Brit Milah
SUMMARIZED BRIS INSTRUCTIONS FOR TWINS/TRIPLETSFor the baby’s comfort, here is a list of the items you will need. Please have all these items prepared when I arrive (30-45 minutes before the scheduled time) so that we can begin on time. If the Bris is not at your home, please be sure you are there 45 minutes before the Bris.
All items below that are in BOLD/UNDERLINE are those items that you must DOUBLE (or triple for triplets).
If you have triplet boys, triple the BOLD/UNDERLINE items accordingly.)
* A card table with a tablecloth or cover
* A Brown paper grocery bag (e.g., a Publix bag, or large paper shopping bag). You can put most of the following in the bag:
* A box of 20-25 Johnson and Johnson 3x3 sterile pads (J&J please!)
* A tube of betadine (or Povidone or Povidine-Iodine) ointment (not cream or liquid) (brown color / not with moisturizer or pain reliever, please)
* A tube of nupercainal ointment (not cream) Look for it in the hemorrhoid department.
* 2 cloth diapers (flat, not form-fitted... burping cloths)
* 2 disposable diapers (with velcro fasteners, preferably)
* 1 cotton (not wool) receiving blanket (no tassels or frills)
* A baby bottle with 5% glucose water (or ‘pedialite’) …preferably non-colored
* A pacifier
* Baby Wipes
* A bottle of red Kosher sweet grape wine (e.g., Manishewitz or Mogen David); NOT cherry or berry wine.
* A Kiddush cup with a small plate underneath it
* Candles and candle-stick holders. How many? 1 for each "nuclear" family member including the new baby: i.e. 2 candles for the 2 parents PLUS one for each child in the family. e.g., 1st child? That means a total 3 candles; 2nd child? That means a total of 4 candles). The candle-stick holders needn’t match. Shabbat candles or fancier, if you like.
* 2 firm bedroom pillows (standard length, not king)
If you don't feel like shopping around, here's an easy solution. Just call 1-877-Bris Bag (274-7224) and tell them Michael Andron is your Mohel.
Be sure to tell them this is for twins so they double the items in BOLD/UNDERLINE.
They'll package most of it and send it to you in plenty of time for the Bris. You will still need to have the card table with cover, the wine and kiddush cup, the candles, 2 firm bedroom pillows, and the brown paper bag!
Also:
* The baby should be wearing a loose gown or sack, nothing with buttons or legs.
* The baby should be 90 minutes hungry; i.e., no feeding from 90 minutes before the scheduled Bris-time. You will be able to feed him immediately after. This is quite important. Please do your best to accommodate. Since the older baby goes first, allow for him to be fed and finished first, if possible. About 15 minutes later, baby number two will be brought in.
* We will start on time (unlike most Jewish events!) so tell everyone to arrive 20-30 minutes before the scheduled time. If you have friends or family who are chronically late, tell them 45 minutes before. Remember: the baby is hungry and we don't want him to be uncomfortable.
* Plan on the following honors (we'll review them further on the phone): Sandak (the one who actually holds him during the surgery, usually one of the grandfathers), the Seat of Elijah (who holds him during the processional part; usually the other Grandfather), and the Kvater (Godfather) and Kvaterin (Godmother)… you can have more than one of each, especially to keep peace in the family! The Grandmothers are, of course, also included in the ceremony, as are older siblings and Great Grandparents. All of these people should be at the Bris location 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the Bris.
* Plan on video and still pictures. Oh -- turn down the thermostat on your air conditioner thermostat early to cool off the room.
* Ask the Jewish men to bring a kipah (yarmulke) with them. I’ll bring a special one for the baby!
Mazal Tov again, and see you next week. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call (305)654-9888 or my cell (305)-798-5088.