Become a Mohel / Mohelet
Announcing The Next Training Program For The Certification Of Reform Mohalim To Begin January, 2024
The Brit Milah Program of Reform Judaism will offer our educational program to train men and women interested in becoming a mohel or mohelet in January of 2024. The class consists of 10 sessions held on Zoom. The course is taught by rabbis and mohalim and leads to certification by the Brit Milah Board of Reform Judaism. Dates: January 4, 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7.
Qualifications
Jewish medical professionals with infant circumcision proficiency who have a desire to serve as a mohel/et are encouraged to apply to the program. Affiliation with a synagogue or related type of organization is required (exceptions include those living in communities where there is no viable option for affiliation). Those not currently proficient in infant circumcision must demonstrate a viable plan to obtain proficiency.
Tuition
Tuition is $2,000 USD (with a discount given for Canadian students), payable online before the start of the course.
Application
Eligibility of all applicants is verified prior to acceptance, thus we encourage applications to be submitted as soon as possible.
The following supporting documents are required:
An essay of approximately 500 words explaining the applicant’s interest in becoming a Reform mohel or mohelet.
A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s rabbi. Prior to requesting this letter, the applicant should meet with his/her rabbi to discuss application to the program, as one’s synagogue rabbi is asked to serve as mentor throughout training and the beginning stage of service as a mohel/et.
A short description of the applicant’s medical qualifications to perform the newborn circumcision procedure, including training in the procedure and experience in performing it.
A letter of recommendation from the head of a hospital department in which circumcisions are performed (e.g. Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Urology, or Family Practice) attesting to the applicant’s proficiency in the performance of newborn circumcision.
Once a completed application has been received it will be reviewed by the Brit Milah Board of Reform Judaism to verify eligibility. Upon confirmation of eligibility and approval, an official notice of admission will be sent to the applicant.
Certification Requirements
Attend the course. All sessions are recorded. Participants are required to view any missed sessions prior to the next session.
Write a Final Reflection and submit a video recording of the student officiating at a mock Brit Milah service.
Meet with a Beit Din to consider certification.
Once accepted as a certified mohel/et, students will be invited to join NOAM, supported by a yearly dues fee, which qualifies members to be listed in our on-line directory where families interested in Brit Milah services can find contact information. NOAM members are also eligible to join our Google ListServ , a forum where NOAM affiliated mohalim/ot discuss issues related to circumcision, Brit Milah, Simchat Bat, Hatafat Dam, and seek advice and information.