit Mila take place on Shabbat or a Holiday?
Because the mitzvah of welcoming a baby into the covenant with God on the 8th day is considered so important, the Brit Mila may take place on Shabbat or holidays, including Yom Kippur. This includes babies who are born by medically indicated cesarean sections. In the case of elective cesarean sections, the Brit milah is typically delayed until after Shabbat or holiday.
What if one parent is not Jewish?
In Reform Judaism, a child may be considered Jewish if either parent is Jewish – not just the mother. Therefore, no change in the ceremony is required. For Conservative Jews, the rules are different. If the mother is not Jewish, then a Brit Mila “for the purpose of conversion” can be done.
What are the fees associated with a Brit Mila?
Fees for a brit milah (circumcision and ceremony) can be discussed by calling me directly. The fees do vary based on the distance to the ceremony. A portion of my fee is donated to Jewish organizations.
