My wife wants our sons circumcision to be performed in the hospital followed by a bris where they fake the circumcision on the 8th day (with a mohel conducting the ceremony, including the baby naming). Have you ever heard of this and what are your thoughts?

Answer

Thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts. There are a number of reasons why your wife's ideas is not a good one:

1) A bris performed prior to 8 days in invalid, and would need a special ceremony to make it valid.

2) A mohel is actually better suited for a bris, as he takes all the necessary sterilization precautions, and frequently has more surgical experience in this area. Studies show less complications using a mohel.

3) Beside cutting the foreskin, there are other steps that a mohel does to make it a proper bris (Priyah and Metzitzah).

4) A fake circumcision is a problem in that the blessings cannot be said, for that would be taking God's Name in vain.

5) A fake circumcision is a problem in that it is deceiving all those in attendance, and deceit is prohibited by the Torah. (Not a good way to start your baby's life.)