What Is the Difference Between an Ashkenazi and Sephardi Bris?
9/16/20267 min read
Ashkenazi vs. Sephardi Bris: What Is the Difference?
If you are planning a Bris Milah, you may have noticed that the ceremony can look somewhat different depending on whether the family is Ashkenazi or Sephardi.
Parents sometimes ask: What is the difference between an Ashkenazi Bris and a Sephardi Bris? Is the actual circumcision different? Are the blessings different? Does the naming ceremony work differently?
The basic mitzvah of Bris Milah (Brit Milah) is the same for all Jewish communities. The Torah’s commandment to circumcise a Jewish boy is not different for Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews.
However, there are many differences in minhagim (customs) surrounding the Bris ceremony. These can include the prayers and melodies, the customs before the Bris, the way the baby is brought into the ceremony, the naming of the baby, and other details.
Here are some of the most common differences between an Ashkenazi Bris and a Sephardi Bris.
What Is the Difference Between an Ashkenazi and Sephardi Bris?
The actual Bris Milah is fundamentally the same.
In both Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities, a trained Mohel performs the circumcision, the baby is brought into the Bris ceremony, the baby is held by the Sandek during the Bris, blessings are recited, and the baby receives his Hebrew name.
The differences are primarily in the customs surrounding the Bris.
Because there are many different Sephardi communities, there is also no single “Sephardi Bris” that looks exactly the same everywhere. The customs of Syrian, Moroccan, Persian, Iraqi, Yemenite, Egyptian, Turkish, and other Sephardi communities can differ from one another.
Likewise, Ashkenazi communities have different customs depending on their family and community traditions.
Ashkenazi Bris Customs
An Ashkenazi Bris is the traditional Bris Milah ceremony practiced among Jews whose families originate primarily from Central and Eastern Europe.
One of the most familiar Ashkenazi customs is the Shalom Zachar, a gathering held on the Friday night following the birth of a baby boy.
The Bris itself traditionally includes the Kisei Shel Eliyahu, the Chair of Elijah, as well as the honors of the Kvatter and Kvatterin, Sandek, and other kibudim.
The prayers and blessings are generally recited according to the Ashkenazi nusach and melodies.
Sephardi Bris Customs
A Sephardi Bris follows the same fundamental mitzvah but can include a number of different customs.
In many Sephardi communities, there is a special gathering on the night before the Bris, commonly known as Brit Yitzchak or a Zohar gathering. Family and friends gather to study sections of the Zohar relating to Bris Milah and to celebrate the upcoming mitzvah.
This is different from the traditional Ashkenazi Shalom Zachar.
There are also many Sephardi customs involving the Kisei Shel Eliyahu, music, decorations, fragrances, special prayers, and other elements of the Bris ceremony.
The exact customs vary significantly from one Sephardi community to another.
The Ashkenazi Shalom Zachar vs. Sephardi Brit Yitzchak
One of the most noticeable differences occurs before the Bris.
Among Ashkenazi Jews, it is customary to have a Shalom Zachar on Friday night after the birth of a baby boy.
The Shalom Zachar is generally a relatively informal gathering where family and friends come to the home to congratulate the parents and celebrate the new baby.
In many Sephardi communities, a different tradition is followed. The night before the Bris may include a Brit Yitzchak or Zohar gathering, during which family members and friends gather to study Torah and sections of the Zohar associated with Bris Milah.
Some Sephardi families have additional customs involving food, singing, and Torah learning.
Differences in the Kisei Shel Eliyahu
Both Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities have the tradition of the Kisei Shel Eliyahu, or Chair of Elijah.
However, the appearance and customs surrounding the chair can be different.
In some Sephardi communities, particularly among Syrian and Moroccan Jews, the Chair of Elijah is beautifully decorated and may be brought into the home before the Bris.
Some communities decorate the chair with elaborate fabrics, flowers, candles, or other decorations.
In Moroccan communities, for example, there are traditional customs involving the preparation of the Chair of Elijah before the Bris.
The common idea behind the Kisei Shel Eliyahu is the same: Elijah the Prophet is associated with the Bris Milah and is honored at the ceremony.
Sephardi and Ashkenazi Naming Customs
One of the biggest differences between Ashkenazi and Sephardi families is actually a general Jewish naming custom that affects the Bris naming ceremony.
Traditionally, Ashkenazi Jews generally do not name a child after a living relative. Instead, a baby may be named after a deceased grandparent, great-grandparent, or another respected relative.
Sephardi Jews traditionally have a different custom. Sephardi families commonly name children after living grandparents and other living relatives.
This can be particularly important when planning a Sephardi Bris because a family may already know which grandparent the baby will be named after.
There are many variations between families and communities, however, and parents should follow their own family’s minhag.
Differences in the Bris Prayers and Blessings
The essential Bris Milah blessings are based on the same traditional texts, but there can be differences in the exact nusach, pronunciation, melodies, and additional prayers.
Sephardi communities may include additional piyutim (liturgical poems) and prayers that are not normally part of an Ashkenazi Bris.
There are also differences in the way certain verses and responses are recited.
For example, Sephardi customs may include additional prayers following the main Bris blessings, depending on the community’s tradition.
This is one reason it is important for a Mohel to know the family’s background and minhag before the Bris.
Different Pronunciation: Bris vs. Brit
You may also notice that Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews commonly use different pronunciations of the word.
Ashkenazi Jews generally say “Bris Milah.”
Sephardi and Modern Hebrew speakers generally say “Brit Milah.”
Both terms refer to the same mitzvah: the covenant of circumcision.
So whether you search for Bris Milah, Brit Milah, Bris, or Brit, you are referring to the same Jewish ceremony.
