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...
Pesah – The Time for Bedikat Hames
Pesah- The Procedure for Bedikat Hamez
Pesah – Must One Search for Hames in the Areas Containing the Hames That He Sells?
The Special Reading on the First Thirteen Days of Nissan
Pesah – Is it Permissible to Eat Egg Masa on Pesah
Passover- Ve'higadeta Le'bincha - Sitting Next To One's Father-Son During The Hagaddah
Must One Perform Bedikat Hametz if He Goes Away for Pesah?
Pesah – Reciting Me’en Sheba on Pesah Night When it Falls on Shabbat
The Reasons for the Custom of Ta'anit Bechorim
Passover- Avoiding The Problem of A Drop of Hametz In Kosher for Pesach Food
Shabbat Hagadol
Pesah – Selling Hametz in a Case Where One Spends Pesah in a Different Time Zone
Pesah – The Second of the Four Cups of Wine
Laws and Customs of Ereb Pesah
Kimha De’pischa – Donating Charity to the Poor Before Pesah
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found