Parshat Naso contains a mitzvah that demonstrates and symbolizes a qualitative difference between Jewish life in Eretz Yisrael and in Galut. And, surprisingly, the mitzvah is not one that depends upon the Land.
Kohanim are commanded to bless the people with the three-fold Priestly Blessing. The requirement is to bless the people daily. Blessing the people more than once a day is an optional mitzvah. Kohanim in Jerusalem and many other parts of Israel bless the people almost 450 times a year. And the people receive that blessing the same number of times.
In contrast, most Jewish communities outside of Eretz Israel fulfill this mitzvah only 13 times a year - less than 3% of the number of times in Israel.
Perhaps more significant than the numbers is the reason: In Chutz La-Aretz, Birkat Kohanim is only recited on Festival days.
Different sources use different terms, but the idea they wish to express is the same. In order for the blessing to flow smoothly, the Kohanim reciting the beracha must be in a positive and comfortable frame of mind. Feelings of joy and love for all Jews are considered almost like prerequisites for Birkat Kohanim. Because of the difficulties and tentativeness of Jewish life in exile, it was felt that the proper mood could only be attained with the help of the Yom Tov spirit.
Simply put, even with all its present-day imperfections and problems, there is a quality of Jewish life attainable in Eretz Israel that cannot be felt anywhere else in the world.
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Phil Chernofsky is Educational Director of the The Seymour J. Abrams Orthodox Union Jerusalem World Center and editor of the popular Torah Tidbits.
Kohanim are commanded to bless the people with the three-fold Priestly Blessing. The requirement is to bless the people daily. Blessing the people more than once a day is an optional mitzvah. Kohanim in Jerusalem and many other parts of Israel bless the people almost 450 times a year. And the people receive that blessing the same number of times.
In contrast, most Jewish communities outside of Eretz Israel fulfill this mitzvah only 13 times a year - less than 3% of the number of times in Israel.
Perhaps more significant than the numbers is the reason: In Chutz La-Aretz, Birkat Kohanim is only recited on Festival days.
Different sources use different terms, but the idea they wish to express is the same. In order for the blessing to flow smoothly, the Kohanim reciting the beracha must be in a positive and comfortable frame of mind. Feelings of joy and love for all Jews are considered almost like prerequisites for Birkat Kohanim. Because of the difficulties and tentativeness of Jewish life in exile, it was felt that the proper mood could only be attained with the help of the Yom Tov spirit.
Simply put, even with all its present-day imperfections and problems, there is a quality of Jewish life attainable in Eretz Israel that cannot be felt anywhere else in the world.
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Phil Chernofsky is Educational Director of the The Seymour J. Abrams Orthodox Union Jerusalem World Center and editor of the popular Torah Tidbits.