mohel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Religious, Technical
Quick answer
What does “mohel” mean?
A Jewish person trained to perform the ritual circumcision of an 8-day-old Jewish male infant, as mandated by Jewish law.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Jewish person trained to perform the ritual circumcision of an 8-day-old Jewish male infant, as mandated by Jewish law.
The role is not merely medical but religious and ceremonial, requiring specific rabbinic training and authorization (Kabbalah). In some communities, a mohel may also perform circumcisions on adult male converts to Judaism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical religious and cultural connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to Jewish religious and cultural contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mohel” in a Sentence
The mohel circumcised the baby.They hired a mohel for the bris.The mohel is certified by the rabbinate.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in texts on religious studies, Jewish law, anthropology, and medical ethics.
Everyday
Used within Jewish communities when discussing the arrangements for a bris (circumcision ceremony).
Technical
Used in religious law (Halakha) and in discussions of Jewish ceremonial practice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mohel”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mohel”
- Mispronouncing as /moʊˈhɛl/ or /ˈmoʊ.əl/.
- Using it to refer to any medical professional performing circumcision.
- Spelling as 'mohele' or 'moyal'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. While many modern mohelim (plural) are also medically trained (e.g., as doctors or nurses), the essential qualification is rabbinic certification in Jewish law and the specific ritual technique.
According to traditional Jewish law (Halakha), the mohel must be a Jewish male. In non-Orthodox movements like Reform and Conservative Judaism, women can be trained and certified as mohelim.
A mohel performs a religious commandment (mitzvah) with specific ritual requirements and blessings. A urologist performs a surgical procedure. The mohel's act is primarily religious; the doctor's is medical.
For Jewish infant boys, the circumcision (brit milah) is performed on the eighth day after birth, health permitting. A mohel is also required for the circumcision of adult male converts to Judaism.
A Jewish person trained to perform the ritual circumcision of an 8-day-old Jewish male infant, as mandated by Jewish law.
Mohel is usually formal, religious, technical in register.
Mohel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɔɪ.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɔɪ.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MOhel' performs the ritual 'On the eighth day' — both have an 'O' sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRIDGE TO COVENANT: The mohel is conceptualized as a facilitator of the sacred covenant between God and the Jewish people.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary role of a mohel?