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...
Does One Recite Birkat Ha’gomel While in Transit?
Shemitat Kesafim- Situations Where a Verbal Declaration Suffices in Lieu of a Prozbol (Prozbul)
Shemitat Kesafim- The Procedure for Writing a Prozbul
Shemitat Kesafim: Paying After Shemita for Borrowed Goods
Shemitat Kesafim: Which Debts are Annulled After the Shemita Year?
Shemitat Kesafim: Writing a Prozbol
Shemitat Kesafim: The Reasons Behind the Law Cancelling All Debts at the End of Shemita Year
Blessing One’s Children on Shabbat Eve
Is it Permissible to Listen to a Torah Class in the Bath or Shower?
Swaying While Praying or Studying Torah
Celebrating Rosh Hodesh
Everyone Has His Own Share in Torah
Reciting a Beracha at the Site When One Experienced a Miracle
The Beracha on Seeing the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean
The Miraculous Preservation of Our Torah Tradition
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found