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Can we use an MD certified mohel for our son's brit milah?

  

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Rabbi Shlomo Chein: Welcome. I'll be with you in a moment...what's on your mind?

soon2Bmom: Hi Rabbi Shlomo. I'm pregnant, due soon, and don't know the sex so am looking for a Mohel now. There are lots of "certified mohels" who are MDs. Can we use an MD certified mohel or does the mohel have to be a rabbi? If they're certified, who certifies them? Thanks,

Rabbi Shlomo Chein: being an MD does not disqualify someone from being a Mohel. It is important to have an orthodox G-d fearing Jew be the Mohel, since this is not a medical procdedure per se, but a G-d given commandment. If this person also happens to be an MD, all the better. A qualification I would look for for my own children is not a title but experience. There are many non MD Mohels who have way more experience in this field than their MD contemporaries

soon2Bmom: Yes, I agree. The mohel we used for my first son was excellent and was not an MD. But now that I live in xxxxxx, our options are more limited and most of the mohels are actually MDs who claim they are certified mohels. Thanks!

Rabbi Shlomo Chein: pleasure - and may the birth be easy, healthy, and in a good time

soon2Bmom: let's hope! thanks!

[Ed. Note: many physicians utilize various methods and procedures that are forbidden according to Jewish law. See Why is it neccesary to use a "Mohel" to perform the Brit Milah?]

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RELATED CATEGORIES

Life Cycle » Circumcision » The Brit
Mohel
One who performs ritual circumcisions.
G-d
It is forbidden to erase or deface the name of G-d. It is therefore customary to insert a dash in middle of G-d's name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.