Frequently Asked Questions

This page was last updated on: Wednesday, 29 October 2008

Circumcision, Bris or Brit Milah.

Mohel (singular) / Mohalim (plural). 

There are two local Mohalim who perform circumcision, not only where the mother is of Jewish faith but also for "mixed couples". Please note that whilst it is traditional for Mohalim to carry out the procedure as a mitzvah, it is far more common now days (especially in the Reform movement) for Mohalim to "charge" for their services, expertise and any travel. A charge will either form a fixed amount or a donation.

As an anesthetist, Dr. Igielman uses a local anesthetic administered by an injection in the babies genital area, whilst Dr. Cohen prefers to use ELMA, a local anesthetic cream. Both methods are effective in their own right.

Dr. Farrel Igielman is based in Barkingside Ilford Essex and is an anesthetist at King George's Hospital (in Goodmayes, also in Ilford Essex). He often travels to perform circumcision, however depending on circumstances can perform the procedure local to his home. Dr. Igielman's fee is dependant on whether travel is required and will differ depending on the length of the journey.

The ceremony Dr. Igielman provides, comprises two parts for a baby with a Jewish mother (the circumcision and a Hebrew baby naming ritual). If the mother isn't Jewish (and therefore the baby wouldn't be), the ceremony is non-religious and only forms the circumcision. 

Dr. Howard Cohen is a full time GP and a Mohel for the London and South East UK Progressive Jewish community. Dr. Cohen has been performing circumcisions since 1991 and often carries out three or four a week. 

He normally perform circumcisions (and a Hebrew baby naming if appropriate) at his surgery in Surrey, home visits may be possible depending on his schedule. For more details of the services provided by Dr. Cohen and the Brit Milah ceremony in general, please visit his website at www.mohel-circumcision.co.uk/. 

The advice and procedures given by Dr. Cohen on his website are very similar to those provided by Dr. Igielman (in hardcopy once a circumcision is scheduled with him), so could be taken as guidance for both doctors.  

The surgery is located at:

The Elizabeth House Practice

515 Limpsfield Road

Warlingham

Surrey

CR6 9LF

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