A touching tribute to Cantor Phil Sherman — mentor, mohel, and protector of Jewish tradition — whose legacy now lives on through his family, students, and every Brit Milah performed in his honor.
When I first met Cantor Phil Sherman, famously known as New York’s “mohel to the stars,” I had no idea I was about to gain both a mentor and a lifelong friend.
For Phil, performing five Brit Milah ceremonies in one day across Manhattan, New Jersey, and Long Island was routine. For me, shadowing him that day was life-changing. I was awed not only by his precision and skill but also by his warmth — his ability to weave tradition, humor, and comfort into a moment filled with nervous energy.
Over the years, our friendship blossomed into mentorship. Despite living on different continents, Phil was always available — by phone, by message, or with a quick joke — ready to guide me as I built my own career as a mohel.
When Phil confided in me about his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, I was shocked. True to form, he kept it private, never wanting his personal suffering to burden others. Even as treatments took their toll, families continued to seek him out, unaware of his struggle — because Phil was the best, and everyone knew it.
His absence is still felt deeply. I often catch myself reaching for the phone to call him, only to remember he’s no longer there.
Recently, I was asked to perform the Brit Milah of Phil’s grandson in Tel Aviv. The moment became even more profound when his son handed me Phil’s own Brit Milah kit, placing the tools of the trade — and the weight of his legacy — into my hands.
Phil’s daughter and son-in-law named their baby Liam, in his memory. With the Hebrew letter Aleph, Liam means “resolute protector” — a perfect tribute to a man who spent his life protecting Jewish tradition, leading communities in song, and ensuring the sacred mitzvah of Brit Milah was passed down faithfully.
Phil once told me about his very first Brit Milah, performed during a blizzard, trekking through the snow just to make sure the baby’s covenant would not be delayed. That story, like his life, reminds me why I continue this sacred work.
Every time I take Phil’s tools in hand, I carry forward not just his craft, but his spirit — a legacy of dedication, humor, resilience, and love for the Jewish people.
