We found a 'conservadox' mohel/pediatrician in 1999 who was willing to complete an office circumcision for our (non-Jewish) son and also do a bris at his own temple for a Messianic Jewish family who also had a son the same week (we served as the kavatterim.) He then did a home bris (actually at our home) for their next son a few years later. I think I might have been the first Messianic non-Jewish mother to request his services specifically as a mohel -- he certainly was surprised by the request. I know that others have used his services since.

Shalom,
Tami

Tami | January 3, 2008 2:46 PM

We had an orthodox Rabbi/mohel do the circumcision for our son on the 8th day. I explained to him our situation and why we were doing it. He told me he would do it without saying the blessings, etc. We drove 4 hours to where he was in Berkeley, Ca. with our newborn and paid quite a bit for his services, but he was very nice to us and did a good job. I held my son on my lap for the procedure and I'll never forget it. But, it was in a synagogue and my wife was able to feed our baby right away and he was completely happy and forgetful about the whole thing right away.

I think there are many mohelim who will do this type of thing if asked.

Andrew

Andrew Hostettler | January 3, 2008 11:48 PM

Unfortunately we hit a brick wall three years ago with our last son. We initially called the Reform synagogue to request the services of a mohel and they turned us down because we weren't Jewish. Then we were frantically calling around to at least find a physician who would do it. Since we don't regularly use a pediatrician and because we have our babies at home, it was very difficult to find a doctor who would accept us. We briefly even considered doing it ourselves or having a brave friend do it. On the fifth or sixth day we interviewed a local pediatrician, but he was leery about us and we weren't too comfortable with him either. So we sought The L-RD to help us find another option and He provided! A friend (who has home births as well) recommended her pediatrician. He was very accepting of us and our religious reasons for doing the circumcision. He allowed my husband to be present to witness the brit and say the blessings. It wasn't our ideal situation, but B"H, we were able to fulfill the mitzvah. That doctor has since moved. So if we have another son, our search may start all over! The Messianic community is in desperate need of mohelim (and shochetim, but that's a whole other topic)!

sabrina | January 4, 2008 6:55 AM

I don't know of any Messianic rabbi who could 'cut it.' ;)

Steve Petersen | January 4, 2008 1:32 PM

I came into the movement around the time my sons were 8 and 10. What do you do in this situation?

Personally, (and not as an official FFOZ position), I would have my sons circumcised, both for Torah reasons and health reasons. In this case, I would try to find a medical doctor that might be able to lessen the pain. However, it would have to be because of your personal conviction and decision.

Scott | January 4, 2008 5:12 PM

We like Sabrina hit a brick wall except we really hit and did not fulfill it on the eighth day, it was a sunday and no one in Phoenix or Tuscon Az would do it. I was constantly on the phone and computer that first week, we weren't jewish end of story. I couldn't lie or deceive as someone suggested, I believed G-d would provide. We had him circumcized the next day, mon. We considered doing it ourself but I think our faith was too weak :( This all happened oct. 2007. I was going to post this on the forum, I am glad it was brought up. What are your thoughts of doing it yourself. Maybe we should study it a little more in case we are blessed with another son, especially if he is born on the weekend, next time I will try to prolong the labor :) I had a wonderful home birth by the way.
May the Lord direct us and provide
MaRae

marae king | January 6, 2008 8:58 AM

We were fortunate down here in the Houston area. We had no trouble at all finding an Orthodox Mohel who was not only willing to perform the Brit but insisted on coming to us.(appr. an hour drive one way) to make it easier on the baby. For only $150 it was much cheaper than the $700 or so the hospital wants. He had no issue with us not being Jewish, he asked a few basic questions (was it for health or religious reasons) and gladly accepted the duty. In smaller communities it may be harder but in a lot of the cities you can find someone.

Jeremy | January 6, 2008 9:46 AM

As a Jewish believer, I had some awkward feelings when I approached this topic when my son was born last summer. It was important for me not to not be a hidden believer, lest the mohel find out and feel duped or otherwise put in a compromising position.

To my surprise and delight, the response was unbelievably grace-filled. These guys were first and foremost dedicated to helping Jewish folks fulfill this mitzvah, regardless of the person's beliefs. In addition, whenever I gently explained that I was "messianic," every one of them said, "Great! So am I! Judaism is a messianic faith!" When I clarified that I thought Messiah came two thousand years ago, none seemed to mind.

The day was amazing, one of the many highlights for me of my son's little life.

Hope | January 7, 2008 7:05 AM

B"H

Shalom,

I have a very dear friend who happens to be an Orthodox mohel. Though he might be troubled with a "christian" bris, I'm sure he would perform it as a mitzvah. I was a little taken back by the comment of price. There is no set price for this mitzvah...ever. Only an envelope given to him. A mohel can never ask for money. A mohel has gone through extensive training for this work. There should be some financial "sacrifice" for the family as their child enters into the Covenant of Avraham. A Rabbi would perform the bris ceremony, the naming ceremony, attend the feast, say the zimun prayer with a minyan, and perform pidyon haben, if this is your first son. His time and blessings as well as the medical expertise, should be well compensated for this blessing upon your child.
Just a thought. Mazel Tov to all who have had a son!
Ariel

I agree, we should expect to offer support to those who perform this vital service, as well as any who endeavor to dedicate themselves to a career centered on Torah. Thanks for the comment Ariel.

Ariel | January 7, 2008 3:47 PM