Brit milah or Bris, which means "covenant of circumcision," is a Jewish ritual performed on a baby boy eight days after he is born. Brady's Bris was held on March 31, 2011 which was actually his original due date.
The ceremony was performed by Dr. Alan Singer.
Brady was brought into the room by his loving Nana.
During the ceremony, the mother, father, and infant are encircled by relatives and friends who symbolically represent the covenant community into which the child is welcomed. After the child is brought into the room, traditional words of welcome are recited.
Grandpa Henry was the Sandek: This is the person who holds the baby while the circumcision is being performed.
Seven blessings were recited by everyone.
May Brady's life be filled with joy and happiness.
May Brady's life be filled with good friends and mutual respect.
May Brady's life be filled with the support and care of family.
May Brady's life be filled with health of body and spirit.
May Brady's life be filled with wisdom and insight.
May Brady's life be filled with laughter and humor.
May Brady's life be filled with warmth and love.
At the end of the ceremony was the baby naming. Traditionally baby boy's names are not revealed until this time. For the 8 days leading up to the Bris the baby is not called by his name only baby, baby boy kron, or other generic baby name. Brady is named after his great-grandfather Samuel Fischer. We shared this letter with Brady telling him about his name.
Dear Brady,
You mom and I are so fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful, caring friends and a supportive, loving family, but we are truly blessed to have created a family of our own with your sister Chloe Sarai and now you Brady Samuel.
Today we welcome you to our lives and hearts by presenting you with your Hebrew name and performing the oldest rite of passage in Judaism, the Brit Milah or Bris. The Brit Milah is considered the sign of your entry into the Jewish religion and tradition. A tradition that is full of love, compassion, and an utmost focus on family. Traditions we hope will be dear to your heart as you grow from a boy to a man who has a family of his own.
Your Hebrew name is Shmuel, or in English, Samuel. Samuel was the name of your great grandfather, Samuel Fischer. He was a Holocaust survivor and one of the true Patriarchs of our family. He was a strong. He was loving. He was funny. He was charitable, and he was hard working. All characteristics we know you will possess as you get older. It is a great honor to be able to name you after him as you begin the journey as the next generation of our family.
It’s difficult to express in words just how happy we are to have you as part of our family now. We wish you to have a long, prosperous life, surrounded by as much love and support from friends and family as we have today.
We love you so very much
Mom and Dad
