Ezra KangMing Cheng

On a boy's eighth day of life he is welcomed into the Jewish community. As with every previous generation of Jews, he is circumcised and given his Jewish name on that day. Continuing this commandment is so important that it must be observed even on Shabbat or Yom Kippur. It is also the first day that a mother and her son leave the comfort of their home and connect with their larger community. (Of course, doctor appointments and other modern necessities can bring them out of their home earlier.)  

While it is a mitzvah to attend a bris and welcome another person into the community, other people's lives can't revolve around when a child decides to enter the world. Therefore, RSVPs are neither expected nor requested for a bris. 

On the other hand, if you'd like to let us know that we'll be seeing you on Wednesday, we would love to hear from you. The religious ceremony will be followed by a celebratory meal. 

Though the rituals will follow the Jewish tradition, this is the time for us to introduce Ezra to his entire community regardless of religion. We hope you'll be able to join us for this unique afternoon. Please note: the bris will begin around 3 p.m., so if you get stuck in traffic, please be mindful that you may arrive during the religious ceremony.