What Are the Honors at a Bris? A Guide to Bris Kibudim
8/18/20266 min read
What Are the Honors at a Bris? A Guide to Bris Kibudim
When planning a Bris Milah, one of the questions families often have is: What are the honors at a Bris?
A traditional Jewish Bris includes several different kibudim (honors) that can be given to grandparents, relatives, and close friends. Each honor has a specific role in the Bris ceremony, and many families enjoy using the kibudim as a way to include important people in this special occasion.
If you are planning a Bris, it is helpful to understand the different Bris honors and kibudim before deciding who should receive each one.
Here is a guide to the most common honors at a Bris Milah.
KVATTER AND KVATTERIN
The Kvatter and Kvatterin are traditionally responsible for bringing the baby into the room where the Bris will take place.
The mother gives the baby to the Kvatterin, who passes him to the Kvatter. The Kvatter then brings the baby toward the Bris area.
After the Bris, the baby is traditionally brought back to his mother through the Kvatter and Kvatterin.
The Kvatter and Kvatterin honor is often given to a married couple. In many communities, this is considered a particularly meaningful honor and is sometimes given to a couple who is hoping to have children.
Some families have additional hagashos, in which the baby is passed from one person to another on the way to the Bris. These can be a good way to include additional family members and friends.
KISEI SHEL ELIYAHU – THE CHAIR OF ELIJAH
Another important honor at a Bris is Kisei Shel Eliyahu, the Chair of Elijah.
A special chair is prepared for Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the Prophet), who is traditionally associated with the Bris Milah. The person receiving this honor takes the baby and places him on the Chair of Elijah.
The Kisei Shel Eliyahu is one of the most recognizable parts of a traditional Jewish circumcision ceremony.
Because this is an important part of the Bris, families will often give the honor of placing the baby on the chair to a close relative or friend.
MIN HA-KISEI – TAKING THE BABY FROM THE CHAIR
After the baby is placed on the Kisei Shel Eliyahu, another honor can be given for taking the baby Min HaKisei, meaning “from the chair.”
The person receiving this honor takes the baby from the Chair of Elijah and gives him to the father. The father then places the baby on the lap of the Sandek.
This is another relatively short but meaningful Bris kibud that can be given to a family member or close friend.
SANDEK
The Sandek is the person who holds the baby during the actual Bris Milah.
This is traditionally considered the primary honor of the Bris and is often given to a grandfather or another particularly important person in the family.
The Sandek sits while holding the baby during the circumcision and works together with the Mohel to ensure that the Bris can be performed properly.
Because the Sandek honor is so significant, families sometimes have questions about which grandparent should be the Sandek, whether the same person should receive the honor for multiple sons, and how different family customs affect the choice.
There are different traditions regarding the Sandek, so if you are unsure who should receive this honor, it is best to discuss it with your Rabbi or Mohel.
M’HASANDEK – FROM THE SANDEK
An additional honor that can be given is M’Hasandek, meaning “from the Sandek.”
The person receiving this honor takes the baby from the Sandek after the Bris and gives him to the person who will hold him for the blessings and naming.
This honor is not necessary at every Bris, but it can be a useful additional kibud at a Bris when a family has several relatives or friends they would like to honor.
AMIDAH L’BRACHOT – THE STANDING SANDEK
Following the circumcision, the baby is held while the Bris blessings are recited.
The person who holds the baby during this portion of the ceremony is commonly called the Standing Sandek, or Amidah L’Brachot.
This is another important Bris honor and can be given to a grandfather, relative, or close friend.
Depending on the family’s custom, the same person may hold the baby for the blessings and naming, or different people may receive the two honors.
THE BRACHOS – THE BRIS BLESSINGS
Following the actual circumcision, special brachos (blessings) are recited.
The honor of reciting the blessings is generally given to someone who can read Hebrew comfortably and accurately. Because the Bris blessings contain some less commonly used Hebrew words, it is important that the person receiving this honor is prepared to read them correctly.
Many families give this honor to their Rabbi or Mohel, although it can certainly be given to another appropriate person.
KRIAS HASHEM – NAMING THE BABY
One of the most exciting moments of a Bris Milah ceremony is when the baby’s Hebrew name is announced.
The honor of announcing the baby’s name is called Krias HaShem, or “calling the name.”
