Tachanun at a Bris

Why is Tachanun not recited when a Bris will take place?

Shalom! 

Thank you for your question. 

Tachanun is not recited when a brit will be taking place after Shacharit. This is true even if none of the ba’alei simcha, the primary participants in the brit, (the Mohel, the father of the child an the Sandak) are present while Shacharit is taking place. Similarly, Tachanun is not recited when any of the ba’alei simcha of a brit that will soon take place are present during services, even if the brit will be taking place somewhere else.

Tachanun is omitted in the presence of the father of a child who is about to have a brit, even if the father will not be participating in the ceremony, such as if the father is in jail or stranded in another city. 

The reason that Tachanun is omitted in such situations is to show honor for the sacred mitzva that is about to take place. It also serves to honor Eliyahu Hanavi, who is said to be present at every brit. The great simcha that a brit generates warrants the omission of Tachanun, as well. Even on fast days, Tachanun is omitted in such situations. Selichot, however, are recited as normal. 

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