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From: ask@cbdkc1.UUCP (A.S. Kamlet)
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: Re: Deus ex machina (really bris)
Message-ID: <1158@cbdkc1.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 3-Oct-85 14:32:11 EDT
Article-I.D.: cbdkc1.1158
Posted: Thu Oct  3 14:32:11 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 4-Oct-85 05:01:53 EDT
References: <342@cstvax.UUCP>
Reply-To: ask@cbdkc1.UUCP (A.S. Kamlet)
Followup-To: <3780097@csd2.UUCP>
Distribution: na
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Columbus
Lines: 29
Keywords: bris

>> That doesn't matter.  Circumcision is done at birth, isn't it?

> The circumcision must be performed by a qualified "mohel", all of whom I've
> seen use proper sterile, surgical equipment; all within the letter of the law,
> as prescribed in the Shulchan Aruch. The mohel must be well versed in all the
> pertinent laws, and cut as prescribed. There are two basic things that the
> mohel must cut, for a proper circumcision - the foreskin ("milah"), and an
> inner membrane ("periah"). He must also do "metzitzah" - withdrawing some blood
> from the area of the wound. If he does not do this, it can be dangerous for the
> one being circumcized.
> 
> Thus, a circumcision performed by a (non-mohel) doctor in a hospital, using
> whatever method they use, it not a proper halachic (within the parameters of
> halacha - Jewish law) circumcision.

I have a question about this.  At the bris for each of my sons, the mohels
made a point of publicly asking me if I wished to perform the bris.
Now, I realize in 100% of the cases -- especially since the mohel was
asked to perform the bris in the first place -- the father says NO THANKS!

But, and here is my question, the  mohel knew I wasn't qualified (we
had discussed that a few days earlier, so he couldn't have any doubt about
that.)   yet he still offerred to let me do it.   Can the father, even
if he has no experience, training or knowledge, legally perform the bris?

Related question:  Does tradition hold that Abraham, Moses, Joshua, etc
performed the bris as you have described above?
-- 
Art Kamlet  AT&T Bell Laboratories  Columbus {ihnp4 | cbosgd}!cbrma!ask