Hatafat Dam Brit

Question

If a toddler receives a hatafat dam brit – is it done with his prior knowledge and consent? Or, just casually worked in when he is unaware? Like when he is getting changed?
So if the child is around 3 or 4 – he may be treated with more dignity and respect and not like an infant. Or, could depend on the parents preference how they would like to arrange it. They may choose to go about it in a,more subtle manner so not to upset or worry about it.

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    If the child is too young to understand what is being done to him, I do not think that the “toddler” needs to be made aware that they are having a Hatafat Dam Brit. However, as there are different approaches to Hatafat Dam Brit, I think that the simplest thing to do is to ask the person who is performing the Hatafah what he feels is the best thing to do.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team