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...
Wearing the Shoes of a Deceased Person; Sleeping with Shoes; Wearing Shoes on the Wrong Feet
Hanging Flags in the Synagogue
The Parochet – The Curtain Outside the Aron
Birkat Ha’hama: One Who Sees the Sun Through Eyeglasses, or Who Sees Only a Reflection; Looking at Someone Named Abraham While Reciting the Beracha
Reciting Birkat Ha’hama Indoors and in an Airplane; Reciting Birkat Ha’hama During Mourning
Training Children to Recite Birkat Ha’hama; Customs for After Birkat Ha’hama
Should Women Recite Birkat Ha’hama?
Reciting She’heheyanu Over Birkat Ha’hama
If a Berit Mila is Performed on the Day of Birkat Ha’hama; Reciting Birkat Ha’hama Before Birkat Ha’ilanot
Reciting Birkat Ha’hama Before Shaharit
Reciting Birkat Ha’hama on a Cloudy Day
Eating Before Reciting Birkat Ha’hama
Birkat Ha’hama- I
How Early in the Month May One Recite Birkat Halebana?
Respecting Parents-in-Law
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found