Dr. David Levin
Toronto
Bris
Mazel Tov!
I find Brit Milah to be one of the most rewarding ways to participate in the community.
Thank you for considering including me in the care of your child.
If you are interested in non-ritual elective medical circumcision please click below.
About Dr. Levin
Dr. Levin completed his medical training and anesthesiology residency at the University of Toronto before his fellowship in pediatric anesthesia through Harvard University at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Levin learned to perform neonatal circumcision with the Urology Department at SickKids in the Neonatal Circumcision Clinic under the supervision of the Department Chair, and fellow Mohel, Dr. Marty Koyle. Dr. Levin’s training and expertise in the procedure have been recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
While Dr. Levin’s primary practice is as a Paediatric Anesthesiologist at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), he also provides ritual circumcision as a Mohel certified through the Brit Milah Program of Reform Judaism. As well, he is a member of the National Organization of American Mohalim (NOAM).
Dr. Levin’s journey to becoming a Mohel started in Medical School at the University of Toronto, where he had the good fortune of working as a researcher under the supervision of pediatric surgeon Dr. Jacob Langer, Chairman of NOAM at the time. Dr. Langer invited Dr. Levin to join his course teaching new Mohalim. Bris provides a rewarding opportunity for Dr. Levin to use his medical training in a meaningful way to connect with Judaism and the Jewish Community.
How it Works
Contact Dr. Levin through this website, email, phone, or text as early as possible once the baby is born or when you know the date of a planned c/section.
Dr. Levin will arrange a phonecall to speak through the details of the procedure and the ceremony. This phonecall gives you a chance to ask questions and for Dr. Levin to learn how he can cater the ceremony to make it as meaningful as possible.
Once a time and location is agreed upon for the Bris, Dr. Levin will ask you to complete a few forms to help prepare for the ceremony.
Dr. Levin uses a Mogen clamp technique with a nerve block injection and sucrose sedation before the procedure to ensure a minimal discomfort for your child. Everything is performed under sterile conditions. Dr. Levin uses the same technique whether in the hospital, clinic, or home.
About Brit Milah
What is Brit Milah?
Brit Milah is the ceremony in which a newborn Jewish boy, through the ritual of circumcision, is brought into the covenant on, or after, the eighth day of life. The circumcision is performed by a Mohel, who acts as the agent for the parents.
The covenant (Brit) represents the relationship between each Jewish person and God, and by extension, represents the relationship each Jewish person has with the entire Jewish people. When we perform the ritual of Brit Milah, we are celebrating the birth of a baby and his entry into the Jewish people.
Timing
The Brit Milah should take place on, or after, the eighth day of life. In the Jewish tradition, the day of birth is counted as day one, so the eighth day is the same weekday, a week later. To clarify, if your baby is born before sundown on a Tuesday, the Brit Milah should take place the following Tuesday. In the Jewish tradition, the day starts and ends at sunset, so if the baby is born after sunset on Tuesday, the Brit would take place on the following Wednesday. Finally, Brit Milah is a mitzvah, and all mitzvahs should be performed as early as you have the opportunity. This is the motivation to try to host the Brit Milah in the morning. However, it is still kosher to perform the ceremony later in the day–or even at a later date if there is a reasonable impediment to performing the mitzvah.
About Milah L’Shem Gerut
What is Milah L’Shem Gerut?
Milah L’Shem Gerut is a circumcision ceremony performed in cases where the birth mother of the child is not Jewish. This ceremony is unique to reform Judaism. This ceremony honours many of the traditions of Brit Milah allowing participation of family and friends. Parents are encouraged to speak with their Rabbi regarding the process of conversion after the ceremony. If the family is unaffiliated with a Rabbi, the Mohel can refer them to a Rabbi to learn more about the process of conversion for the baby. The Milah L’Shem Gerut represents the first step toward formal conversion of the baby to Judaism.
Timing
The Milah L’Shem Gerut can take place on, or after, the eighth day of life. There is not the same Halachic (Jewish legal) imperative to perform this ceremony as early as possible, allowing some more flexibility for scheduling. This ceremony should not take place on Shabbat or Yom Tov (Jewish high holidays).
