One of the most ancient, and certainly one of the most beautiful, prayers in the Jewish liturgy is the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing), the "Y'varech'cha" that highlights our sedra. (Incidentally, this prayer/blessing is part of the Dead Sea Scrolls.)
In just 15 words, Hashem - via the Kohanim - promises us knowledge, wealth, security, peace and an eternal relationship with Him.
What more could anyone ask for?
Several technical details of the way the Kohanim deliver this b'racha add an even deeper message:
* The Kohanim must face the people as they deliver the blessing, though this means that they have to turn their backs on the Aron (ark) and the sefer Torah.
This teaches us that if you want to really communicate with another person, if you want to relate to them in a dignified manner, then face them and focus on them (not via cellphone!).
* When delivering the b'racha, the Kohain lifts his arms towards the people, opening his hands and fingers.
This symbolizes that he (and of course, Hashem) embraces the nation with open arms, and hands open to give to all. The open-hand gesture - like the handshake or wave that shows we carry no weapon - symbolizes openness and friendship, as opposed to the clenched fist, which is a sign of selfishness and enmity.
* This mitzvah stands alone as having a b'racha that commands the Kohanim to pronounce their blessing "with love." In fact, the very last word of the b'racha is "ahava" (love).
This teaches us that a blessing is no blessing unless it is given in love, and that a mitzvah is not a mitzvah unless it is performed with love. The word "ahava" derives from the word hav, to give, and has the numerical value of 13, the same as echad - one.
In essence, loving is giving, and the end result of showing love is that we will establish a oneness, a commonality, a unity with those to whom we show love.
The Kohanim were the former leaders of our people. The lessons of the Birkat Kohanim should not be lost on any person who today aspires to lead Am Yisrael: Focus on others, welcome them with open arms, and let all your actions generate from a genuine love of your fellow Jew.
In just 15 words, Hashem - via the Kohanim - promises us knowledge, wealth, security, peace and an eternal relationship with Him.
What more could anyone ask for?
Several technical details of the way the Kohanim deliver this b'racha add an even deeper message:
* The Kohanim must face the people as they deliver the blessing, though this means that they have to turn their backs on the Aron (ark) and the sefer Torah.
This teaches us that if you want to really communicate with another person, if you want to relate to them in a dignified manner, then face them and focus on them (not via cellphone!).
* When delivering the b'racha, the Kohain lifts his arms towards the people, opening his hands and fingers.
This symbolizes that he (and of course, Hashem) embraces the nation with open arms, and hands open to give to all. The open-hand gesture - like the handshake or wave that shows we carry no weapon - symbolizes openness and friendship, as opposed to the clenched fist, which is a sign of selfishness and enmity.
* This mitzvah stands alone as having a b'racha that commands the Kohanim to pronounce their blessing "with love." In fact, the very last word of the b'racha is "ahava" (love).
This teaches us that a blessing is no blessing unless it is given in love, and that a mitzvah is not a mitzvah unless it is performed with love. The word "ahava" derives from the word hav, to give, and has the numerical value of 13, the same as echad - one.
In essence, loving is giving, and the end result of showing love is that we will establish a oneness, a commonality, a unity with those to whom we show love.
The Kohanim were the former leaders of our people. The lessons of the Birkat Kohanim should not be lost on any person who today aspires to lead Am Yisrael: Focus on others, welcome them with open arms, and let all your actions generate from a genuine love of your fellow Jew.