Mohalim Across Jewish Communities Gathered in Crown Heights

More than 100 Mohalim from across the United States and beyond, representing a broad spectrum of Jewish communities, gathered for this year’s Annual Kinus Mohalim. The gathering provided a forum for sharing knowledge, addressing challenges, and strengthening the standards of Bris Milah through Halachic guidance, medical education, and professional collaboration.

Organized by Rabbi Levi Heber, director of the International Bris Association, the Kinus addressed the historical and contemporary challenges facing Bris Milah. With the mitzvah facing growing public scrutiny and regulatory challenges, Rabbi Heber emphasized the importance of unity and continued education, as well as ensuring that every Jewish family, wherever they may live, has access to a qualified Mohel who performs the mitzvah properly and in accordance with Halachah and appropriate medical standards.

The guest speaker, Rabbi Dovid Shlomo Gelber, a prominent Mohel from Eretz Yisroel and respected Halachic authority on Bris Milah, praised the initiative and stressed the importance of ongoing education and mutual support among Mohalim. Drawing on his experience and studies conducted in Israel, he also shared practical techniques aimed at enhancing the safety and quality of Bris Milah.

A distinguished panel featured Rabbi Tuvia Kasimov, Rov of Empire Shul; Dr. Jeffrey Stock, MD, Chief of Pediatric Urology at Mount Sinai Children’s Hospital; and Dr. Avraham Polinger, MD, a renowned pediatrician.

Dr. Stock discussed medical considerations surrounding neonatal circumcision, including when a Bris may be performed on the eighth day and when medical circumstances warrant postponement. Dr. Polinger addressed medical conditions Mohalim should recognize when evaluating a newborn and the importance of appropriate communication with the child’s medical providers. Rabbi Kasimov provided the Rabbinic perspective on the Halachic considerations involved.

The presentations were followed by an extensive question-and-answer session, giving Mohalim the opportunity to raise practical Halachic and medical questions directly with the panelists.

Beyond the formal discussions, the Kinus provided a valuable opportunity for Mohalim, who often work independently in their communities, to connect, exchange experience, and build relationships. The strong turnout reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the mitzvah, maintaining high standards, and supporting Mohalim worldwide.

The success of this year’s gathering marks an important step toward building a more united and connected community of Mohalim, with a continued commitment to preserving and strengthening the mitzvah of Bris Milah for generations to come.