What to Expect
30 Minutes Before the Ceremony
Dr. Levin will arrive 30 minutes before the ceremony begins in order to set up and spend a few minutes going over the final details. If the Bris is not at your home, please meet Dr. Levin at the venue 30 minutes beforehand.
Honourees should arrive at the Bris at least 15 minutes early.
10-15 minutes before the ceremony, Dr. Levin will examine the penis and foreskin, inject a dorsal penile nerve block, and prepare the penis and foreskin for the circumcision. It is nice to do this in a private area separate from where the ceremony will take place. A bedroom or office works well.
The nerve block is performed with a very small needle and will sting during injection. Afterwards, the entire penis and foreskin will be numb to all sensation during the circumcision.
After injection, if the child is fussy, Dr. Levin encourages parents to do a full feed, burp, and diaper change. This helps to get the baby sleepy, and gives time for the local anesthetic to take full effect.
The Ceremony
The ceremony begins with a brief explanation for the family and guests of the meaning and importance of this Mitzvah.
If it is not Shabbat or Yom Tov (Jewish high holiday), candles are lit. There is no bracha (blessing) for the candle lighting. A guest, or guests, can be honoured with lighting the candles. Candles bring light and warmth to the ceremony.
Next the baby is brought into the room by the Kvaterin.
The honour of being a Kvater can be given to family members and/or friends. They are responsible for bringing the baby into the room where the ceremony is to be performed. Some have the custom to bestow this honour on people that desire to have children, but this is not necessary. Others increase the number of those honoured by having many people participate by passing the child from one to another until the child reaches the site of the ceremony.
We set aside and acknowledge a chair for Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the Prophet).
The parents recite a blessing to acknowledge their willingness to perform this Mitzvah. Often, Dr. Levin will ask the parents to repeat after him in Hebrew, one word at a time, as they say the blessing together.
The Kvater(s) pass the baby to the Sandek, who is honoured with holding the baby during the ceremony.
The role of being a Sandek is considered one of the greatest honours in Judaism. Traditionally, this honour is given to a grandparent, family member, friend, or a Rabbi.
A second person is assigned to give the baby sweet wine during the ceremony.
The baby is placed on the table and the circumcision is performed. After the procedure is complete, Dr. Levin says a blessing and invites all to sing “Mazel Tov / Siman Tov”.
It is acceptable if any guests prefer not to be around for the procedure (this is a choice based on comfort).
The Baby Naming
After the Brit Milah, the naming will take place. Many families will choose to explain the significance of the Hebrew and English names.
A guest can be honoured during the baby naming, taking the role of Sandek Me’umad, responsible for holding the baby when the blessing for the name is recited.
We conclude with a mishaberach (healing blessing).
This ends the ceremony. Total duration is approximately 15-30 minutes.
What to Prepare
Eating height table and 2 chairs
Kiddush Cup
Candles / candle sticks / lighter
Sweet sacramental wine (Manischewitz / Mogen David etc.)
Petrolium Jelly (Vaseline)
Infant Tylenol liquid (80mg/mL)
Kippot and Talis’ for anyone who chooses to wear these
Consent Forms
You will be asked to sign two consent forms before the ceremony. Please print, review, and sign these forms before meet.
Information Required Before the Ceremony
Parent #1 demographics
Parent #1 Name:
Parent #1 Phone:
Parent #1 Email:
Child's information
Child's First Name
Child's Last Name
Child's Date of Brith (dd/mm/yyyy)
How did you learn about this circumcision clinic / doctor?
Circumcision Medical Intake Information
Parent #2 Name:
Parent #2 Telephone:
Parent #2 Email:
What is the address where the baby / child lives?
