The Honorees
Kvatterin (Godmother)
Carries baby from the mother to place of the Brit, and after the Brit, back to mother. This is the one formal honor bestowed upon a woman at a Brit. Often, the Kvatterin and Kvatter are a couple seeking to have a child, as this honor is deemed propitious for this purpose.
In some communities, the baby is passed from woman to woman, each bringing him closer to the place of the Brit.
Kvatter (Godfather)
Carries baby from Kvatterin to the location of the Brit and, after the Brit, back to the Kvatterin.
In some communities the baby is passed from man to man, each bringing the baby closer to the bris area.
For purposes of modesty, the Kavatter and Kvatterin should close relatives. I.e. husband and wife, or brother and sisiter.
Onto the Chair of Elijah
Places the baby on the chair designated as the chair of Elijah.
Some place great emphasis on this honor.
From the Chair of Elijah
Takes the baby from the Throne of Elijah and gives him to father who places him on the Sandak’s lap.
Sandak
Holds baby during Brit Milah. This is the highest honor at a Brit. The Sandak is equated to a Kohen burning incense offering in the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple).
According to Jewish mysticism, the Sandak is the channel through which the Jewish soul enters the child during the Brit Milah. He is there to protect the child from negative forces and stimulate the child's positive energy. The child receives his good character traits from the Sandak, and if the Sandak is righteous, he can help draw down a holy soul for the child. Therefore, many single out the Rabbi or a Grandfather for this honor.
From the Sandak's Lap
Takes the baby from Sandak at conclusion of the circumcision and gives him to the Standing Sandak.
Standing Sandak
Holds the baby while blessings and prayer are recited, during which the baby is given his Jewish name.
Arizal (1534-1572, one of the most celebrated Kabbalists of all times) considered this an important honor.
Reader of the Blessings
Recites the two blessings said following the Brit Milah.
This honor is often bestowed on a Rabbi, Mohel or Sandak.
Announcer of the name
Recites the prayer during which the baby is given his Jewish name.
This honor is often bestowed on a Rabbi, Mohel or Sandak. This honor is often combined with that of the blessings.
Priestly Blessing (optional)
If there is a Kohen present, it is customary to honor one or multiple Kohanim to bless the child with the Priestly Blessing.
Birchat Hamazon
Following the festive meal this honoree recites the invitation to the Grace after meal and the additional 6 Harachamon prayers said specially in honor of the Brit occasion.
In some communities the Mohel is accorded this honor. In others, a different person is honored to recites each Harachamon prayer.
Summary
The mother gives the child to the Kvatterin, who passes him to the Kvatter, who then passes him to the person who will place him on the Chair of Elijah. He is then taken from the chair and given to the father, who places the child in the lap of the Sandak. The Mohel then performs the Brit. Afterwards, the child is taken from the Sandak’s lap and given to the Standing Sandak, the blessings are recited, and the name is given. The child is then [blessed by the Kohen and] returned to the mother through the Kvatter and Kvatterin.
For a Printable blank list of honorees click here