568. How a Bris is Performed

Milah 2:1

A bris may be performed by any Jew, including a man who is not himself circumcised, a slave, a woman, and a minor, if no adult male is present. A non-Jew may not perform a circumcision; if he does, the child must be re-circumcised. Any tool may be used for the bris, including a flint, glass, or anything that cuts. One may not use the sharp side of a reed because it presents a danger. The best way of performing the mitzvah is with a utensil of iron, either scissors or a knife. The accepted practice within the Jewish community is to use a knife.

Milah 2:2

The bris is performed as follows: the foreskin that covers the tip of the penis is removed so that the entire tip is revealed. Then, the soft membrane under the skin is split with the nails and peeled back to the sides so that the flesh of the tip is revealed. Finally, suction is used on the place of the circumcision until all the blood is removed, in order to prevent a hazardous condition. A mohel who does not perform suction should be removed from the position. After the suction, a bandage or a compress is applied to the wound.