Dear Dr. Kogen,

Thank you for the warm and moving bris you performed last week on our newest grandson, Dylan. It was so personal, inclusive and informative, and your warm, fun-loving personality made everyone feel relaxed and comfortable at a particularly anxious time. Your respect for the differences in religions and cultures, your reassurance to Dylan's other grandparents that you would prompt them every step of the way, and the very complete advance instructions on your website gave us all great comfort and made everyone feel much more at ease.

Every other bris we've attended has consisted of a few prayers in Hebrew, the circumcision and a "Mazel Tov!" That's it. Your invitation to write a poem or a letter to the child, and to mention those family members who were unable to attend or who could only be with us in spirit was very moving. Your suggestion of adding personal items, in our case, the family Tallis, my mother's kiddush cup and candlesticks, the tiny yarmulke my mother had crocheted, and photos of Dylan's great-grandfather and his great-great uncle for whom he is named, made the ceremony especially meaningful.

Most of the guests were not Jewish, yet you made them a part of the ceremony and obviously adapted it so everyone felt included. Your professionalism coupled with your sense of humor set the tone of a respectful, yet joyful and lighthearted occasion, while every other bris we've ever attended has been a heavy, somber affair.

Lastly, but most importantly, your tender care and concern for Dylan was most appreciated. The infant Tylenol, the topical anesthetic -- not to mention the wine -- relaxed the baby so that he barely cried at all. And while I did not watch, my husband and others remarked at how skillful you were and what a good job you did. We all appreciated your follow-up calls and how much you obviously enjoy what you do. I never imagined we'd be raving to our family and friends about what a wonderful bris Dylan had, but we are!!

On behalf of our entire family, our thanks and admiration for a warm and dignified celebration.

Best wishes,
Sue Goldberg

March, 2006

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