The Short Vort by Rabbi Eisenman

When the mother of the new baby boy asked if I would say a few words at the upcoming Bris of her baby, I was overjoyed. I knew the baby's mother for many years, even before I became the rabbi of The Ahavas; this was indeed a cause for Simcha.

I felt a personal connection as a friend and was relieved I could come as such and not as the rabbi. I was not expecting any Kibud; if time permitted, I would offer Divrei Brocha.

I arrived at the appointed location, as the Bris was taking place in a Simcha hall and not in Shul following Shacharis.

The moment I walked in, I was welcomed with open arms and a warm embrace by my good friend, the noted Mohel and author Rabbi Paysach Krohn.

In his effusive and enthusiastic unique style, Rabbi Krohn welcomed me and made all who arrived feel comfortable and at home.

As we were about to begin, Rabbi Krohn noticed that many of the assembled were unfamiliar with the Minhagim and procedures of the special event. He proceeded to quickly put everyone at ease and feel comfortable. He explained some aspects of the Bris and then related the following anecdote.

Rabbi Krohn said with a smile, "Once, while officiating, I was holding the book, "Bris Milah / Circumcision: The Covenant of Abraham - A compendium of laws, rituals, and customs."

Suddenly, the grandfather of the newborn screamed out to the rabbi. "Rabbi, what kind of Mohel is this? He needs to read a book about how to do the Bris?"

The rabbi looked at the grandfather and answered with a smile, "He doesn't have to read the book; he WROTE the book!"

That was the perfect "tension-breaker" as everyone laughed and was put at ease and in the proper frame of mind. The Bris began, and I took my place off to the side, comfortable to be a spectator like everyone else.

Rabbi Krohn and his Mitzvah-laden hands performed exceptionally quickly.  Soon the baby was being wrapped up, and the person was called to hold the baby for the naming.

Surprisingly, I heard Rabbi Krohn announce, "Rabbi Eisenman is honored with naming the baby!"

I was aroused from my status as an attendee. I was surprised as I was not expecting to participate in the Bris. I quickly assumed a rabbinical stance to fulfill my newly proclaimed position as the one who named the baby.

Rabbi Krohn handed me "his book," which contains the proper text for the naming. I proceeded to name the newborn who had just entered the Briso Shel Avrohom Avinu.

Rabbi Krohn then held the child and recited the Mishabeirach for the health of the child and the mother. As he has done so thousands of times, he was saying it by heart. As he pronounced the words, I began to wonder, how did it happen that I named the baby? After all, the mother had explicitly told me I would only be speaking. It then dawned on me what had most likely transpired.

Could it be that Rabbi Krohn had prevailed upon the Baalei Simcha to have me name the baby to avoid even the appearance of someone slighting the rabbi?

I didn't have to ponder the riddle too long. The proof was in the book. As I handed Rabbi Krohn back his book, it opened to the page on which all the Kibbudim are listed. Next to the line which stated: Krias Shem- naming the baby, was written the name Sam Goldberg, who was standing right near me. My facial expression must have communicated my shock at being called up. As I handed Rabbi Krohn the book, he winked.

"Even if you don't care, I care about your Kavod." And I thought he was there "just" to be the Mohel.