Mazal tov! It’s a boy!
A Jewish baby boy is circumcised and named when he is 8 days old, in a ceremony called a bris or a brit milah. This baby naming ceremony and rite of passage dates back to the patriarch Abraham, and marks a Jewish boy’s entry into a symbolic covenant with God, officially making him a member of the tribe. It’s a ceremony filled with ritual meaning, with a festive meal to follow.
A bris is the first major milestone in the life of a Jewish baby boy. Friends and relatives gather to celebrate the newest Jewish boy on the block! The brit milah is led by a mohel, or ritual circumciser, who performs the procedure. The baby’s family and other guests pray for the health and well-being of the baby. Elijah the prophet is said to visit every bris, and there is a special chair set aside in his honor. One traditional bris prayer states that, “Just as this child has entered into the covenant, so, too, may he enter into a life of Torah, go under his wedding canopy one day, and live a life of good deeds.”
Attending the brit milah of a baby boy born to relatives or friends? You may be wondering what a suitable gift would be. Here we have rounded up some great gift ideas for this exciting Jewish baby naming ceremony!
Clothing
Many people choose to give clothing as a gift at a bris, and with good reason. Newborns need lots of clothes, and there are few things cuter than a tiny baby outfit! There are some really cute baby clothes out there printed with Jewish-themed words. Buy the baby an adorable onesie, or go fancy with an elegant little man-outfit. Whichever style you opt for, clothing is a great choice.
Judaica
What gift could be more fitting for baby's entry into Jewish life than Judaica? A kiddush cup or an item with a star of David on it are some good choices. Artwork displaying Jewish verses and blessings makes for a meaningful gift that can be hung in the baby’s room. Relevant verses include the Hebrew Blessing of the Children, the Aaronic Blessing, and more. Biblical wall art can be personalized with the baby’s Hebrew name and date of birth. Beautiful and meaningful nursery wall decor can make a wonderful gift. Other popular Judaica ideas include a mezuzah to hang on the doorpost, or a yarmulke for him to wear.
Books
Jews are known as the People of the Book. Why not give the baby a Jewish book to begin his very own collection? You can go classic, with a child-oriented Torah book, or choose one of the many picture books or board books published in recent years featuring a Jewish topic.
Money
Having a hard time deciding on a brit milah gift? Sometimes you’re just not sure what to get, or you don’t know the baby’s family very well. Money is an option for a gift at a bris, and is often given in multiples of 18, representing the numerical value of the word “chai,” meaning “life”.
Gift cards are another popular option, allowing the baby’s parents to choose something they want or need.
A Gift for the Family
New babies are adorable, but they tend to be blissfully unaware of gifts altogether! A gift for the baby’s parents or siblings is a great way to make other family members feel loved. Specialty foods, gifts for the home, or a piece of wall art that speaks to the family’s Jewish values are some good options. Older siblings may enjoy books, toys, or other special treats. Your thoughtfulness will be long-remembered when you get a gift for the baby’s family.
Jewish baby boys throughout the ages have been welcomed into the covenant with a brit milah. A brit milah is an emotional, meaningful event that evokes long-standing traditions. A great brit milah gift shows the family how beloved they are to you. It says you're excited to welcome the baby boy to the tribe as he is circumcised and receives his Hebrew name. L'chaim! Here’s to many more joyous events together!
Jewish baby boys throughout the ages have been welcomed into the covenant with a brit milah. A brit milah is an emotional, meaningful event that evokes long-standing traditions. A great brit milah gift shows the family how beloved they are to you. It says you're excited to welcome the baby boy to the tribe as he is circumcised and receives his Hebrew name. L'chaim! Here’s to many more joyous events together!
Learn More: What to expect at a Brit Milah
