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The menu:[1] Out of great joy for performing the Mitzvah, the father is to hold a festive meal with an abundance of food and delicacies.[2] One should wash on bread for this festive meal.[3] Some Poskim[4] rule that one should serve animal meat and wine during this meal. Other Poskim[5], however, rule that it suffices for one to serve poultry or fish, and some Poskim[6] rule that even serving dairy suffices. This especially applies if one cannot afford to serve meat or poultry.[7] [According to this latter opinion, many today are accustomed to serve fish and dairy, such as lox and cream cheese. This especially applies when the Bris is taking place in the early morning after the Shacharis prayers when people are not accustomed to eating a heavy meat meal.] However, one should not be stingy and serve only light refreshments, such as coffee and cake.[8] However, one who simply cannot afford it otherwise, may serve light refreshments.[9] [Practically, whoever can afford to do so should serve actual animal meat. One who cannot afford animal meat should serve poultry. One who cannot afford poultry should serve fish.[10] However, one should not serve only dairy, without serving fish, although some are Milameid Zechus on those who only serve dairy for the meal.[11]]
_________________________________[1] Shevach Habris 19:3; See Pesakim Uteshuvos 265:35
[2] See Chochmas Adam Y.D. 149:24; Bris Avos 13:1 in name of Apter Rav; Darkei Chaim Veshalom 932
[3] Chochmas Adam Y.D. 149:24; See Admur 325:6
[4] Admur 249 Kuntrus Achron 1; M”A 249:6; Machatzis Hashekel ibid; Shelah Miseches Shabbos in name of Maharash Lublin; Migdal Oz Nachal Tes; Os Bris 265:14; Darkei Chaim Veshalom 932 See Encyclopedia Talmudit Vol. 4 Erech Bris Mila p. 259 footnote 219
[5] Shelah ibid; Koreis Habris Y.D. 265:65; Zocheir Habris 25:7;
[6] See Shelah ibid; Chasam Sofer Y.D. 213; Maharam Shick Y.D. 266; Zecher Dovid Mamar Gimel 4; Os Bris 265:14; Zocher Habris 25:9; Aruch Hashulchan ibid [due to poverty]; Shevach Habris ibid footnote *7
[7] See Bris Avos 13:4 in name of Eretz Chaim [Sitvan] that in Tzefas they instituted to serve fish by the Mila and not meat being that meat was very expensive and they do not want to shame someone who cannot afford it
[8] Chochmas Adam ibid; Bris Avos 13:1 in name of Apter Rav; Darkei Chaim Veshalom 932
[9] Aruch Hashulchan 265:35
[10] Shevet Halevi 3:18
[11] See Shelah ibid; Chasam Sofer Y.D. 213; Maharam Shick Y.D. 266; Zecher Dovid Mamar Gimel 4; Os Bris 265:14; Zocher Habris 25:9; Aruch Hashulchan ibid [due to poverty]; Shevach Habris ibid footnote *7
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