koberstein
Active member
The Torah background and New Testament understanding of B'rit milah (covenant of circumcision) make it clear that
this custom may be followed and appreciated by believers in Yeshua. For Messianic Jews who represent the remnant
of Israel, it is logical that they would desire to follow the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant, as did the first-century Jewish
believers in Yeshua. While non-Jews may also wish to have their sons circumcised, the eighth-day B'rit milah remains a
distinctive sign between the Jewish people and the God of Israel. The following is a proposed Messianic B'rit milah ceremony,
designed as a practical guide for those who wish to observe this ancient custom.
The family may adapt the details of this ceremony, in the freedom of the Ruakh HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), to exclude certain
elements or include other parts that they desire. The practical needs of the mohel (person who performs religious circumcisions)
should also be considered as he tries to arrange the best setting for the B'rit milah. The local Messianic leader will be one's best
consultant regarding these details. Whether simple or elaborate, the most important element is the spiritual focus of the ceremony.
The following is an example of a B'rit milah service:
With all the family and guests gathered in the room, the mother is seated in a chair outside the door holding the child.
she passes the child to the godmother (kvatterin) who brings the baby to the entrance of the room as the leader declares:
Barukh habah b'shem Adonai
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
The leader continues saying:
The rite of circumcision has been enjoined upon us as a sign of our covenant with God, as it is written:
The leader reads Genesis 17:9-14, then continues:
As Messianic Jews, we follow the example of Messiah Yeshua and the first Jewish believers.
The leader reads Luke 2:21. This would be an appropriate place to give a short message regarding the significance of
B'rit milah for Messianic Jews, perhaps using other relevant Scriptures.
The godfather (kvatter) takes the child from the kvatterin and gives the boy to the person watching over the seat of
Elijah. This person briefly sets the baby on the chair. He is then picked up by a second person who hands the child
to the father.
The father says:
In conformity with sacred Jewish observance, I present my son for the covenant of circumcision.
Barukh atah Adonai, eloheynu melekh ha'olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hakhniso bivrito shel Avraham avinu.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe who has sanctified us by his commandments and commanded us
to bring our sons into the covenant of Abraham our father.
The father gives his son to the sandek (the person who hold the child during circumcision) who is seated in a chair with a
pillow on his lap. The person holds the child while the circumcision is performed by the mohel.
Just before the circumcision is performed, the leader reads the following:
Barukh atah Adonai, eloheynu melekh ha'olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al ha'milah.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe who has sanctified us by his commandments and commanded us
concerning the rite of circumcision.
After the circumcision, the leader picks up the wine cup and chants:
Barukh atah Adonai, eloheynu melekh ha'olam, borey p'ri ha'gafen. Amen
Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe who creates the fruit of the vine. Amen
As the parents sip the wine, the leader continues:
Our God and God of our fathers, sustain this child in life and health and let him be known in the household
of Israel by the name____________ben (son)___________[Note: it is customary to explain the significance of the Hebrew name]
Cause the parents to rejoice in this child whom Thou hast entrusted to their care. As he has been brought into the covenent
of Abraham, so may he be led to the study of the Torah, enter into a marriage worthy of Thy blessing, and live a life enriched
with good deeds. Amen (Central Conference of American Rabbis, Rabbi's manual p. 11)
After this naming prayer, a personal prayer should be said for the child and their family. This prayer should affirm that the
child will be brought up to know Messiah Yeshua at a very early age. Finally, the family will probably want to follow the
ceremony with a joyous meal, at home or elsewhere, to celebrate the new life. Mazel Tov! (congratulations!)
Gods Appointed Customs 'A Messianic Jewish Guide to the Biblical Lifecycle and Lifestyle'
by Barney Kasden
this custom may be followed and appreciated by believers in Yeshua. For Messianic Jews who represent the remnant
of Israel, it is logical that they would desire to follow the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant, as did the first-century Jewish
believers in Yeshua. While non-Jews may also wish to have their sons circumcised, the eighth-day B'rit milah remains a
distinctive sign between the Jewish people and the God of Israel. The following is a proposed Messianic B'rit milah ceremony,
designed as a practical guide for those who wish to observe this ancient custom.
The family may adapt the details of this ceremony, in the freedom of the Ruakh HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), to exclude certain
elements or include other parts that they desire. The practical needs of the mohel (person who performs religious circumcisions)
should also be considered as he tries to arrange the best setting for the B'rit milah. The local Messianic leader will be one's best
consultant regarding these details. Whether simple or elaborate, the most important element is the spiritual focus of the ceremony.
The following is an example of a B'rit milah service:
With all the family and guests gathered in the room, the mother is seated in a chair outside the door holding the child.
she passes the child to the godmother (kvatterin) who brings the baby to the entrance of the room as the leader declares:
Barukh habah b'shem Adonai
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
The leader continues saying:
The rite of circumcision has been enjoined upon us as a sign of our covenant with God, as it is written:
The leader reads Genesis 17:9-14, then continues:
As Messianic Jews, we follow the example of Messiah Yeshua and the first Jewish believers.
The leader reads Luke 2:21. This would be an appropriate place to give a short message regarding the significance of
B'rit milah for Messianic Jews, perhaps using other relevant Scriptures.
The godfather (kvatter) takes the child from the kvatterin and gives the boy to the person watching over the seat of
Elijah. This person briefly sets the baby on the chair. He is then picked up by a second person who hands the child
to the father.
The father says:
In conformity with sacred Jewish observance, I present my son for the covenant of circumcision.
Barukh atah Adonai, eloheynu melekh ha'olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hakhniso bivrito shel Avraham avinu.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe who has sanctified us by his commandments and commanded us
to bring our sons into the covenant of Abraham our father.
The father gives his son to the sandek (the person who hold the child during circumcision) who is seated in a chair with a
pillow on his lap. The person holds the child while the circumcision is performed by the mohel.
Just before the circumcision is performed, the leader reads the following:
Barukh atah Adonai, eloheynu melekh ha'olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al ha'milah.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe who has sanctified us by his commandments and commanded us
concerning the rite of circumcision.
After the circumcision, the leader picks up the wine cup and chants:
Barukh atah Adonai, eloheynu melekh ha'olam, borey p'ri ha'gafen. Amen
Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe who creates the fruit of the vine. Amen
As the parents sip the wine, the leader continues:
Our God and God of our fathers, sustain this child in life and health and let him be known in the household
of Israel by the name____________ben (son)___________[Note: it is customary to explain the significance of the Hebrew name]
Cause the parents to rejoice in this child whom Thou hast entrusted to their care. As he has been brought into the covenent
of Abraham, so may he be led to the study of the Torah, enter into a marriage worthy of Thy blessing, and live a life enriched
with good deeds. Amen (Central Conference of American Rabbis, Rabbi's manual p. 11)
After this naming prayer, a personal prayer should be said for the child and their family. This prayer should affirm that the
child will be brought up to know Messiah Yeshua at a very early age. Finally, the family will probably want to follow the
ceremony with a joyous meal, at home or elsewhere, to celebrate the new life. Mazel Tov! (congratulations!)
Gods Appointed Customs 'A Messianic Jewish Guide to the Biblical Lifecycle and Lifestyle'
by Barney Kasden
