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When does the bris ceremony take place?  How does one calculate the eighth day?

1)         On the eighth day after the baby is born, during the daytime (anytime between sunrise and sunset).

For example, if a baby is born at 11:00 am on Wednesday 7-2-2003, the bris should take place the following Wednesday 7-9-2003 (eight days later) anytime during the day.

2)         When a baby is born during the evening, (i.e. anytime after sunset), Jewish tradition considers the next day to be the first day of the count.

For example, if a baby is born at 11:00 pm Tuesday evening 7-1-2003, then the bris should take place the following Wednesday 7-9-2003 anytime during the day (i.e. Tuesday evening is considered part of the following Wednesday 7-2-2003).

3)                  A bris may only take place on Sabbath (Saturday) and Jewish Holidays (Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkoth / Feast of the Tabernacles, Shmini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, Pesach / Passover, Shavuot / Pentecost) when the following criteria are met.

3A)      The baby was born the previous Sabbath (or eight days before the Jewish Holidays)

3B)      The baby was born naturally (and not cesarean section).

                        The bris must otherwise be postponed to the next possible date (i.e. Sunday or the next day that isn’t a Jewish holiday).

4)                  Halacha / Jewish law considers the baby's health as an utmost priority.  Some reasons to postpone a bris (until the baby’s health is restored) may include:

4A)      The family doctor recommends postponement of the bris.

4B)      The baby's birth weight is below normal.

4C)      The baby has a fever, eye infection, or jaundice