Hatafat Dam Brit (also known as Tipat Dam)
When an adult man who is already circumcised converts to Judaism, it is customary to take a symbolic drop of blood – effectively consecrating his pre-existing circumcision as being for the sake of entering the covenant of circumcision (brit milah). Many of the mohalim in our directory perform Hatafat Dam Brit in the context of a meaningful liturgy.
Brit Bat (also known as Simchat Bat)
Ceremonies that celebrate the birth of a daughter and her entry into the covenant of the Jewish people. They provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our daughters and are an important part of Reform Judaism’s egalitarian approach to Judaism. There are many ways of sanctifying a baby girl’s entry into the Jewish people: she is given a Hebrew name, often the parents come to a synagogue for an Aliyah to the Torah, and other rituals may be included (such as washing the new baby’s feet to welcome her, as did our ancestor Abraham when he welcomed guests into his home for the first time). Many Reform mohalim perform beautiful and meaningful ceremonies to bless a newborn daughter.
Adult Brit Milah
While the Reform Movement does not require that converts to Judaism become circumcised, it is increasingly recognized and practiced as an important aspect of becoming a full member of the Jewish people. A number of the mohalim in our Directory are skilled urologists who can perform adult brit milah in a comfortable, safe and religiously meaningful context.