Entering the Covenant: Does Judaism have a tradition of Godparents?
Judaism does have a role that is sometimes referred to as “Godparents”, but this is not “Godparent” in the Christian sense. In America, Jews began picking up words used by non-jews, but gave them Jewish meanings. In Judaism, a person nowadays referred to as a “Godparent” actually has a different job. This person is really called the Sandek (Hebrew term), Ba’al berit milah (Hebrew term). Among some Sephardi communities it is customary for the Sandek (who holds the child during the brit) to buy the clothing, blankets and diapers for the baby. In all communities, to act as sandak is considered a great honor and as a meritorious religious act which, according to the kabbalists, has atoning qualities. Where a grandfather of the child is still alive, it is customary to bestow the honor of sandak upon him. There are also the kvaters (Yiddish), usually a married couple (but for sure two people) who brings the child to the circumcision and hands it over to the sandak. Another name for this latt
