Chapel Hill, NC Bris - EREV PESACH

Almost a timing nightmare, I received a call to do a bris in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, one week before Pesach (Passover). Going away for a holiday (I observe both days - don't travel or use the telephone) would be exceedingly difficult, for two reasons - spending a holiday in an unfamiliar environment is less than ideal, and being away from my family is not something I prefer to consider doing.

Luckily the baby was born Monday - making his bris on Monday - Erev Pesach.

I booked a flight to come Sunday evening, I was put up in a hotel, and the bris was early in the morning - 8:30am. Last dose of chometz (o yes, there were bagels) for all the participants in advance of the holiday.

The ceremony was very nice. Between the grandparents and great-grandma, and uncles and aunts, family was well represented. It was a uniquely educational experience for those in attendance on account of all the connections between Pesach and Bris Milah, which I don't usually get the opportunity to speak about because it's not usually as relevant.

Three connections:
1. We set a cup for Elijah at the Seder, and a chair for Elijah at the bris
2. The Passover miracle is partly attributed to blood - the blood placed on the doorposts
    The Covenant of Circumcision was forged over blood - in Hebrew דם מילה
We actually allude to both when we name the baby, as we quote the verse ואמר לך בדמיל חיי - And I said to you through your bloods you will live (the plural refers to the Blood of Pesach and the Blood of Circumcision) (Ezekiel 16:6)
3. In the days when there was a Paschal Lamb Sacrifice, a male who was uncircumcised could not partake in the eating of the lamb.

My return flight was 1pm, so I removed the baby's bandage at 11am, did not need to reapply a dressing  (and everything looked great!) and I made my way to the airport for the return flight home - which left relatively ontime and arrived a little early! Home in time for the holiday, with a couple of hours to spare.

A special family, a special bris, and a special introduction to the holiday of Pesach.

Mazal tov!

Post bris nap in his Bubby's arms

Stuart, FL BRIS

Perhaps not as exotic as flying, but I drove to Stuart, FL this week for a bris. About 90 miles each way, the trip was quite pleasant. Thank God for books on tape (CD).

Lovely family, both parents and at least one grandfather in the medical field. Baby's father is a urologist.

The email I received afterwards read, "Thank you Rabbi. I think you did a great job."

His "I think" is a medical opinion (as opposed to "I think but I'm not sure"), which is most appreciated coming from a urologist.

It was a privilege to be there. Thanks for having me!