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The oldest-known blessing in Judaism is the Birkat Kohanim (or "Yevarechecha") found in this week's parsha. In just 15 beautiful words, lovingly bestowed by the Kohanim, Hashem transmits His most precious gifts to the Jewish people.
Abarbanel comments that each clause of the three-part bracha focuses primarily on a different segment of the population. The first clause ("Y'varechecha Hashem v'yishm'recha") speaks to the masses, the working class, and promises them both prosperity and security. The second clause ("Ya'er Hashem panav elecha viy'chuneka") is addressed to the scholars, who are told they will achieve brilliance and a refined, enviable character. The third clause ("Yisa Hashem panav elecha v'yasem l'cha Shalom") centers on the soldiers of Israel, who will be granted protection by Hashem as they battle our enemies and will ultimately be successful in their attempts to bring peace to 'Am Yisrael.
This last clause bears some elucidation. What does it mean that Hashem will "lift His face to you"? What is the link between that metaphor and peace?
I heard a stirring explanation on this from Rabbi Meir Kahane z"l. He explained that a human being is given a certain code of proper behavior in this world. When he fails to act in accordance with his responsibilities, he is ashamed and embarrassed. Feeling "down" because he has not lived up to his potential, he hangs his head and avoids eye contact. An inner feeling of guilt prevents him from looking others in the eye and "facing up" to his actions. He does not even want to look at Hashem, nor does Hashem wish to see him in his degradation.
However, when we do conduct ourselves as proud, performing Jews, we have no reason to be ashamed! We walk with head held high. Moreover, we elicit that same posture from Hashem, who eagerly "lifts up His face" to meet the gaze of a beloved son of Israel coming towards Him.
Conducting ourselves with confidence, assurance and pride sends an unmistakable message that our cause is just and holy. A soldier - or any Jew - who is unsure of himself and doubts his cause will ultimately be defeated. Yet, the soldier who knows he fights for right and good - as the over-whelming majority of our soldiers do - will win the day and bring lasting peace to Israel and all the Jewish People.
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Rabbi Weiss is Director of the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra?anana.
Abarbanel comments that each clause of the three-part bracha focuses primarily on a different segment of the population. The first clause ("Y'varechecha Hashem v'yishm'recha") speaks to the masses, the working class, and promises them both prosperity and security. The second clause ("Ya'er Hashem panav elecha viy'chuneka") is addressed to the scholars, who are told they will achieve brilliance and a refined, enviable character. The third clause ("Yisa Hashem panav elecha v'yasem l'cha Shalom") centers on the soldiers of Israel, who will be granted protection by Hashem as they battle our enemies and will ultimately be successful in their attempts to bring peace to 'Am Yisrael.
This last clause bears some elucidation. What does it mean that Hashem will "lift His face to you"? What is the link between that metaphor and peace?
I heard a stirring explanation on this from Rabbi Meir Kahane z"l. He explained that a human being is given a certain code of proper behavior in this world. When he fails to act in accordance with his responsibilities, he is ashamed and embarrassed. Feeling "down" because he has not lived up to his potential, he hangs his head and avoids eye contact. An inner feeling of guilt prevents him from looking others in the eye and "facing up" to his actions. He does not even want to look at Hashem, nor does Hashem wish to see him in his degradation.
However, when we do conduct ourselves as proud, performing Jews, we have no reason to be ashamed! We walk with head held high. Moreover, we elicit that same posture from Hashem, who eagerly "lifts up His face" to meet the gaze of a beloved son of Israel coming towards Him.
Conducting ourselves with confidence, assurance and pride sends an unmistakable message that our cause is just and holy. A soldier - or any Jew - who is unsure of himself and doubts his cause will ultimately be defeated. Yet, the soldier who knows he fights for right and good - as the over-whelming majority of our soldiers do - will win the day and bring lasting peace to Israel and all the Jewish People.
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Rabbi Weiss is Director of the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra?anana.
