Birkat HaMilah and Priestly Blessing: Hebrew Prayers for the Brit Milah Ceremony

The brit milah liturgy weaves covenantal theology, communal joy, and ancestral continuity into a brief, powerful ritual.

Core Blessings

1. Birkat HaMilah (Blessing Over the Circumcision)

Hebrew: Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu l'hakhniso b'v'rito shel Avraham Avinu.

Translation: "Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, Ruler of the universe, Who has sanctified us with commandments and commanded us to bring [this child] into the covenant of our forefather Abraham."

Recited by the mohel immediately before the cut. Father may recite if performing (rare).

2. Shehecheyanu

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha'olam, shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higi'anu lazman hazeh.
"Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season." Recited by father (first-time) or mohel.

3. Blessing Over Wine

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha'olam, borei pri hagafen.
Wine given to infant (drop on lips) and shared.

4. Naming Blessing

Kayem et ha'yeled hazeh... yikarei sh'mo b'Yisrael [Hebrew name] ben [father's Hebrew name].
"May this child be sustained... his name in Israel shall be [name] son of [father]."

Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing)

Recited by kohanim (priestly descendants) at conclusion:

Y'varekhekha Adonai v'yishmerekha.
Ya'er Adonai panav eilekha vi'chuneka.
Yisa Adonai panav eilekha, v'yasem l'kha shalom.

Translation (Numbers 6:24–26): "May Adonai bless and protect you. May Adonai's face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May Adonai's face turn toward you and grant you peace."

Ceremonial Context

• Ashkenazi: Often add Elohai neshama, Al hanisim (if Chanukah/Purim).
• Sephardi: Additional piyyutim, different melodies.
• Yemenite: Distinct chant, metzitzah with tube standard.

These blessings frame the child’s entry into covenant, peoplehood, and divine relationship—ancient words for a new life.