FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
In what areas do you perform bris ceremonies?
Dr. Oppenheim is based in Lake County Illinois, but travels throughout Chicagoland and southern Wisconsin.
What type of anesthesia do you use?
The baby is injected with 1% lidocaine at the base of the penis bilaterally at least 10 minutes before the circumcision procedure. The baby is additionally soothed with gauze soaked in wine.
What technique do you use to perform the circumcision?
Using sterile technique, the baby’s skin is cleansed and draped, foreskin adhesions are removed and a Mogen clamp is carefully placed. A swift, precise cut removes the foreskin. After waiting a moment to allow for tissue fusion and reduced bleeding the Mogen clamp is removed. Any remaining adhesions are dissected and the area is covered with Vaseline and gauze.
Would you perform a bris for the son of an interfaith couple?
Absolutely! Dr. Oppenheim strives to make all parties feel as included as possible in his warm and loving ceremony. A bris should be a celebration for all who wish to partake in it. Participation is welcomed and highly encouraged.
When should a bris take place?
A bris takes place on the eighth day of the child's life. Day 1 is the birth date (unless he is born after sundown) therefore the eighth day is 1 week later according to the secular calendar. If a child is born after sundown then the first day according to the secular calendar is the next day and the bris is 1 week after that.
If the eighth day is a Shabbat or a holiday the bris is still held on the eighth day, unless the birth was via a scheduled C-section. If the bris was postponed due to health or other reasons it is not held on Shabbat or a holiday.
If there are health concerns then the bris should take place once the child is deemed healthy enough to proceed.
The bris ceremony traditionally takes place before sunset.