Part IV | Better safe than sorry

A Mohel must be very precautions about the child’s health before performing the circumcision. Things such as low birth weight and the appearance of mild jaundice – a condition dismissed by contemporary medical opinions as insignificant – are regarded by mohalim as reason for delaying the brit, since they are mentioned in the Talmud as signs of danger.

Another precaution observed by mohalim, over and above medical guidelines, is to postpone a brit for seven days after an infection, despite the fact that the child may now appear healthy.

As the Rambam puts it: "It is possible to perform a brit milah after its time, but it is impossible to restore a lost life."

Table Of Contents | next - Dispose of properly