Can You Do a Bris on Saturday (Shabbat)?
A Clear, Practical Guide
By Rabbi Shlomo Golish, C.M.
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Quick answer: A bris may be performed on Shabbos when it is the baby’s eighth day and all standard halachic and health conditions are met (classic case: full-term infant, vaginal birth, healthy, correct day-count). If the bris was postponed for any reason (e.g., health, prematurity, scheduling beyond day eight), or if the baby was born via C-Section, it is not held on Shabbos and is set for a weekday.
Note: This guide is general information. For personal guidance, consult your rabbi, and for practical planning, speak with your mohel. See FAQ for preparation, timing, and aftercare.
Why this question matters:
Families often discover that Shabbos affects logistics (travel, photography, payments, set-up) and sometimes the date itself (how to count the eight days, what happens if certain birth circumstances apply). Getting clear on the principles makes planning calmer and helps everyone prepare appropriately.
When a Shabbos bris does take place
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It’s the eighth day. Counting begins from the day of birth (if after nightfall, count from the next calendar day). When the eighth day falls on Shabbos, a standard eighth-day bris is performed on Shabbos.
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Typical qualifying case. Full-term infant, vaginal birth, no health delays, correct day-count confirmed with rabbinic guidance.
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Yom Tov (Holidays), too. The same eighth-day principle applies to Yom Tov. (If the bris is postponed beyond day eight, Shabbos/Yom Tov do not override—see below.)
When the bris is deferred (and therefore not on Shabbos)
A bris that is not the eighth day is typically scheduled for a weekday. Common reasons include:
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Health postponement. Any concern for the baby’s wellbeing (weight, jaundice, feeding stability, medical factors) leads to delay. Health comes first.
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Prematurity or special care needs. Postpone until medically and halachically appropriate.
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A full body health incident which started after Shabbos or continued until after Shabbos (CPAP, tempurature etc.). Your Rabbi or Mohel can guide you about what would be considered a full body incident. The Bris will not occur until 7 days/168 hours have passed since the incident concluded.
Practical takeaway: if the bris is delayed beyond the eighth day for any reason, it is not held on Shabbos. Coordinate the new weekday date with your rabbi or mohel.
C-section birth automatically removes Shabbos scheduling; your rabbi/posek will clarify. IVF could also affect the timing, consult with your rabbi/mohel.
Day-count basics (so the date is correct)
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Birth before nightfall: That calendar day is day 1; count eight days including that day.
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Birth after nightfall: Start counting from the next calendar day.
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Close to sunset cases: If birth was near sundown/twilight, it could affect the count. Close to sundown on Friday would result in the Bris being posponed until the following Sunday (9 days later). As the sundown progresses, the likelihood of the Bris being on Shabbos increases, confirm with your rabbi how to count. If the baby is born Saturday evening after Sundown, the Bris will be the following Sunday.
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Twins across sunset: It’s possible for twins to have different eighth-day dates; check individually.
Practicalities for a Shabbos bris
Even when a Shabbos bris is appropriate, Shabbos guidelines shape the how:
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Travel: Families and mohel plan so that no driving is required on Shabbos. Arrangements are made before Shabbos; many communities host at home or nearby.
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Carrying & set-up: Tools and materials are typically placed at the location before Shabbos (per local practice); communities may consider eruv details with their rabbi.
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Writing, phones, and photography: Avoid activities prohibited on Shabbos (writing checks, messaging, taking photos). If photos are important, plan a time before/after Shabbos.
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Payment & gratuities: Handle honoraria and payments before Shabbos or after Shabbos in a permitted manner.
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Timing: Many families choose late morning or a time that fits davening schedules and family flow.
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Aftercare: The mohel reviews aftercare instructions in person and many provide a simple reference (shared before Shabbos if needed). See What to Expect at a Bris for details.
Edge cases you may hear about
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Eighth day on Yom Tov: As with Shabbos, a standard eighth-day bris is held on Yom Tov; consult your rabbi for your case.
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Adult/convert circumcision: Not the eighth-day infant mitzvah—not on Shabbos.
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Hospital discharge timing: If discharge complicates the eighth-day schedule, your rabbi and mohel will advise on whether Shabbos is applicable or a weekday is required.
How to prepare if your eighth day is Shabbos
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Confirm the date with your rabbi/posek (count accurately; ask about your specific circumstances).
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Coordinate early with your mohel for timing and set-up.
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Decide the location (home or synagogue) that avoids Shabbos travel.
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Arrange logistics before Shabbos: seating, lighting, a safe space for the baby, refreshments if applicable.
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Handle payments before or after Shabbos as appropriate.
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Plan communication: share details with family before Shabbos so no texting/calling is needed.
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Review aftercare with the mohel; keep supplies ready and printed notes handy.
For a step-by-step walk-through, see What to Expect at a Bris.
Common Questions (Quick Answers)
Is a bris ever held on Saturday/Shabbos?
Yes—when it’s the eighth day and conditions are met. Postponed brissim are generally not on Shabbos.
What if the baby was born by C-section?
C-section timing can affect Shabbos scheduling. Ask your rabbi/mohel for your exact case.
What if the baby isn’t ready on day eight?
Health comes first. The bris is delayed and then scheduled on a weekday.
Can we take photos or pay the mohel on Shabbos?
We avoid those activities on Shabbos. Plan photos and payments before or after Shabbos.
When in the day is a Shabbos bris usually held?
Often late morning or a time that fits prayer/davening and family needs—set with your mohel.
Bottom line
A Shabbos bris is appropriate in the classic eighth-day scenario; otherwise, it’s typically moved to a weekday. The best path is simple: confirm the date with your rabbi, coordinate early with your mohel, and prepare logistics before Shabbos. For practical planning and checklists, see What to Expect, and What Is a Bris.