The Priestly Blessing

"Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: This is how you shall bless the children of Israel… (Numbers 6:23)

The Hebrew term for the Priestly Blessing is "Birkat Kohanim." It is also known as "Nesi'at Kapayim," the "lifting of the hands," so named because of the Kohanim's uplifted hands, through which the divine blessings flow.

The Kohen's level of observance and piety are irrelevant. It is not he who is providing the blessing; he is merely serving as a conduit for G‑d's blessings. As G‑d promises (ibid. 27): "They shall bestow My Name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them."