Description

The Aaronic Blessing // Birkat Kohanim

Initially commanded by God for the Kohanim (priests, descendants of Aaron), in the time of the Temple, the Aaronic Blessing was performed twice daily, after the morning offering and the afternoon offering. Today, at least in Israel, it is performed daily in Synagogue prayers. When parents bless their children every Friday night during Shabbat, they also use this blessing.

Rabbi Chaim David Azulai wrote that one should use the Birkat Kohanim instead of traditional farewells, such as “goodbye.” Why? Virtually every other blessing found in the Bible is conditional. This blessing, by contrast, comes with the guarantee that if one will pronounce it over someone, then God himself will bless them.

The blessing is structured in three parts and phrased in the singular form in the “Three-in-One”; blessing to emphasize its application rather than being a general benediction over a crowd of people. This format allows for a more intimate connection between the one receiving the blessing and the divine source of the blessing. The three-part structure may symbolize different aspects or layers of grace, completeness, and divine attributes. By phrasing it in the singular, the blessing conveys a direct and individualized expression of divine favor and love toward the recipient. The imagery of a parent joyfully lifting up their beloved child further emphasizes the intimate and personal nature of the blessing, portraying God’s loving grace and satisfaction in extending compassion toward the individual. The repetitive construction of God symbolically lifting up His face reflects the notion that divine justice has been met and that overflowing compassion and grace are extended toward the individual being blessed.

The preparatory blessing & “bless His people Israel with love” holds deep meaning and significance within Jewish tradition. This blessing, recited by the kohen before blessing the people, is a call to action rooted in the love that the LORD has for His people. By invoking this phrase, the kohen symbolically aims to embody God’s love and kindness towards the community.

The term “with love” underscores the essential nature of expressing love and compassion when bestowing blessings upon others. It serves as a reminder that the act of blessing should be infused with genuine care and goodwill towards those receiving the blessing. This intention is further emphasized by the importance placed on the kavanah, or intention, of the one offering the blessing.

The commandment to bless the people with love; is drawn from the Scriptures themselves, indicating that this practice is deeply rooted in religious teachings. The meticulous interpretation of the word "say" in the preceding verse highlights the significance of offering blessings wholeheartedly and sincerely, rather than with mere formality or indifference. The desire for both the giver and receiver to genuinely engage in the blessing ritual is seen as essential for the blessing to be effective and meaningful.

Furthermore, the physical gesture of the priest lifting his hands during the recitation of the blessing serves as a symbolic act of ordination, signifying the sacred nature of the blessing ritual. This gesture, known as semikhah; is considered by sages as an integral part of invoking blessings and represents a connection between the human intermediary and divine blessings.

In essence, the preparatory blessing; to bless His people Israel with love; entails the verbal expression of good wishes and a profound demonstration of love, sincerity, and intentionality in conveying God’s blessings to the community.

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