To Do List:
Arranging a Bris for your new baby can be a daunting task. This page will provide you with a step by step to do list to make the process as smooth and easy as possible.
1. Call the Mohel
2. Decide on a time. A Bris must be done on the eight day (usually the same day of the week that the baby was born). It can be done any time between sunrise and sunset. Most prefer a morning Bris, but some do a late morning brunch or evening event.
3. Decide on a venue. Some prefer to do a smaller more intimate Bris in their home, whereas others prefer to do it in a shul or temple. Some choose something in between such as a yacht club or common room located in their complex. The Bris can be done almost anywhere and tailor designed to each family. All the mohel will need is a chair and good lighting. The local synagogues that are open every day and allow even non-members to do a Bris for a relatively low fee are: A. Cong. Emek Beracha (Palo Alto). B. Cong. Am Echad (San Jose). C. Cong. Adath Israel (San Francisco). One may also contact the JCC of Palo Alto, or the JCC in Los Gatos. Please contact them directly for a quote and to make arrangements. Don't forget to ask who is responsible for set up and clean up of the room.
4. Choose a Caterer. There are quite a few options for kosher catering in the area. Izzy's Brooklyn Bagels in Palo Alto is a good, easy, and relatively inexpensive way to do a Bris. For those who want a more upscale event, contact Meni at Yes Catering, or Wendy at Contintental Caterers (and tell her you want a kosher event). Tell them you were referred to them from my website. They are both good friends of mine and will take good care of you. You may also decide to keep it low key and simply put out some cake and coffee.
5. Invite your family and friends. After deciding on a time and place you will need to get the word out to all those you want to invite. An email invitation is usually sufficient.
1. Call the Mohel
2. Decide on a time. A Bris must be done on the eight day (usually the same day of the week that the baby was born). It can be done any time between sunrise and sunset. Most prefer a morning Bris, but some do a late morning brunch or evening event.
3. Decide on a venue. Some prefer to do a smaller more intimate Bris in their home, whereas others prefer to do it in a shul or temple. Some choose something in between such as a yacht club or common room located in their complex. The Bris can be done almost anywhere and tailor designed to each family. All the mohel will need is a chair and good lighting. The local synagogues that are open every day and allow even non-members to do a Bris for a relatively low fee are: A. Cong. Emek Beracha (Palo Alto). B. Cong. Am Echad (San Jose). C. Cong. Adath Israel (San Francisco). One may also contact the JCC of Palo Alto, or the JCC in Los Gatos. Please contact them directly for a quote and to make arrangements. Don't forget to ask who is responsible for set up and clean up of the room.
4. Choose a Caterer. There are quite a few options for kosher catering in the area. Izzy's Brooklyn Bagels in Palo Alto is a good, easy, and relatively inexpensive way to do a Bris. For those who want a more upscale event, contact Meni at Yes Catering, or Wendy at Contintental Caterers (and tell her you want a kosher event). Tell them you were referred to them from my website. They are both good friends of mine and will take good care of you. You may also decide to keep it low key and simply put out some cake and coffee.
5. Invite your family and friends. After deciding on a time and place you will need to get the word out to all those you want to invite. An email invitation is usually sufficient.