Are the Sandek and Bris Honors Different?
The Sandek is the person who holds the baby during the actual circumcision, and this important honor exists in both Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities.
The basic role of the Sandek is the same.
There can, however, be differences in the customs surrounding the Sandek, including who is chosen and which family members receive different honors.
Similarly, both Ashkenazi and Sephardi families may have honors such as:
Kvatter and Kvatterin
Kisei Shel Eliyahu
Min HaKisei
Sandek
Standing Sandek
Bris blessings
Krias HaShem
Other traditional kibudim
The exact order and customs can vary.
If you are planning a Bris and are unsure about the proper Ashkenazi or Sephardi Bris honors, your Mohel can help you organize the ceremony according to your family’s minhag.
Sephardi Bris Traditions From Different Communities
It is important to remember that Sephardi is a broad category.
A Syrian Bris may have customs that are different from a Moroccan Bris. A Persian Bris may look different from an Iraqi or Yemenite Bris.
For example, some Sephardi communities have traditional musical processions when bringing the baby to the Bris. Others have particular decorations for the Chair of Elijah, special foods, fragrances, piyutim, or additional prayers.
Some Sephardi communities also have unique customs surrounding the naming of the baby and the way the baby’s family name is included.
These traditions are part of what makes Jewish family customs so beautiful.
Can an Ashkenazi Family Have a Sephardi Bris?
Yes, but the important question is which minhag the family wants to follow.
A family may have an Ashkenazi father and Sephardi mother, or grandparents from different Jewish communities. Some families have adopted customs from more than one tradition.
In these situations, it is best to discuss the details with your Rabbi and Mohel before the Bris.
The goal is to make sure that the ceremony reflects the family’s Jewish traditions while allowing everyone to participate comfortably.
Does an Ashkenazi Mohel Perform Sephardi Brissim?
A Mohel who is familiar with both Ashkenazi and Sephardi customs can generally accommodate the family’s preferred nusach and minhag.
If your family is Sephardi, it is a good idea to tell your Mohel in advance. This allows him to prepare the appropriate prayers, melodies, customs, and honors for your Bris.
The same applies to an Ashkenazi family that has specific family customs they would like incorporated into the ceremony.
Ashkenazi vs. Sephardi Bris: The Bottom Line
An Ashkenazi Bris and Sephardi Bris are both the same fundamental mitzvah of Bris Milah.
The main differences are the customs surrounding the ceremony.
Some of the most common differences include:
Ashkenazi:
Shalom Zachar after the birth
Ashkenazi nusach and pronunciation
Traditional Ashkenazi melodies
Generally naming after deceased relatives
Ashkenazi customs surrounding the Sandek and Bris honors
Sephardi:
Brit Yitzchak or Zohar gathering in many communities
Sephardi nusach and melodies
Additional piyutim and prayers in some communities
Traditional practice of naming after living relatives
Unique customs surrounding the Kisei Shel Eliyahu
Community-specific traditions involving music, decorations, fragrances, and food
There is no single ceremony that represents every Ashkenazi or every Sephardi family. Minhagim vary from community to community and even from family to family.
If you are planning a Bris Milah in Connecticut, it is helpful to discuss your family’s background and customs with your Mohel ahead of time. This allows the Bris ceremony to be prepared according to your family’s traditions and ensures that the parents know exactly what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashkenazi and Sephardi Brissim
What is the difference between an Ashkenazi and Sephardi Bris?
The basic mitzvah and circumcision are the same. The main differences are in the surrounding customs, prayers, melodies, naming traditions, and practices before and during the Bris.
Do Sephardim and Ashkenazim have the same Bris ceremony?
The basic structure is similar, but there are different minhagim. Sephardi families may have additional prayers, piyutim, music, fragrances, or other traditions that are not customary at an Ashkenazi Bris.
Do Sephardim have a Shalom Zachar?
Many Sephardi communities do not follow the traditional Ashkenazi Shalom Zachar. Instead, many have a Brit Yitzchak or Zohar gathering on the night before the Bris.
Do Sephardim name babies after living grandparents?
Traditionally, yes. A well-known Sephardi custom is to name children after living grandparents and other living relatives. This differs from the traditional Ashkenazi practice of generally naming after deceased relatives.
Is it called a Bris or Brit?
Both terms refer to the same ceremony. “Bris” is the common Ashkenazi pronunciation, while “Brit” is more common among Sephardi and Modern Hebrew speakers.
Is the Sandek different in a Sephardi Bris?
The role of the Sandek is fundamentally the same: the Sandek holds the baby during the circumcision. However, customs regarding the selection of the Sandek can differ between communities and families.
Can a Mohel perform both Ashkenazi and Sephardi Brissim?
Yes. A Mohel who is familiar with both traditions can perform the Bris while following the family’s preferred customs, prayers, pronunciation, and melodies.
Planning an Ashkenazi or Sephardi Bris in Connecticut?
Whether your family is Ashkenazi, Sephardi, or a combination of traditions, your Bris should reflect your family’s Jewish heritage and customs.
If you are looking for a Mohel in Connecticut for an Ashkenazi or Sephardi Bris, I am happy to discuss your family’s minhag, explain the ceremony, help you plan the Bris honors, and answer any questions you have before the Bris.
I serve families throughout Connecticut, including the New Haven area, and provide personal guidance before, during, and after the Bris Milah.
If you are expecting a baby boy and are planning a Bris Milah in Connecticut, contact Rabbi Zalman Goldblatt to discuss your upcoming Bris and reserve your date.
Rabbi Zalman Goldblatt – Connecticut Mohel
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