As a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist and a committed reform Jew I was looking for a way that I could uniquely contribute to my community. After hearing of the difficulty many of my Jewish patients experienced trying to find a mohel, the answer became clear to me: I already knew how to do circumcisions so now I would seek to learn the religious ritual involved in performing the brit milah ceremony.
This was when I encountered Rabbi Gary. After several telephone discussions with him about what becoming a mohel involved, both logistically and spiritually, I entered into training with him. Over the course of several months he led me through a large variety of important and interesting readings. We discussed these readings intermittently by phone. Then when Rabbi Gary thought I was sufficiently well-versed in the religious background of the brit milah, I spent two days working with him in person both to hone my understanding and to develop a practical, meaningful brit milah service for myself.
Rabbi Gary is a superb teacher. I found working with him like writing a thesis for a committed advisor who was very much on my side. Since my training with Rabbi Gary I have performed hundreds of brises in the Boston area. Not only have I achieved a feeling of immense satisfaction by performing these ceremonies, but I hope I have been of service to the couples who have wanted to participate in this vital and beautiful Jewish ritual.
I very highly recommend Rabbi Gary as a guide and teacher for anyone wishing to become a mohel. I found working with him meaningful and enjoyable. And I felt very prepared when it came time to perform my first brit milah ceremony.
Henry Lerner, MD
Newton, MA