Snips and Snails and Puppydog Tails

Caleb, Mommy, Sam, Jacob after the Bris.

On Tuesday, May 4, we had a special first outing for Sam. We all went to our synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel for Sam’s Brit Milah. Brit Milah is the Jewish ritual of welcoming a new baby into the congregation and the Jewish faith. It is performed on the 8th day of baby’s life and, for a boy, has two parts: circumcision and the giving of the child’s Hebrew name. Often, this ceremony is done in the home, but I just wasn’t up for everyone (it’s a public celebration, too) coming to the house yet, so we opted for the synagogue ceremony. Since this is a major life cycle event, we opted to pull the big boys out of school for the afternoon, so they could join us. They didn’t even mind that they had to dress a little nicer than usual for a school day. Sam even dressed up some – he wore a day gown that my Nana made. That was very special for me, since Nana passed away in December. I was glad he was able to wear something she made. She made all my nephews’ Baptism suits, but they were older and much bigger, so this little gown (no, it’s not a DRESS) was perfect. It even had light blue detailing and piping on it – perfect for the day.  

Now, those of you who know me might be wondering why we did this, since I’m not Jewish (though you probably know that Bryan is) and we’re not currently raising the older boys Jewish. Before anyone starts thinking I was asked to do this or pressured in any way, let me set the record very straight. This. was. my. call. When I first broached the subject of raising any child we might have as Jewish, I think Bryan just about fell over. He insisted that I take much more time – months, even – to think about it, study more, and really be sure I meant it. He gave me plenty of time for an “out.” I did take several more months to study, learn more, and make my decision. And it came down to this – I feel very comfortable with the Jewish faith. It’s the basis for my own religion, and the major tenets of being a good person and doing the right thing for the sake of doing the right thing are the same tenets I was raised with. Yes, there is the major difference of whether Jesus was or was not the Messiah, but for me, that argument has become less important than the emphasis that both religions place on doing the right thing, acting in the right way, and just in general being a good person.

So, now that the record’s straight, I will admit that I was a nervous wreck the night before and the morning of the ceremony. I felt like I was doing okay with any of Sam’s crying to that point. To that point, his cries had been tired cries or hungry cries or maybe some gassy/pooty-poot type cries. I was terrified of how I’d handle cries that might come from any pain from the circumcision. And, let me tell you, it wasn’t easy to hear him. The Mohel, Dr. Al Faigen, was very, very good and quick. And he told me afterward that he did use a numbing substance so Sam wasn’t feeling any pain. His cries were more just mad at being disrobed in front of everyone.

Sam gets his Hebrew name from Rabbi Charlie.

The ceremony was very nice and simple, just as we’d hoped it would be. As soon as Sam was diapered back up and re-clothed, he settled down and slept the rest of the time. Rabbi Charlie completed the Brit Milah by giving Sam his Hebrew name, Shmuel ben Yaakov–that translates to Samuel, son of Jacob (Bryan’s Hebrew name). After the ceremony there was much congratulating and we had some good food. Lots of family and family friends were in attendance, and some members of the congregation and friends of mine from a group I’ve recently started attending, Daughters of Abraham, also came.

Four generations of Daneman boys. L-R: Zayde (Phil), Grandpa, Sam, Daddy

Sam had his one-week follow-up appointment with Dr. Faigen today, and all looks good. He’s healing up quite nicely, and seems to be none the worse for the wear. We got a very beautiful Brit Milah certificate the day of the Bris, so hopefully in the next few weeks, I can make it up to Michaels to get a frame for it. We want to hang it in Sam’s bedroom.