Bris Instructions / Executive Summary

Please read my website at www.markgreenberg.ca which includes a very detailed explanation of the bris and infant circumcision. The following instructions complement the information found on the website.

Please ensure that all the supplies listed on the website are on hand for the day of the bris. In addition please purchase two (2) large (30g) tubes of Polysporin Complete ointment. This will be used to care for your son's penis following the circumcision.

If you will be using EMLA as a topical anesthetic this needs to be purchased at the pharmacy. I would suggest the EMLA patch as it is much easier to use and apply.

On the day of the bris please finish feeding the baby one (1) hour prior to the bris. At that time you may give him 0.5 ml infant Tylenol or Tempra solution. If you are using the EMLA please apply this one (1) hour prior to the bris as well. If you are interested in having a local anesthetic for your son, please discuss this with me prior to the bris.

I will try to arrive at least thirty (30) minutes prior to the bris, traffic and weather permitting. At that time we will prepare the baby and discuss any last minute questions you may have.

Please inform those attending the bris to arrive fifteen (15) minutes prior to the time that we have agreed upon to start the bris.

Please provide me with the names of the baby, mother and father in both English and Hebrew. Furthermore, if there is anything or anyone special you would like mentioned at the bris, please let me know before we begin. To that end it would be best if these instructions were written down.

Finally, I am at your disposal to answer all your questions regarding the ritual and medical aspects of the bris. You may contact me at 416-702-8990 or by email at mark@drgreenberg.ca .

Thank you for inviting me to the Mohel for your son.

Mark Greenberg MD
Family Physician & Mohel