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...
Is It Permissible to Borrow on Shabbat?
Instructing a Non-Jew During Twilight
May One Instruct a Non-Jew to Perform a Torah Violation of Shabbat in an Unusual Manner?
Is it Permissible on Shabbat To Talk About Performing a Melacha which is a Misva?
Is It Permissible to Announce Lost Mukseh Items on Shabbat
Listening to “Me’en Sheba” in Lieu of the Amida on Friday Night
Should Kiddush Be Recited in the Synagogue on Friday Night?
The Recitation of “Bameh Madlikin” on Friday Night
Tahanunim on Ereb Shabbat
The Recitation of “Va’yechulu” After the Amida on Friday Night
Turning Off the Electric Lights Before Lighting Shabbat Candles
The Reading of Shir Ha’shirim on Friday Night
The Recitation of Lecha Dodi on Friday Night
Washing Dishes on Shabbat
May One Ask a Non-Jew to Turn on an Air Conditioner on Shabbat?
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found