B"H
Thursday, Sivan 12, 5786 / May 28, 2026
This Shabbat (in Diaspora) we will read Parshat Naso, which is the longest Parsha in the Torah.
In the Parsha G-d commands the Kohanim (Priests) to bless the people of Israel with a "three-fold" blessing: "May the L-rd bless you and keep you. May the L-rd make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the L-rd lift up His countenance unto you and give you peace."
This blessing is called, "Birkat Kohanim" (priestly blessing). It is also called "B’racha Hamshuleshet" (three-fold blessing) because it contains three parts. 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 Amidah service, by the cantor, who leads the service. The blessing contains fifteen words.
Q. What’s the significance that the blessing has 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 Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were together. Jacob was 15 years old 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.
Q. Why is it prohibited to look at the Kohanim when they perform the Birkat Kohanim?
A. 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. Another reason is to imply that the blessings come from G-d not the Kohen. Thus, the Kohen's face is hidden, for they are only the intermediary and not the source of the blessings.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY