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 Prohibitions of Misleading or Insulting Another Person
Is it Permissible to Study Secular Philosophy?
When is it Appropriate or Inappropriate to Report Bad Tidings?
Is It Permissible To Wear A Wool Tzitzit Under A Linen Shirt or Is It A Violation of Shatnez
Announcing a Fast Day in the Synagogue on the Preceding Shabbat
Barech Alienu for Travelers to and From Israel
Traveling on Ereb Shabbat
Maintaining Peace in One’s Financial Dealings
Birkat Ha'gomel: The Meaning of the Words, and Whether a Child Recites the Beracha
Reciting Tefilat Ha’derech
Hanukah – If One Does Not Have Enough Oil For All the Candles
Hanukah – Lighting a Menorah That Has a “Back”
Is Birkat Ha’gomel Required After Taking a Cruise on the Kinneret?
Synagogue Decorum and The Prohibition Against Speaking During Torah Reading – In the Wake of the Har Nof Tragedy
The Status of Pasteurized Wine
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found