Part 1 – Kohen and Levi
Whilst in Israel and in Sephardic communities, duchening takes place daily, in our communities this ceremony is performed only on Yom Tov. With its source in the verses of this week’s Parsha, let’s shed some light on this colourful ceremony. The following lines should provide an inside look into the workings of this Mitzva, with some tips for the Kohen, Levi and the ordinary ‘Jew on the pew’.
When and how do I begin preparing for duchening?
The duchening ceremony we practice replicates the procedure followed during the daily Temple service. In the Temple of old, Birkat Kohanim took place at the conclusion of the ritual service. Having achieved spiritual closeness to G-d through offering the Korbanot, the daily sacrifices, the Kohen was in a position to bless the Jewish nation.
Similarly in our own davening, the kohanim are expected to time their ascent to the duchen (platform in front of the Ark) to take place as the chazzan recites the brocho of ‘Retzei’ – the brocho whose very theme is the ritual temple service.
Stepping up to the duchen, the Kohen must have already made his final preparations. This will include removal of shoes and washing of hands. This can lead to last minute scrambles – so remember to wash soon after Kedusha.
Who washes and how?
Our memory of shul ritual serves us well and rightly informs us that the Levi washes the hands of the Kohanim. With no Levi present, the privilege falls on the Bechor – first born males of the community. What is less known is that in the absence of either, the kohen washes his own hands. The source for this custom is to be found in the teachings of the Zohar in this week’s Parsha and serves as a reminder of the lofty nature of this ceremony.
Washing the Kohanim’s hands requires little by way of detailed instruction. However it is worth remembering that the aim is to get the whole hand wet. Having the Kohen hold his hand on his sides may best facilitate this. Additionally, once hands have been washed, the Kohen needs to ensure they not become exposed to any source of uncleanliness. For this reason, it is normally best for shoes to be removed first.
G-d bless you… Is it really the Kohanim who are blessing us?
Our religion values blessings bestowed by one human on another. Memorable from the early sedras are the blessings which Jacob received instead of Esau. Is Birkas Kohanim another such set of blessings?
Key in understanding this mitzvah is that this is not the case. The Kohanim merely serve as a mouthpiece for Divine blessing. Indeed, the Kohanim themselves despite being the more active participants in this mitzva, are not left out of this blessing. This is clearly indicated in a halachic detail which teaches that a minyan of ten males is required to perform the mitzvah. Can the kohanim be included in the count? Halocho teaches that they can – this because although blessing can only be conveyed on a minyan, the Kohanim themselves are indeed included in the blessing.
Part 2 – You and me
Why Does the Chazan announce the words – don’t the Cohanim already know them?
The Torah instruction to duchen is introduced with the words “So you (plural) shall bless the Jewish people, say (singular) to them. Is this change from singular to plural a grammatical oversight? Far from it – the sages understood this to be a subtle instruction to the Kohanim (plural) to wait for the Chazan’s (singular) cue when duchening. They are to begin duchening only once the chazzan has called “Kohanim” and are similarly to recite the words of blessing only after it has been read out to them by the Chazan. Why so?
In the understanding of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, this element of the mitzvah’s halachic detail was designed to reflect on the true source of the blessing being extended here. The priests are not themselves blessing but are verbalising the words of what is in fact a Divine blessing; for this reason it is made clear to them that they are not to choose words themselves but must bless only as and when dictated by G-d Himself in the Torah.
The Jew on the pew – what does he do during duchening?
A look around the shul during the Birkat Kohanim ceremony will show a limited number of participants in this mitzvah. Kohanim only, (even kids can participate when accompanied by an adult once they know how to duchen) stand and bless their brethren. Sefer Charedim – a classic Jewish source indicates that the mitzvah activity is in fact performed by all those present. The brocho, verbalised by the kohanim is conveyed to those gathered in the audience – if they stand in quiet submission, focusing on the words and intend for the blessings to befall them. This silent but active participation is viewed as being mitzvah participation for all. As the kohanim hum the familiar tune (not when duchening takes place on Shabbos), though, we are encouraged to whisper words of personal prayer – recommended are the ones in the machzor at the appropriate points.
To look or not to look?
Some have the custom to cover their eyes with a talis or machzor during the priestly blessing, and it is known that there is an expectation that the audience and in fact the Kohanim not look at their hands or faces during the ceremony.
This custom in fact originates in Temple times, when we are told that the Divine presence itself was present on the Kohanim’s split hands. Todays’ blessing is, in this way only a replica of that service. As such, the blinding light of the Divine presence would not be present. Nevertheless, halachic sources note a custom to close or cover eyes. This is to act as a whimsical reminder of temple times – one which will lead members of the community to utter a silent prayer for the speedy return of the Temple.
In some circles a mistaken deviation from this custom has developed. Intent on not looking, some turn their faces away from the duchening. This practice would seem to be wrong – as key in the mitzvah here is that the members of the audience face the Kohanim, and silently listen to the blessings. Best as said is to simply keep eyes focused on the words in the machzor.
Invitation to the Kotel…
And a final Yom Tov word – if you’re ever in Jerusalem on the first day of Chol HaMoed – either of Sukkot or Pesach make sure you join the mass Birkat Kohanim ceremony there. As 10am nears, the Kotel plaza fills to capacity and in a sound which rings of Messianic times, the rumble of thousands of kohanim who gathered from all over the world and are now concentrated at front of the plaza fills the air. It’s a real must. Good Shabbos, Sruli