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possible, so that he can observe the general health of the
baby, and become aware of any negative medical circumstances which might
delay the performance of the brit on time, allowing the parents to
prepare for a postponement of the date of the brit if necessary.
It
is very important to inform the mohel of anything unusual in the state
of the baby’s health from the moment of his birth until the day of the
brit. Any changes: i.e., fever (even if it became normal after the one
time), lack of appetite, secretions from the eyes, apathy; even if the
parents are told in the hospital that there is no deterrent to a timely
brit. The release papers from the hospital should also be shown to the
Mohel.
It
is very important and imperative! to advise the mohel of any genetic
family medical problem such as hemophilia, or clotting problems and lack
of G6PD (sensitivity to certain medications, etc.).
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The
brit is performed on the eighth day of the baby’s life, where the date
of birth is counted as the first day.
For example, a baby born on Sunday has his brit on the Sunday of
the following week (any time during the entire day).
For
this purpose, the day begins from the evening before; more specifically,
from the moment of sunset the new day begins [excluding Shabbat] and
therefore when a birth occurs close to sunset it is advisable to check
the clock at the actual moment of birth and not to rely on the time
determined by the hospital staff, who do not always note the exact time,
and to inform the Mohel, and determine the most suitable time for the
brit together with the Mohel.
In
any event, it is best to ask the mohel with respect to determining the
timing of the brit.
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A
brit can be performed at any time during the day, until sunset; however,
it is preferable to perform such an important mitzvah as early as
possible in the morning, while of course taking into consideration the
convenience of close family and friends.
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The
halacha [Jewish law] is most scrupulous not to endanger the baby by
performing the brit. Therefore, in any event of concern regarding the
baby’s health or any risk to the baby’s health which might be caused
by the brit, Jewish law dictates postponing the date of the brit until
it can performed with complete safety to the baby. In some instances,
under Jewish law, a waiting period of one week from the time the child
has completely recovered his health may be required.
In
no event should the parents rely on a medical release from the hospital
to perform the brit without reporting to the mohel any unusual medical
problem of the baby which became known.
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A
baby born by Caesarian section can undergo a brit on the eighth day as
is customary, provided his health is satisfactory; excluding on Shabbat
or Jewish holidays, in which case the brit is postponed to a weekday.
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