Kvater(s)

The Kvater, or Kvaters, are one or more people who are designated to carry the baby into the room to begin the Bris ceremony. A common custom is to give this honour to a childless couple, but is quite flexible, and can be given to multiple people as well.

Kisei Shel Eliyahu (optional – can be done by the Kvater)

This honoured guest will take the baby from the Kvater and place him on the designated Kisei Shel Eliyahua, the seat of Elijah the Prophet.

May-al Ha-Kisay (optional)

This honour is awarded to the guest who will take your son from the Kisei Shel Eliyahu and places him on the lap of the Sandek.

Sandek

Traditionally given to one of the grandfathers, the Sandek has the highest honour of holding the baby’s legs during the Brit.

May-al HaSandak (optional)

This honoured guest takes the baby from the lap of the Sandek after the Bris is completed and hands him to the guest designated to hold baby during the naming (see Amidah LaBrachot below).

Brachot (optional)

You may designate a male guest, usually one who is well-versed in Hebrew, to recite the blessing over the wine and a special blessing for the Bris.

Amidah LaBrachot

This honoured guest holds the baby while the Brachot above are being recited.

Kriat Hasheim

You may designate a guest, usually someone well-versed in Hebrew, to recite the special prayer which announces the Hebrew name of your son.

Amidah L’Kriat Hasheim

This honoured guest holds the baby while the naming prayer above is being recited.

Please note: I know this is a long list of potential honours, and may seem quite complicated. I will discuss all the details with you by phone/in person and explain every step of the process both beforehand and during the Brit Milah.