The Bris ceremony is a special occasion accompanied by much happiness and rejoicing. The ceremony usually occurs at home, in a synagogue, or at a catering hall. Several honors are to be conferred during the ceremony, traditionally bestowed upon the relatives and close friends of the baby’s family. A brief description of the ritual follows: A couple enters with the baby, and the baby is placed on a chair designated as the Chair of Elijah. The baby is then placed upon the lap of the Sandak (often a grandfather), who holds the baby during the circumcision procedure. After the appropriate blessing is recited, the circumcision is performed by the Mohel. Immediately following the Bris, another blessing is said over a cup of wine, and the baby receives his official Hebrew name, which he will proudly carry throughout his life. The newborn child is often named after departed relatives, a symbolic source of continued energy for those no longer with us. The ceremony ends with the resounding wish of “Mazal Tov!” followed by serving refreshments or a light meal.