Harvey S. Marchbein
MD, FACOG, FACS
Dr. Marchbein is a practicing, board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist licensed in the state of New York and is a Senior Attending at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. He is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FACOG) as well as the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Dr. Marchbein has been performing circumcisions since 1975. He is considered an expert in newborn circumcision and administration of local anesthesia and gives lectures on both surgical and anesthesia techniques. He completed the Brit Kodesh curriculum of the Rabbinical Assembly at The Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City for physician Mohalim in 2003. His Brit Milah practice encompasses the areas of Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk), the 5 boroughs of New York City and Westchester.
Dr. Marchbein is in agreement with the current American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation that newborn circumcision be performed with anesthesia. It is clear in Jewish law (halacha) accepted by Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Jews, that anesthesia is permitted and even recommended during a Brit Milah. It has been taught that Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach and Rav Yosef Shalom Eliashev are cited (Nishmat Avraham 5:84) as ruling that a Mohel is "obligated" to use anesthetics if it is medically sound to use them, even though it represents a departure from the "traditional procedure". As a licensed physician (and if desired by the parents), Dr. Marchbein is able to provide a full range of local anesthesia to safely make your baby as comfortable as possible.
Dr. Marchbein became interested in performing Brit Milah for several reasons. First was the very powerful experience of having his own son’s Brit. The wonder of this very special moment has stayed with him for many years. In addition, with his love of Judaism and Judaic studies, being a Mohel is a blissful blending of religious spirituality and medicine. "It is an amazing and truly awesome honor to perform the Brit."
Dr. Marchbein became interested in performing Brit Milah for several reasons. First was the very powerful experience of having his own son’s Brit. The wonder of this very special moment has stayed with him for many years. In addition, with his love of Judaism and Judaic studies, being a Mohel is a blissful blending of religious spirituality and medicine. "It is an amazing and truly awesome honor to perform the Brit."