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...
The Importance of Giving Charity Before Praying; If One’s Prayer is Disrupted by Charity Collectors
The Yartzheit of the Ben Ish Hai
Feeding a Child Before Shaharit or Before Kiddush; Feeding a Child Dairy After He Ate Meat
May a Person Receive Two Aliyot in a Single Torah Reading?
Is it Permissible to Refer to One’s Father or Rabbi by His Name if He Adds a Title?
Calling Somebody With the Same Name as One’s Father
The Importance of Studying the Halachot of Respecting Parents
The Procedure When a Bet Din Announces Its Decision
Reciting Kaddish for a Parent
Ensuring Not to Receive a More Prominent Aliya Than One’s Father
Calling One’s Son in the Presence of His Father With the Same Name
Berit Mila – Eliyahu Ha’nabi’s Chair
Birkat Kohanim – The Unconditional Blessing
The Halachic Status of the Period Between Amud Ha’shahar and Sunrise
Can the Officiating Rabbi at a Wedding Serve as One of the Witnesses?
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found