About the mohel
Rabbi Shmuel Gavriel Gluck is one of the longest established qualified mohelim (the plural of mohel – a circumciser) in the London area. Several decades ago whilst still single he chose to continue in his family’s tradition to become a trained mohel and embarked on a career that has seen him perform hundreds of brisos (plural of bris – a circumcision)
He began his training at Bearsted Memorial Hospital which stood on the site where currently the Schonfeld Square Old age home is located. At the Bearsted he apprenticed under the supervision of the legendary Mr Godol Halpern and two doctors Dr Bernard Homa, and Dr Leonard Snowman whose father had been doctor to the present Prince of Wales.
Traditionally, the parents of a Jewish child engage a mohel to perform the Bris. A mohel is especially trained in the medical and surgical techniques of circumcision as well as being an expert in the Jewish laws pertaining to Bris Milah. A doctor’s medical circumcision usually performs in a hospital on the second or third day after birth and does not fulfil the requirements of bris and as a result the bris is not considered valid according to the Jewish law. The Bris Milah must be performed by a Jewish person who understands, upholds and practices the tenets of the Jewish religion and is a trained to fulfil the duties of a mohel.
Rabbi Gluck is one the youngest mohelim to be certified by the Initiation Society the professional body that oversees brisos under the aegis of the London Beth Din (religious supervising court). The society was founded 250 years ago and continues to ensure that the highest medical and religious standards are practiced. Today Mr.Gluck performs brisos on the children and even grandchildren of boys he circumcised many years ago. He has earned popular acclaim the world over for his unique blend of valuable expertise and experience alongside a warm and caring demeanour.
Rabbi Gluck’s services have been called upon in Russia, Germany, Sweden Ireland, Israel,the USA, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland and others.