Baby / child’s health card number and version code (if available):
Baby / child’s primary care provider (family doctor or pediatrician):
Baby / child’s gestational age at birth (weeks pregnant):
Any family history of hemophilia (severe inherited bleeding disorder)? *yes/no
Was a vitamin K injection given to the baby / child at the time of birth? *yes/no
Does your baby / child have any medical problems that your healthcare team should be aware of? *yes/no
If yes, please explain:
LOCATION FOR PROCEDURE
Address (Unit #, Street Address, City, Province, Postal Code):
What is the best way to park at this location?:
Please provide any other useful information (building buzzer code, preferred door to use, etc.):
PARENT HEBREW NAME(S)
Parent #1 Hebrew Name:
Parent #2 Hebrew Name (if applicable):
Are either of the parents not Jewish? *yes/no
If there is a non-Jewish parent, which parent?
BABY'S HEBREW NAME
After the Brit Milah, it is customary to say a blessing and give the baby his Hebrew Name.
Ashkenazic naming practices:
Ashkenazic Jews traditionally name children after relatives who have passed on as a way to keep the memory of that person alive and to inspire the namesake to live up to their predecessor’s better qualities.
Sephardic naming practices:
Sephardic Jews, on the other hand, seek to achieve the same objective by naming their babies after a living relative.
Torah naming practices
Both Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews sometimes pick a name from the Torah portion that corresponds with the infant’s birth.
Naming ceremony practices
Many observant Jews won’t announce a baby boy’s Hebrew name until his brit milah on the eighth day from his birth. This tradition is tied to the idea that a boy does not fully receive his soul until the bris, and thus cannot be properly named until that happens.
Many families will choose to give a short speech to explain the significance of the Hebrew and English names after the ceremony.
Baby's Hebrew Name:
How did you choose the name, why is it important to you? (optional)
CANDLE LIGHTER(S):
Lighting candles is a meaningful tradition at a ceremony.
This tradition is not an absolute requirement and can be omitted based on preference.
There is no candle lighting when the ceremony falls of Shabbat.
This is an honour that can be given to any number of participants at the ceremony.
Some families call forward a single person to light a candle, where others invite several people.
This is an opportunity to use Shabbat candles, though tea lights or other candles are acceptable.
The honour is to lights candles to bring light and warmth to the ceremony.
There is no blessing to say.
Any number of people can be invited for this honour.
Traditionally grandmothers are giver this role, though anyone is acceptable.
Candle Lighter #1 Name:
Candle Lighter #1 relationship to the baby:
Candle Lighter #2 Name:
Candle Lighter #2 relationship to the baby:
Candle Lighter #3 Name:
Candle Lighter #3 relationship to the baby:
Candle Lighter #4 Name:
Candle Lighter #4 relationship to the baby:
KVATER(S):
The Kvater is honoured with carrying the the baby into the room where the ceremony is to be performed.
The honour of being a Kvater can be given to family members and/or friends.
Some have the custom to bestow this honour on people that desire to have children, but this is not necessary.
Others increase the number of those honoured by having many people participate by passing the child from one to another until the child reaches the site of the ceremony.
It is required that one of the Kvaters is Jewish.
It is traditional to invite the baby's uncle(s) and/or aunt(s) (if available and appropriate) to have this honour.
There is no blessings that the Kvater needs to read / say.
Kvater #1 Name:
Kvater #1 relationship to the baby:
Kvater #2 (optional) Name:
Kvater #2 relationship to the baby:
Kvater #3 (optional) Name:
Kvater #3 relationship to the baby:
Kvater #4 (optional) Name:
Kvater #4 relationship to the baby:
Kvater #5 (optional) Name:
Kvater #5 relationship to the baby:
SANDEK
The Sandek is honoured with holding the child during the circumcision at the ceremony. This is considered one of the greatest honours in Judaism. Traditionally this honour is given to a grandfather or other grandparent, family member, friend, or a Rabbi.
Sandek's Name:
Sandek's relationship to the baby:
SANDEK’S ASSISTANT
Not a traditional honor. This is someone to give sucrose or sweet wine to the baby during the ceremony. While not a halachic or traditional honour, this person helps to sooth and calm the baby. They sit at the table where the ceremony is performed and are intimately involved. Many people choose a grandparent for this role, while others choose someone with a particularly nurturing instinct who is comfortable being close to the procedure.
