Rabbi Moshe Rappaport has performed over 10,000 brisses worldwide, as far as Hong Kong. But it’s in Baltimore where he mostly practices, making the bris ceremony a heartwarming and meaningful experience.
Brit Milah, also known as a bris, is the Jewish ceremony of circumcision performed on male infants on the eighth day after birth.
It signifies the infant’s entry into the covenant (brit) with God, marking a special occasion for the Jewish community. The ceremony involves a mohel, a trained circumciser, performing the ritual circumcision while blessings and prayers are recited.
“The parents are extremely anxious and happy, a bit overwhelmed,” Rappaport said. “I’m very happy to accommodate them hopefully in a very calming manner. I help them through the process so they very much enjoy and appreciate the special ceremony that is the mitzvah of Brit Milah.”
Certified as a mohel since 1981, Rappaport was privileged to train under the world-renowned chief mohel of Israel, Rabbi Yosef Weisberg.
Rappaport is known as the “mohel’s mohel” and is recognized as a leading educator and consultant to mohels and doctors worldwide. He has trained many mohels who are now successful practicing mohels throughout the world.
Rappaport received a bachelor’s degree in Talmudic Law and Rabbinic ordination from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore, and he holds a master’s degree in education from Loyola College. In addition, he is an emergency medical technician, volunteering with fire and rescue departments in Baltimore.
Rappaport practices with his three sons who, unlike their father, are mohels part-time.
The ritual circumcision should be done quickly and precisely with the baby comfortable soon afterwards.
Rappaport is known for his extraordinary ability to guide parents – especially first-timers – through one of the most significant moments in Jewish life.
“Parents are looking for someone who is not only experienced, but an expert, someone who is very accommodating, comforting and inclusive,” he said.
