Jewish rituals and beliefs are expressed through laws and customs which mark several important moments in life. Children in particular, are welcomed to the Jewish community with a special naming ceremony. Boys are named on the 8th day at their brit milah or circumcision, performed by a mohel who is trained in the ritual and surgical aspects of the procedure. A Mohel's carrying case often contains various tools including bris knives, a circumcision shield, a silver flask, a tray, a container, and cups.
The fact that all Jewish males were circumcised made it very difficult for men and male children to be hidden from the Nazis during the Holocaust, since at that time circumcision was not prevalent among non-Jews.