I'm attending a Bris tomorrow...questions?

[Hillbeans]

My best friend had her baby last week and the Bris is tomorrow night. I'm catholic so i'm not sure what goes on at a Bris (except for the obvious) however I know it'll be at her MIL's house. How does one dress? Is it a quiet kind of gathering or a loud one? I know her MIL invited over 50 people, so it'll be a pretty big celebration.

I'm giving a cash gift also - she already has so much in the way of clothes and toys from her 3 yo, so I thought money would be the best gift. That's ok, right?

If there is anything I need to know or should know, can someone give me an idea what to expect?

Thanks.

 

[pearlieq]

Church clothes should be fine--something you would wear to a baptism or christening. Just to be safe make sure your skirt is at least knee length and that your shoulders/upper arms are covered.

Depending on the faith of the family, you may be asked to wear a headcovering, but it should be provided for you if they want all guests to wear one. The one time we were asked, the men got yarmukels (sp?) and the women got what looked like lace doilies which were held on by bobby pins.

The ceremony is solemn, but the party afterwards is usually pretty spirited. This is a very happy occasion!!! When we went, there was a time for gathering, then we were all led into a room where the a table was set up for the ceremony. The baby was brought in and there were prayers. He was given his name, then the mohel (the guy who actually does the bris) did his thing. I couldn't watch, but it was very quick. The baby settled down pretty quickly and we all got back to eating and socializing.

Cash is a very common gift--can't go wrong with that!

Hope you have fun!!

 

[DisDuck]

Another suggestion on gift.. cash is fine; don't know your amount but '18' in hebrew is 'chai' (to life) so usually at something like a bris give either $18 or a multiple of it. Also, if depending on how 'modern' the process, the baby will be held in the lap of a male member of the family instead of just placed on a table pad.

 

[tar heel]

We went to a bris a couple years ago, and I thought it was an amazing ceremony. I loved the parts where the mom and dad talked about their hopes and dreams for the child. At the one we attended, the actual procedure (don't know what term to use!) was in another room, so only a few close family members saw it. There was a brunch afterward -- it was a very nice event.

 

[Hillbeans]

Thanks. I was thinking i'd get one of those cute personalized piggy banks done at the mall with his name and birthdate on it and put $18 in the piggy bank 'Chai', and $100 in a card to the parents.

The ceremony sounds very interesting. I'll wear something a little on the dressy side. Thanks to you all for your quick replies!