3. Appointing another Mohel:[1]

Once a Mohel has been asked by the father to perform a Bris Milah, it is forbidden for the father to go back on his word and ask somebody else to do so [and if he does so then he is considered wicked[2]].[3]

The second Mohel is more experienced and expertise:[4] In the event that one found a more experienced or more expertise Mohel, then one may even initially retract from his original appointment and appoint the more expertise Mohel. [This however may only be done at least one or two days before the circumcision and not in close proximity to the circumcision as doing so will shame and embarrass the original Mohel.[5]]

The second Mohel is more righteous or a greater friend:[6] In the event that one found a more righteous Mohel, or a Mohel who is a greater friend, then one may even initially retract from his original appointment and appoint the more righteous Mohel or a Mohel who is a greater friend, if one would have definitely appointed him initially if he was around at the time of the appointment of the original Mohel. [This however may only be done at least one or two days before the circumcision and not in close proximity to the circumcision as doing so will shame and embarrass the original Mohel.[7]]

May the second Mohel do so if asked:[8] If the father transgresses and retracts from the appointment and asks another Mohel to do so, then it is permitted for the second Mohel to do so.

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[1] Rama Y.D. 264:1; See Pesakim Uteshuvos 264:7-8

If the original Mohel could not make it and then showed up: See Rama ibid; Pesakim Uteshuvos 264:8

[2] Shach 264:6; Taz 264:5

[3] The reason: Once a Mohel has been appointed, it is forbidden for one to retract disappointment being that doing so is considered lying. [Taz 264:5; Shach 264:7; Beis Yosef]

[4] Taz 264:5 ; See however Migdal Oz Nachal Gimel

[5] Chasam Sofer Y.D. 246

[6] Taz 264:5

[7] Chasam Sofer Y.D. 246

[8] Rama ibid