Until this point in the ceremony, the baby’s Hebrew name has generally not yet been publicly announced. During the blessings following the Bris, the baby’s Jewish name is revealed.
For many families, this is one of the most emotional and meaningful moments of the entire Bris.
The honor of Krias HaShem can be given separately from the honor of reciting the Brachos, or one person can receive both honors.
AMIDAH L’KRIAS HASHEM
Some families also give a separate honor for holding the baby during Krias HaShem, the naming portion of the Bris.
This is sometimes referred to as Amidah L’Krias HaShem.
As with the other Bris kibudim, whether this is given as a separate honor depends on the family’s customs and how many people the family would like to include.
BENTCHING – BIRKAT HAMAZON
The Seudat Mitzvah, or festive meal following a Bris, is another opportunity to honor family and friends.
The honor of leading Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals) can be given to someone who is comfortable leading the prayers.
Not every family specifically assigns this as a Bris honor, but it can be a nice way to include another relative or friend in the celebration.
HOW MANY HONORS ARE THERE AT A BRIS?
There is no single required number of Bris honors.
A family may choose to have only the primary honors, or they may divide the different parts of the Bris among many relatives and friends.
Some of the most common Bris kibudim include:
• Kvatterin
• Kvatter
• Kisei Shel Eliyahu
• Min HaKisei
• Sandek
• M’Hasandek
• Amidah L’Brachot / Standing Sandek
• Brachos
• Krias HaShem
• Amidah L’Krias HaShem
• Leading Birkat HaMazon
Some families also use additional hagashos to include more people.
The exact customs and terminology can vary between different Jewish communities. Ashkenazi and Sephardi customs may also differ, so families should follow their own minhag and consult their Rabbi or Mohel when necessary.
HOW SHOULD WE CHOOSE THE HONORS AT A BRIS?
Choosing the kibudim at a Bris can sometimes be one of the more complicated parts of planning the event, particularly when there are multiple grandparents and many relatives and friends who are important to the family.
The Sandek is generally considered the primary honor, while the other kibudim provide opportunities to include additional people.
It is a good idea to make your Bris honors list before the day of the ceremony. This gives the family time to decide who should receive each honor and avoids having to make decisions while everyone is arriving and preparing for the Bris.
If you are unsure how to divide the honors, your Mohel can help you plan the kibudim and explain what each person will be doing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BRIS HONORS
What is the most important honor at a Bris?
The Sandek is traditionally considered the primary honor at a Bris Milah. The Sandek holds the baby during the actual circumcision and is often a grandfather or another close relative.
What does the Kvatter do at a Bris?
The Kvatter and Kvatterin bring the baby into the room where the Bris takes place. The Kvatterin receives the baby from the mother and gives him to the Kvatter, who brings him toward the Bris area.
What is the Chair of Elijah at a Bris?
The Kisei Shel Eliyahu, or Chair of Elijah, is a special chair used during the Bris Milah. A traditional Jewish Bris includes a custom of preparing a chair in honor of Eliyahu HaNavi.
What is a Standing Sandek?
The Standing Sandek, or Amidah L’Brachot, is the person who holds the baby after the circumcision while the Bris blessings and naming are performed.
Can multiple people receive honors at a Bris?
Yes. There are several different Bris kibudim, and families can divide them among grandparents, relatives, and friends. Additional honors can also be added according to the family’s customs.
Should I choose the Bris honors before the Bris?
Yes. Preparing your Bris honors list in advance makes the ceremony much easier and allows you to make sure that the important people in your family are included.
PLANNING A BRIS IN CONNECTICUT?
Planning a Bris is a special experience, but there are many details to think about beyond simply choosing a date.
If you are looking for a Mohel in Connecticut and have questions about the Bris ceremony, Bris honors, aftercare, or what to expect before and after the Bris, I am happy to help.
I work with families throughout Connecticut and take the time to explain the Bris process clearly so that parents know what to expect and feel comfortable from the initial conversation through the ceremony and follow-up.
If you are expecting a baby boy and are planning a Bris Milah in Connecticut, feel free to reach out to discuss your Bris and reserve a date.
Rabbi Zalman Goldblatt – Connecticut Mohel
Contact Rabbi Goldblatt to discuss your upcoming Bris Milah.
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