B"H

Friday, Sivan 11, 5779 / June 14, 2019

This Shabbat, in the Diaspora, we will read Parshat Naso. It is the longest Parsha in the Torah.

In this Parsha, G-d commands the Kohanim (Priests) to bless the people of Israel. "May G-d bless you and keep you. May G-d make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.  May G-d lift up His countenance unto you and give you peace."

This blessing is called, "Birkat Kohanim" (priestly blessing). It is also called "Beracha Hamshuleshet" (three-fold blessing) because it contains three parts. It contains fifteen words. Even on days when the three-fold blessing is not recited by the Kohanim, it is still recited each day, during the repetition of the morning Amida service, by the one who leads the service.  

Q.Why does the blessing have three parts?  Why is it comprised of fifteen words?

A.This blessing was given to the Jewish people in the merit of our three patriarchs; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  This is why it is three-fold. 

The fifteen words in the three-fold blessing correspond to the fifteen years that all three; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived together. Jacob was 15 when his grandfather Abraham passed away.

Q.Why, when the Kohanim (priests) bless the congregation they raise up their hands under the talit pointing upwards, but leaving spaces between their fingers?

A. Our sages explain this custom as follows:  When the people of Israel heard that G-d commanded the Kohanim to bless them, they complained, "Why should we be blessed through an intermediary.  We want to be blessed directly from G-D!"  To this G-d replied, "I will be present when the Kohanim recite the blessings and I will bless you!" 

Pointing their hands upward and spacing their fingers apart is symbolic to the fact that it is not their blessing, but G-d's blessings coming through them.

Q. Why do the Kohanim cover their hands and face during their blessing?

A. It is prohibited to look at the Kohanim while they bless the people.  To make sure that no one looks at them during their blessing, they cover their hands and face beneath the Tallit.

In the Holy Temple when the Kohanim blessed the people, G-d’s glory ("Shechina") would rest upon them.  As a result the people were not allowed to look at their faces. It also implies that the blessings come from G-d, thus, the Kohen's face is hidden.

SHABBAT SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 8:26 / Shabbat ends: 9:43