Sandek's Assistant Name:
Sandek's Assistant relationship to the baby:
SANDEK MEUMAD
This person has the honour of holding the baby during the naming ceremony. This honour is often given to one person, or a married couple. It is often given to a grandparent(s), relative(s) or friend(s). Some parents choose to take this role themselves.
Sandek Meumad #1 Name:
Sandek Meumad #1 relationship to the baby:
Sandek Meumad #2 Name:
Sandek Meumad #2 relationship to the baby:
Aftercare Instructions
HOW WILL THE WOUND LOOK?
Immediately after the circumcision, there is minimal swelling and you will gain a sense of the final proportions you can expect when your child grows and the wound is fully healed. This is typically reassuring to parents. Parents are encouraged to have a close look at the results of the circumcision immediately after the surgery. Over the next two to four days, the wound swells and secretes a straw-coloured scab. It can become red and raw in appearance. This evolution of the wound is normal, and having had a look immediately after the procedure will help you feel assured that the final result will be satisfactory.
Immediately after surgery, you will see the head, mucosal collar (a 1-3 mm donut of fleshy skin just under the head), and the shaft skin. The head of the penis (glans) is typically slightly red. This is because the foreskin of newborns is slightly adherent to the head. In the act of separating the foreskin, a thin layer of skin cells is stripped from the head. You may see sterile ink near the incision site—this is applied with a sterile marker and will disappear over time. You may see sterile skin glue with a light purple hue. Skin glue is used when there is bleeding and in older babies. As the glue hardens, it can look like small dried flakes that will slough off into the diaper while the wound heals—do not pull off these flakes. You may see small white- or cream-coloured speckles called smegma (normal dried skin that had been trapped behind the foreskin before it was removed). The smegma will slough off with time. Dr. Levin uses the Mogen clamp technique. This straight clamp is used to guide the incision. When the circular shaft skin is squeezed in the straight clamp, pinched skin results at the top (12 o’clock / dorsal) and underside (6 o’clock / ventral). Immediately after the surgery, these pinches are present. As the wounds heals, they disappear, resulting in the expected final cosmetic appearance. You may see some swelling or early bruising at the site of the surgery or around the areas where the local anesthesia nerve block was injected.
As the healing progresses, the wound may develop a scab. Due to the mucosal nature of this skin, if present at all, the scab will be a whitish or light yellowish crust. It will be noticeable mostly on the underside but may be on top or even on the head of the penis as well. This crust will be adherent to the penis and will disappear on its own. It should not be removed.
By two weeks, the wound should be fully healed. The mucosal collar under the head may remain puffy for weeks to months. There can be different pigmentation of the shaft skin and mucosal collar, which is normal.
WHAT DO I DO WITH THE DRESSING / BANDAGE?
After the procedure, the wound may be wrapped in a sterile Vaseline-impregnated gauze, then an elastic bandage and some tape. This dressing helps to control any fresh bleeding as the wound clots in the first few minutes. The dressing is not essential to the wound healing and may fall off early (even as early as the first diaper change). If the dressing falls off, just continue to apply Vaseline to the penis and diaper as described below. If the dressing has not fallen off on its own within three days of the circumcision, it should be gently removed.
BLEEDING
Spotting of blood in the diaper is normal for the first 24-48 hours and is no reason for concern. If active bleeding (blood flowing) is noted, or if there is enough bleeding to create a nickel-sized area of blood in the diaper, apply firm pressure to the penis and report to your closest emergency department immediately to have the area treated.
PROTECTING THE SKIN
Once the dressing falls off, or is removed after three days (whichever happens first), a liberal amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) should cover the penis with each diaper change for two weeks. You will be shown how to apply the Vaseline after the procedure.
TEMPERAMENT
Your baby may be fussier than normal for the first 24-48 hours. Your baby should be held, cuddled, and fed. If your baby remains fussy, they can be given infant acetaminophen (liquid Tempera® / Tylenol® syrup) at a dose of 15mg/kg every four to six hours as needed. Most babies behave no differently than before the circumcision.
