DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 608 KB)
Birkat Kohanim – The Introductory Beracha; A Kohen Who Dislikes the Congregation

Before the Kohanim recite the Birkat Kohanim, they first recite the introductory Beracha: "Baruch Ata Hashem…Asher Kideshanu Bi’kdushato Shel Aharon Ve’sivanu Le’barech Et Amo Yisrael Be’ahaba." The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 128:11) writes that the Kohanim should all recite this Beracha together, in unison. One Kohen should not recite the Beracha on behalf of the others, and they should not recite it at different speeds; rather, they should all recite it together. It is customary for the Kohanim to begin the Beracha while their backs are still facing the congregation, and then turn around to face the congregation before reciting the words, "Le’barech Et Amo Yisrael…"

The Shulhan Aruch adds that since, as the conclusion of this Beracha ("Be’ahaba") indicates, Birkat Kohanim must be recited with feelings of love toward the congregation, a Kohen should not recite the blessing if he harbors feelings of animus toward the congregation. The Zohar comments if a Kohen dislikes the congregation, then reciting the Beracha may be detrimental for him. The same applies in the opposite case, if the congregation dislikes the Kohen. Therefore, a Kohen should recite Birkat Kohanim only if he is on generally good terms with the congregation; otherwise, he should leave the synagogue before the Hazan begins "Reseh."

Summary: The Kohanim must all recite the introductory Beracha to Birkat Kohanim in unison, and they turn around to face the congregation before reciting the words "Le’barech Et Emo Yisrael." If a Kohen dislikes the community, or the community dislikes a Kohen, he should not recite Birkat Kohanim.

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
Berachot When Having Coffee and Cake
The Beracha for Mashed Potatoes, Eddge, French Fries, Pringles, and Potato Chips
What Beracha is Required for Small Pieces of Bread if Hot Soup Was Poured on Them?
Leaving Bread on the Table for Birkat Ha’mazon
Does One Recite “Ha’mosi’ on Bread in Soup?
The Beracha Aharona Over Wine Produced in Israel
Eating Dessert After Birkat Ha’mazon on Shabbat to Add Berachot
If One Dropped the Piece of Food Immediately After Reciting the Beracha
Reciting Berachot if One is Drinking or Eating Small Amounts Throughout the Day
Does a Beracha Recited Over a Fruit Cover Another Fruit That is Considered Superior?
If One Recited a Beracha Over Food and Then More Food Was Served
Must One Recite a Beracha Over Wine Drunk During a Meal?
If One Mistakenly Recited a Beracha Over Food When Eating is Forbidden
Does the Beracha of “She’ha’kol” Recited Over Food Cover Beverages?
An Incorrect Beracha That Was Immediately Corrected
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found