Brit Milah Checklist — Everything You Need to Prepare

Right After Birth — The First 3 Days

A brit milah traditionally takes place on the eighth day after birth, which means you have about a week to pull everything together. It sounds tight, but with a checklist and some help, it's completely doable. Start here:

Choose a mohel — ask your rabbi, family, or community for recommendations Confirm the date — the 8th day from birth, unless there's a medical reason to delay Decide on the venue — home, synagogue, or a rented space Choose the sandak (the person who holds the baby during the ceremony) Choose the kvatter/kvatterin (the couple who carry the baby in) Create your event on Tov.events — even with short notice, you can organize guests quickly

Don't panic about the tight timeline. Brit milah planning is a well-worn path — your mohel and community will guide you through it. Accept every offer of help.

Days 4-6 — Invitations, Food & Setup

With the basics locked in, it's time to handle the invitations and logistics. Since you're working on a short timeline, digital invitations are your best friend:

Send digital invitations via Tov.events — WhatsApp is fastest for short-notice events Order or arrange catering — a brit typically includes a festive breakfast or brunch Arrange seating — you'll need a comfortable chair for the sandak and seating for guests Prepare supplies: diapers, wipes, blankets, outfit for the baby Confirm the mohel has everything they need — special pillow, wine, supplies Plan parking and directions — especially if it's at your home Ask a family member or friend to be the designated photographer

With Tov.events, you can create a beautiful digital invitation and send it to your entire guest list in minutes — even from your hospital bed. Track RSVPs so you know how many people to expect for catering.

The Day Before — Final Prep

The evening before the brit is when you make sure every detail is in place. Most of the work is done — this is just the final check:

Confirm catering delivery time and setup Set up the space — chairs, tables, decor, signage Lay out the baby's outfit for the ceremony Confirm roles — sandak, kvatter/kvatterin, who's reading what Check RSVP count on Tov.events and adjust catering if needed Prepare wine and a kiddush cup for the ceremony Get a good night's sleep (as much as a newborn allows!)

If you're holding the brit at home, do a quick walkthrough: Is there enough seating? Is the space clean and welcoming? Is the path from the door to the ceremony area clear?

Day of the Brit — Mazal Tov!

The big morning is here. Brit milah ceremonies are usually short and meaningful — typically 15-30 minutes — followed by a festive meal. Here's your final checklist:

Feed the baby before the ceremony (check with your mohel on timing) Have the mohel's supplies ready and accessible Brief the sandak and kvatter on their roles Launch the Tov.events check-in if you want to track attendance Announce the baby's name — the emotional highlight of the ceremony Serve the festive meal — enjoy the celebration with your loved ones Designate someone to manage gifts and cards

Take a breath and take it in. This is one of the most meaningful moments in your family's life. The logistics will take care of themselves — you've prepared well.

After the Brit — Thank-Yous & Follow-Up

The ceremony is over, the guests have gone home, and you're settling in with your new baby. There are just a few things left to wrap up:

Send thank-you messages through Tov.events — personalize them for extra warmth Log gifts in the Tov.events gift tracker — who gave what Pay the mohel and any caterer or vendor balances Follow your mohel's aftercare instructions carefully Share photos with family and friends who couldn't attend Save the digital invitation on Tov.events as a keepsake

Mazal tov on your new addition! Even in the whirlwind of a newborn, taking a few minutes to send thank-yous makes a lasting impression. Tov.events makes it easy to do from your phone while the baby naps.