CAR SEATS, CARRIERS, STROLLERS, AND HOLDING YOUR BABY
There are no limits to how you should hold or move your baby. Car seats, carriers, and strollers are all fine to use immediately. If you sense that your baby is uncomfortable in a particular position, adjust as necessary. Do not fear that these routine positions will impact the healing of the wound.
BATHING
Sponge baths are suggested for the first three days after the circumcision. During this time, the penis can be cleaned, if necessary, by squeezing warm water over it from a washcloth. Immersion may take place beginning with the third day. Drying should be accomplished by gentle patting. Soaps are permitted but should not be applied to the penis itself.
URINATION
Urine is normally sterile and will not cause any stinging or irritation. If there is no urine in the diaper in the first 12 hours after the circumcision, this is abnormal and you should be seen in the emergency department immediately.
STOOLING
The scrotum tends to prevent stool from contacting the penis, however, this may occur. If so, squeeze water over the penis from a warm washcloth and then wipe or dab the penis gently with the washcloth until clean. In general, immediate diaper changing is recommended after each stool.
DIAPER CHANGING
Baby wipes are permitted for use on the penis. Use a gentle touch to avoid irritating the baby. Barrier creams (Sudocrem®, Zincofax®, Penaten®, etc.) on the buttocks and groins are okay, but should not be applied directly to the penis. Apply a liberal amount of Vaseline to the penis and diaper with each diaper change for the first two weeks after the procedure.
SLEEPING
Your baby’s sleeping position is unimportant to the wound healing and placing him on his stomach for tummy time is permitted. Follow your pediatrician’s suggestions for safe sleeping. Babies should sleep on their back in early infancy regardless of circumcision.
INFECTION
This occurs in less than 1% of cases. If the swelling is thought to be increasing after the first 36 hours, if there is a foul odour, or if there is increasing redness or a creamy discharge from the wound, infection should be considered and you should contact your physician immediately.
FEVER
Fevers occurring early in an infant’s life are always a medical emergency and you should report to your pediatrician or local emergency department. Though fever can be caused from an infection at the circumcision site, it is most often unrelated and requires a medical workup.
Locations
Dr. Levin is available to provides ceremonies:
In your home
In your synagogue or place of worship
In clinic at KinderCare Paediatric - Forest Hill
Dr. Levin is willing to travel across Ontario
Price
The fee for a Bris ceremony is $700.
A travel charge of $150 per hour is added for round trip travel beyond one hour as measure from the KinderCare Forest Hill clinic location.
For example, if you live more than a 30 minutes drive from the clinic, an additional charge will be added. Travel fee is calculated based on Google Maps estimated driving time on the date and time scheduled.
If there is any financial difficulty, Dr. Levin is happy to make accommodations.
KinderCare Forest Hill
491 Eglinton Ave W, Suite 301,
Toronto, ON M5N 1B1
Contact Dr. Levin
Telephone: 437 - 677 - 2747
Email: Admin@TheCircumcisionClinic.ca
Testimonials
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“There are not enough words to describe how incredible our experience was with Dave... Dave’s warm, calming, and professional demeanor, immediately put us at ease... in the days preceding our son’s procedure, there was a medical question at hand (related to risk of bleeding)... He helped us coordinate the necessary investigations, and came prepared to handle the potential increased risk of bleeding. Needless to say, everything went smoothly and we were so grateful for everything that Dave was able to offer to our family and to our son. (We were also extremely grateful that he was able to do this procedure for our son pain free)! ... All in all, we had an extremely positive experience and we would highly recommend Dave!”
Chelsea and Ryan
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"Dr David Levin recently performed our son's procedure. He spoke to us in the weeks leading up to our sons birth, as well as the day of the procedure, to explain the circumcision and answer any questions we had...... Following the procedure, Dr. Levin contacted us to confirm that everything was healing properly and address any questions or concerns. Our son did not have any complications and we would highly recommend Dr. Levin!"
Jenny and Murali
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"Dr Levin is AMAZINGG! He was very open & explained the circumcision process & what to expect to us before he started. He was available & we could easily reach him with questions we had after the circumcision! We are happy we chose him! Would RECOMMEND Dr Levin any day any time. Thank you Doc!"
Nancy Appiah
