Brit Milah: The 8-Day Checklist Before the Ceremony

Your son was just born. Mazel tov. Beyond the indescribable joy, you have 8 days to organize everything: the mohel, the venue, the meal, invitations for 60-80 people. Here’s the day-by-day checklist so nothing gets missed.

Day 1-2: the bare minimum

• Mohel: call IMMEDIATELY. Good mohels get booked well in advance. If your rabbi or community recommends one, call them now.
• Date + location of the ceremony: morning of the 8th day. At the hospital, at home, at the synagogue, or at the parents' home — decide quickly.
• Sandak (godfather): the person who holds the baby during the ceremony. Tradition: a grandfather, a respected uncle, or a very close, highly esteemed friend.

Day 2-3: the invitations

You probably have 60-80 people to invite — family, community, close friends. No time for paper invitations. A Tov.events digital invitation is created in 5 minutes and shared in 1 click on WhatsApp. Your guests receive it within seconds.

• Guest list: extended family + synagogue neighbors + close friends. Count on 60-80 for a classic Brit.
• Creating the Tov invitation: 5 minutes. Date, time, venue, parking, emergency contact.
• Sharing: one link pasted into the family / friends / community WhatsApp groups. Everyone receives it within 30 seconds.
• The name surprise: don't include the baby's first name on the invitation (tradition). You'll add it on the day.

Day 3-5: the meal

• The meal (seudat mitzvah) that follows the ceremony is required — it is itself a mitzvah
• Classic format: cold buffet + dessert for 60-80 people, at home or in a rented hall
• Kashrut: if most guests are observant, the meal MUST be kosher (Beth Din-certified caterer)
• For a Brit at home: think about seating, space for the ceremony itself (roughly 100-150 sq ft clear), and parking

Day 4-6: the religious details

• Preparing the Chair of Elijah (Kisse Eliyahu): tradition, placed to the Sandak's right
• Wine for the kiddush that follows the ceremony
• Candles if the Brit takes place early in the evening
• Preparing towels/supplies requested by the mohel (he provides a list)
• If you want a speech from a grandfather or uncle: tell them now so they can prepare

Day 6-7: the name (kept secret)

You've chosen your son's name. Tradition: it's announced during the ceremony, not before. The name often includes that of a deceased grandfather or great-grandfather (Sephardi tradition: living grandparents too). The rabbi or mohel will proclaim it in front of everyone.

Day 8: the ceremony

• Morning: final check-in with the mohel (exact time)
• Guests arrive: 30 minutes before the ceremony
• The ceremony itself: 15-20 minutes
• Kiddush + meal: 1.5-2 hours
• Family photos: during the meal, more relaxed

You did it. Your son had his Brit. The meal settles in, laughter rises, family congratulates you. Now, sleep (you need it).

For the invitation that makes these 8 days simple — created in 5 minutes, WhatsApp sharing in one click, real-time RSVP, the name surprise handled natively — it's Tov.events. And it's free.