Bris 101, everything you need to know for going to a bris

Got Invited to a Bris? Now What?

So you got invited to a Bris and you have no idea what a Bris is, what to wear or what to bring? We are here to answer all your bris questions

Attending a Bris: What to Expect and What to Bring

A bris (short for bris milah) is a significant and joyous occasion in the Jewish community, marking the ceremonial circumcision of a newborn boy, typically on the eighth day of his life. If you’ve been invited to a bris, it’s likely because you are a close friend or family member, and it’s an honor to be a part of this important event. Whether you’re familiar with Jewish traditions or not, here’s a guide to what to expect and what to bring when attending a bris.

What to Expect at a Bris

First and foremost, a bris is a celebratory occasion. Although the circumcision itself is a religious ritual, the atmosphere surrounding it is often filled with joy, love, and gratitude. A bris usually takes place in a home or a synagogue, a Jewish temple. The ceremony itself includes prayers and blessings, typically led by a mohel (the trained professional who performs the circumcision). The family may also have a rabbi or cantor present to lead additional prayers.

At the heart of the bris is the naming ceremony, where the baby is given his Hebrew name. This is a meaningful and joyous moment for the family, as the baby officially enters the Jewish community. In order to have a Bar Mitzvah, it is customary for you to have your Hebrew name on your certificate.  Following the ritual, there is often a festive meal, which can range from light snacks to a full spread, depending on the family’s customs. Most common is a bagel spread with lox and salads

What to Bring to a Bris

Bringing a gift is completely optional, some Jewish families do not have a baby shower prior to the baby being born. If this is the case, then at the Bris is a great opportunity to bring a gift for the baby. 

-For Baby: typically a baby item you would bring to a baby shower. Another option is to bring a religious item as this is the child’s first religious milestone. We personally love our hand carved wood hamsa or the Soft Shabbat Set

-For the older sibling: If you are close with the family and you want to bring a gift for the older sibling but want to stay on theme we recommend the Wooden Hebrew Coins which are perfect for learning how to count, the Hebrew alphabet and playing dreidel! 

-For the mother: This is one that at Starts At Sundown that we feel MOST passionate about, we are huge proponents for helping the mother heal during the fourth trimester. We especially love the Aromatherapy Shower Steamers, of course sleep is the number one goal for the new mom but what comes second is a great shower to recharge with essential oils

-For Everyone: The Bubala Box is perfect gift for a baby shower, Bris (brit milah), baby naming or a gift simply to mazel to the newest addition of a family. The box is a 4-piece gift set that contains perfect items for mom and baby including the Yuzu Soap Multi Use Shower Tablets, Mushy Matzo Ball Board Book, Hamsa wood teether and card selection 

-A Card: Along with your gift, it’s a thoughtful gesture to include a greeting card. Your card can express warm wishes for the family and the baby. Simple messages like “Mazel Tov on your son’s bris” or “Wishing your family joy and health” are always well-received. A card that is too perfect is our best seller “It’s my Bris and I’ll cry if I want to” we also have a wide selection of Mazel Tov Cards and Blank cards to write in your own message. #SundownTip, if you are sending this gift, be sure to fill out the gift section at checkout and the Starts At Sundown team will handwrite your gift message.

-Comfortable Attire: While there’s no strict dress code, a bris is a formal occasion, so it’s best to dress in smart-casual. For men, a collared shirt and pants and women often wear dresses, skirts or a nice blouse. It’s also important to be mindful of the location—if the bris is being held at a synagogue, you may want to bring a sweater or a pashmina to cover your shoulders

Conclusion

A bris is a time of celebration and bonding for the Jewish community and attending one is a way to share in the joy of a family welcoming a new member. By bringing a thoughtful gift, dressing appropriately, and understanding the ceremony’s significance, you’ll contribute to the warmth and spirit of this important event. Whether you’re a regular guest at Jewish traditions or new to them, you’ll find that the bris is an occasion marked by deep meaning, community, and connection.