Vach Nacht

A vach nacht (וואך-נאכט, or vakhnakht, lit. watch night) is the night before the bris milah of a male Jewish child, when he is in need of added protection. A standard "vach nacht" custom, practised by many Ashkenazi Jews, is to have children come and recite the Shema and other verses near the baby. In chasidic communities a celebratory meal is held. In many Sephardic communities, the corresponding ceremony is called 'Brit Yitzchak.