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- Appointing another Sandek:[1]
Once an individual has been asked by the father to be the Sandek, it is forbidden for the father to go back on his word and ask somebody else to do so, just as we rule in regards to a Mohel.[2]
The second Sandek is more righteous or a greater friend:[3] In the event that one found a more righteous Sandek, or a Sandek who is a greater friend, then one may even initially retract from his original appointment and appoint the more righteous Sandek, or a Sandek 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 Sandek. [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 Sandek.[4]]
May the second Sandek do so if asked:[5] 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.
______________________________________________________[1] Darkei Moshe 264:4; Beis Yosef 264; See regarding a Mohel: Rama Y.D. 264:1; Pesakim Uteshuvos 264:7-8
[2] The reason: Once a Sandek has been appointed, it is forbidden for one to retract disappointment being that doing so is considered lying. [See Taz 264:5; Shach 264:7; Beis Yosef]
[3] Taz 264:5
[4] Chasam Sofer Y.D. 246
[5] Rama ibid
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