ב"ה
Practical Info
On which dates and during which prayers is the blessing administered?
A blessing must be conferred with a joyful heart, hence the prevailing custom in the Diaspora to relegate the Birkat Kohanim to the major holidays.
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How the priests prepare themselves for the blessing
Washing the kohanim’s hands, the removal of shoes, and the pre-blessing prayer.
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A step-by-step guide leading the priest through the blessing
The fingers are positioned in a manner which leaves five “windows” through which G‑d’s blessings flow to the congregation . . .
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What does the congregation do during the blessing?
The congregation should face the Kohanim as they are being blessed—it isn’t respectful to turn one’s back (or side) to a blessing—but should not gaze at them.
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What does the priest think during the blessing? Does a child priest join the blessing? And more . . .
A crucial prerequisite to Birkat Kohanim is mutual love and respect between the kohanim and the congregation . . .
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Remembering the priestly blessing in our everyday communal prayers
What if no kohen is present? And what about those prayers when the Priestly Blessing is not administered?
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Audio | 5:48
One of the traditional melodies for the priestly blessing
This wonderful, inspiring tune for Birkat Kohanim originates with the famed “kapelye” (musical group) of the second Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Dovber.
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