Mordechai Mozes: “I do a lot of re-do’s and corrections on children that are referred to me from around the world.” (Courtesy Mordechai Mozes)
Mordechai Mozes
Foreskin count: Plenty, baruch Hashem. Among the most in the world. I have been doing circumcision continuously for 44 years. Five of my sons are also mohels.
Market niche: In the mornings, I’m usually doing brises in my hometown — Lakewood, N.J. We have over 8,000 rabbinical families, and many are blessed with large families. We have 50 mohelim here, but I’m the most experienced and the busiest. I also cover the tristate area.
What you do with the foreskins: I bury them.
Specialty: Difficult cases. I do a lot of re-do’s and corrections on children that are referred to me from around the world. Most of the cases, they didn’t take enough off. Medically it’s good enough, but halachically it’s not.
Most memorable bris: A bris was supposed to be on a Tuesday in Cincinnati, but the local mohalim said, “You can’t do it yet. It’s too small. You will have to wait till it grows out.” They called in a pediatric urologist, who also agreed that they should wait. Their rabbi then said they should contact me. They emailed pictures. I don’t have Internet, so I had them sent to a friend. I spoke to the pediatric urologist and told him it looks doable. I flew out to Cincinnati on the eighth day and did the bris with the doctors observing. After I cut the foreskin, I pulled it out and stitched it up, and it stayed out. People who aren’t mohalim would find it difficult to understand what makes a certain case a hard case. I specialize in brises. I do one thing, and I do it well.
On adult brises: The adults are easier. They behave. I give a local anesthetic so that during the bris he doesn’t feel a thing.
What you do when you’re not circumcising: Bris milah keeps me busy for at least 40 hours a week. I also study Torah.
Website: I don’t have Internet, I don’t have text. If you want me, call me on my cellphone: (732) 367-3544.
Looking for a mohel in your area? Check out Kveller’s national Mohel Directory.
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