we used Dr. Adesheck (sp?) from Baltimore (he travels down to DC at no extra charge). He was great and gave medical charge forms, which allowed us to file an insurance claim that paid for some of it and then used the rest of it for flexible spending because it was done by a Dr.

Hate Henesh. He is a rude, sullen money grabbing pig

We used Rabbi Rappaport (the son, not the father) in January, and were very happy with everything. He was very practiced and comfortable, but it didn't feel formulaic to me - he had performed my nephew's bris just a few months prior, and the ceremonies were definitely different in feel (though some of the readings were the same, by choice). Cost was $600. I didn't have the same experience as a PP - I felt like he directed the info more to me than to my husband. We are Conservative, for whatever that's worth.

Funny tidbit - my husband and I are converts, and the elder Rappaport did my husband's ritual circumcision.

Another vote for Henesch. He was very flexible. My sons bris fell on Memorial Day Monday. I found it humorus that Henesch and my Rabbi got in the phone together to figure out what time worked for both of them. My rabbi then called me to tell me what time the bris would be so I could let family and friends know.

DebZu wrote:13:56 The humming is apparently Rabbi Henesch's trademark for soothing the baby, along with the sugar water

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/29026/choice-cut

13:56 again - the humming really works. Calms them right down.

DebZu wrote:13:54 Thank you, I find your insight very helpful. We are conservative and while I understand this is the orthodox way, I don't think I will like that.

I am the PP who used Rabbi Rappaport. We are Orthodox but R. Rappaport seemed very comfortable talking to me and directed most of the information to me. I didnt attempt to shake his hand, but he was very friendly towards me and my mom.

We used dr Andrew engel and were more than thrilled. He performed a really lovely service, and his "work" is perfect. Our pediatrician recommended him saying he does the best work. He uses a topical numbing cream, not a shot.

13:56 The humming is apparently Rabbi Henesch's trademark for soothing the baby, along with the sugar water

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/29026/choice-cut

13:54 Thank you, I find your insight very helpful. We are conservative and while I understand this is the orthodox way, I don't think I will like that.

Anonymous wrote:We used Dr. April Rubin and she was great

We used her too. She was great. I can't remember exactly, but she cost around $600. She provides an itemized bill, which I sent to my insurance company (Aetna PPO) and they reimbursed me for the medical part and not the religious part, which is exactly what we expected. Mazel Tov!

Definitely go with Henesch. We used both him and Marmon, and I regret using Marmon. He left too much foreskin and stabbed my husband with the needle and then proceeded to inject my son with the same needle. He also gave my son way too much wine. Henesch is top notch, though a bit abrasive. He's worth putting up with because he will do it right.

Anonymous wrote:

DebZu wrote:Can someone tell me what the cost for the bris is approximately? I know I should ask the mohel but for some reason I feel a bit shy about it.

I think Rabbi Henesch charged about $700 a few years ago. I don't think he used anything but he did put sugar water on the pacifier and let the baby suck on a napkin with wine on it. The whole thing took about 10 seconds and my DS cried out once and then was fine.

Did he do the humming in the back of the head for yours too?

We used Henesch too and really liked him. I had seen him in action almost a dozen times prior to DS's bris and he was great. I think it was around that much.
Any Mohel will give you a fact sheet and all the information you need, including price.