Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a Qualified Mohel?

A Mohel is a certified expert in the surgical aspects of circumcision as well as knowledgeable in the laws and customs pertaining to a traditional circumcision and ceremony. 

How does your technique differ from other mohels?

The Rappaport Method is a method perfected by Rabbi Moshe Rappaport and passed along to his children and trainees. It is, by far, the fastest and most painless method performed by any mohel. The procedure should take between 30 and 60 seconds. The Rappaport Method also minimizes bleeding and discomfort with the instruments and special ointments/powders used.

Why is circumcision beneficial?

The principal advantages are: 1) Preventative health care/Hygiene – circumcision aids in the prevention of certain diseases, among them penile cancer. 2) Sociological benefits – boys feel more comfortable when they are circumcised. 3) Religious fulfillment – having a circumcision fulfills the Biblical commandment that all males be circumcised.

When is a circumcision performed?

A ritual circumcision (bris) is generally performed on the eighth day in accordance with the Biblical requirement. If a child is ill, the bris must be delayed, as the child’s health is paramount. 

A non-ritual circumcision may be performed from the day after birth until, preferably, three months.

Will the baby cry?

Yes. Crying is a sign of health. However, the crying usually stops immediately after the baby is swaddled.

Will the circumcision hurt my baby?

Minimally. The baby’s nerve endings are still not fully developed during the first few weeks of his life. He will feel tugging and pulling more than anything else. The Rappaport Method further reduces the pain and discomfort.

What is the after care?

At the bris we will provide you with Bacitracin and gauze. At every diaper change, apply about a penny size of bacitracin on the gauze and place it over the area. Once you run out, apply Vaseline or A&D for another few days.

What is the healing process after the circumcision?

After the first few days you will start to see a soft yellow substance known as granulation tissue form around the area. This is a normal part of the healing process. It is not an infection – do not be alarmed. The area should be completely healed in about one week.

When can we bathe the baby after circumcision?
The day after. In fact, bathing is helpful to the healing process. Once the umbilical cord falls off, you may give a full bath. Until then, sponge bathing is preferable.
If only one parent is Jewish, can the baby still receive a bris?

Yes. However, if the mother is the non-Jewish parent, the bris will be performed for the sake of conversion.

If neither parent is Jewish, can we still use your services?

Yes. Rabbi Rappaport’s sons will be able to accommodate families of all backgrounds, faiths and denominations.

Can we name our son after a female relative?

Yes. The most appropriate thing to do is to select a name with similar meaning or to use as many of the Hebrew letters of the woman’s name. Naming the baby is sometimes one of the more difficult decisions confronting parents, and a mohel can often help with choosing the best name for your son.

Will we receive a bris certificate?

Yes. We will issue a certificate that has the baby’s Hebrew and English name, Hebrew and English birth and bris dates and the mohel’s signature. This certificate will serve as a future reference, for example, in determining the correct day of his Bar Mitzvah.

How far will you travel to perform a bris or circumcision?

Worldwide! We have traveled to Hong Kong, Israel, Canada and almost every state in the USA. While our primary “home base” is the east coast, and more so, Maryland, D.C. and Virginia, we travel far and near to perform bris and circumcision.

Do you accept health insurance?

Receipts can be provided upon request. Some insurance companies reimburse, others do not.

Can we pay the fee with FSA or HSA funds?

Yes.