Talmudical Institute of Upstate New York769 Park Avenue - Rochester, NY 14607Phone: (585) 473-2810 -- Fax: (585) 442-0417
Rabbi Don Pacht - Certified Mohel
Rabbi Pacht was certified as a Mohel in Jerusalem, Israel by Rabbi Yosef Dovid Weisberg, Chief Mohel and National Supervisor of Mohels for the State of Israel. He holds smicha (Rabbinical ordination) from Rav Ephraim Greenblatt of Memphis, Tennessee. Rabbi Pacht also has earned two Rabbinical degrees from the Talmudical Institute of Upstate New York, and a Masters degree in Education from the State University of New York, College at Brockport. Rabbi Pacht is active in the Rochester Jewish community and is involved in education at many levels in addition to being a Yeshiva instructor and Mohel.
Methods
Rabbi Pacht uses only sterilized stainless steel and disposable instruments. He practices the most modern methods of sterilization prior to the Bris. Furthermore, Rabbi Pacht provides parents with an "after care kit" which includes detailed instructions. He follows up with home visits and phone calls, and welcomes questions from parents day or night.
Laws
The circumcision of a normal, healthy child must be held on the eighth day after his birth, even if that day is Shabbos or Yom Tov, even Yom Kippur. However, a Bris can never take place sooner than the eighth day. If the child is delivered by Caesarean section, however, the Bris may not be held on a Shabbos or Yom Tov. Postponement for convenience or for any reason other than the health of the child is discouraged by Halacha.
If there is the slightest possibility of danger to the child, the Bris MUST be postponed until such time as all signs of danger subside. However, a postponed Bris may not take place on a Shabbos or a holiday.
The Bris may be held only during the daytime. Circumcision can take place at home, in the synagogue or in social halls with complete safety.
A Minyan (a quorom of ten men), while preferable, is not required.
History
Circumcision is called by the Hebrew name "Bris Milah" (the Covenant of Circumcision). This name is based on the biblical account of the covenant which G-d made with Abraham. All newborn males of the future generations would be circumcised on the eighth day as a sign of their entry into the Jewish nation.
Circumcision is, therefore, a religious act. It symbolizes the linking of the new son to his past, and dedicates him loyally to his nation. At the ritual circumcision, prayers are recited expressing the gratitude of the parents, invoking the blessing of G-d upon the child and announcing his Hebrew name.
The moment of the Bris Milah has a great spiritual effect upon the child. Therefore, Jewish law specifies that one should choose a Mohel who is noted not only for his technical skills but also for his level of piety and religious observance.
In addition to Jews and other Semites, the Royal House of England requires circumcision of all male children. As a matter of fact, it was the Jewish Mohel of London who circumcised Charles, Prince of Wales.
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact Rabbi Pacht with any questions or to schedule a bris milah. Call him at (585) 271-2934. Rabbi Pacht has many references that he'll be happy to provide including Rabbis, physicians, nurses and satisfied parents!
