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...
Asking a Non-Jew to Turn the Lights on in a Synagogue; If a Non-Jew Turns on the Electricity in the Circuit Breaker
Situations in Which One May Benefit From Light Turned On by a Non-Jew on Shabbat
Shabbat – If a Non-Jew Turns a Light On For a Jew; Asking a Non-Jew to Turn On the Heat
Medications on Shabbat
Should One Fast on Shabbat if He Had a Bad Dream on Friday Night?
Is A Ladder Considered Mukse On Shabbat
Mukse-Stored Foods and Wines
Are Pets, Live Fish and Aquariums Mukse?
Are Balls and Games Mukse on Shabbat?
Is it Permitted to Hold a Child on Shabbat Who is Carrying Mukse?
Is It Permissible for Children to Build with Lego on Shabbat?
Grinding Spices on Shabbat
Grinding Cheeses on Shabbat
Grinding Cooked Meat on Shabbat
Grinding on Shabbat for Immediate Use
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found