Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Certified Mohel in Chicago
A Bris Milah, also known as a Bris or Brit Milah, is the Jewish ritual circumcision of a newborn boy, traditionally performed on the eighth day after birth. It includes both the physical circumcision and ceremonial elements.
To learn more about the topic, visit my blog post on What is a Bris Milah?
Yes, I am happy to perform cultural or religious circumcisions for any family, regardless of their faith or background. I regularly perform circumcisions for Jews, Christians, Muslims, and individuals from a variety of cultures.
My practice aligns with the Halachic ruling of the Shach (Yoreh Deah, Hilchos Milah:263) and is a commonly accepted practice among Orthodox Jewish mohels worldwide. However, it’s important to note that there are differing opinions among the Sages on this topic, and some mohels choose to perform circumcisions only for Jewish families.
A mohel is a trained professional who performs circumcisions, the removal of the foreskin. Mohels are highly experienced experts in both the surgical aspect of the procedure and the accompanying religious and cultural rituals. In a Bris Milah, the Mohel leads the ceremony. See more about the ceremony below.
To schedule a circumcision or a Bris Milah, there are a number of easy options. Simply visit www.thechicagomohel.com and send a quick message through the Contact Us section. Alternatively, you can send an email to thechicagomohel@gmail.com or call 347-794-6322 to speak to Rabbi Shmuel Katz directly.
Circumcisions and Bris Milah ceremonies can be scheduled to take place in Chicago or anywhere across the U.S. I offer circumcision services in Chicago, whether at my office, local synagogues, community centers, or through home visits. Additionally, I am available to travel for circumcisions outside of Chicago, ensuring that families across the country receive the care and expertise they need.
Yes, circumcision is a safe procedure, and the vast majority of circumcisions worldwide are performed without any complications. While no surgical procedure is entirely risk-free, complications such as minor bleeding, infection, or scarring are rare. The expertise of the mohel or doctor performing the circumcision can also influence the outcome, including concerns about the amount of foreskin removed.
With my extensive experience and meticulous attention to detail, I have successfully performed countless circumcisions in Chicago and around the world with consistently excellent results. My clients have been highly satisfied with the care and precision I provide, and I am proud to say that I have had no reported infections to date. You can trust that your child will be in skilled and compassionate hands.
While the nerve endings of all newborns are underdeveloped, they do feel some discomfort during the circumcision. I use an initial bandage infused with a numbing agent, so your baby will experience nearly immediate relief without requiring any painful injections. Typically, infants are calm within a minute of the completion of the procedure.
I also suggest giving your baby sugar water immediately before and after the circumcision as a natural form of pain reduction. To make sugar water for babies, you can mix one teaspoon of white sugar with two teaspoons (10 ml) of boiled or distilled water. To learn more about the use of sugar water to reduce pain in infants, see https://youtu.be/vFjA0thnDgc?feature=shared.
I trained extensively at the London School of Circumcision, where I gained incredible experience and received certification in Advanced Circumcision and Milah Skills. I also apprenticed under some of the most esteemed mohels in New York, refining my expertise in religious practices and parent interaction.
I studied and was rigorously tested on all the laws, sources, and customs surrounding the practice of Bris Milah, and received Rabbinic Ordination in Hilchos Milah from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Recognized as an expert in the field with a 99% mark on the Chief Rabbinate’s testing—internationally regarded as the gold standard—I regularly respond to questions from colleagues, offering guidance and support based on my extensive experience.
With over 10 years of experience performing circumcisions and Bris Milahs across America, England, and Israel, I bring a high level of expertise to every procedure. Since relocating to Chicago in 2021, I have been dedicated to providing expert care for families seeking circumcision in Chicago and the surrounding areas.
The hygiene standards I adhere to for circumcision are equivalent to those of hospital surgical procedures. I use a new, single-use sterile blade for each circumcision. All reusable instruments are meticulously cleaned, sterilized with a hospital-grade solution, and packaged in autoclave bags. I wear sterile, single-use surgical gloves throughout the setup, procedure, and aftercare.
For Brit Milah ceremonies, these hygiene standards are maintained. However, for parents who prefer a warmer, less clinical atmosphere, I offer the option of disinfecting my hands with antimicrobial soap followed by hand sanitizer instead of wearing gloves.
Thanks to these stringent standards of hygiene and recommended practices for aftercare, the rate of infection is virtually zero.
Yes, I frequently travel outside of Chicago to provide circumcision services. As a dedicated Mohel in Chicago, I primarily perform circumcisions in Chicago and the surrounding areas. That being said, I happily serve the entire Midwest region with circumcision services. Some of the most common requests for circumcision come from other parts of Illinois and neighboring states such as Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Missouri. Whether you’re in a nearby city or elsewhere in the Midwest, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m committed to delivering the same high-quality care and attention to families throughout the region and beyond.
I will provide everything necessary for the circumcision procedure and aftercare, including all gauze and ointment.
Parents can prepare for the circumcision or Bris Milah in a few ways.
-First, parents should schedule a time and location via phone, email or inquiry form.
-Ensure the diaper area is clean and free of powder, ointment, or cream, and give the baby a sponge bath the night before.
-Prepare some sugar water to give the baby slightly before and after the circumcision. To make sugar water for babies, you can mix one teaspoon of white sugar with two teaspoons (10 ml) of boiled or distilled water. For more information on using sugar water to ease pain in infants, visit this video. If you prefer, I can provide sugar water for you, so please let me know if you do not bring your own.
-If the mother is not breastfeeding, please bring a bottle to feed the baby after the procedure. I suggest avoiding feeding the baby within one hour before the circumcision.
-Some parents find it helpful to have infant Tylenol at home in case the baby is irritable afterward. Based on experience, most parents find their child does not need it, but appreciate having it at home just in case.
-I recommend moving up in diaper size after the circumcision, so please consult with me before purchasing a large stock of diapers. I will also supply the first pack of diapers for you. 😁
For the Bris Milah ceremony, it is customary to dress the child in a white two-piece outfit. Other traditional items include a decorative pillow for carrying the baby, a silver goblet, sweet red wine, and candles. I can provide these items at no additional cost, though some parents prefer to bring their own.
Yes, Chicago has a vibrant Jewish community and is home to many skilled Mohels. While I take pride in being one of the more experienced and busier Mohels in Chicago, I have several esteemed colleagues whom I respect greatly. If I am unavailable for a Bris or circumcision, I’d be happy to recommend a trusted Mohel to ensure your family receives excellent care.
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