The Birkat HaKohanim (The Priestly Benediction)
The Birkat HaKohanim, often referred to in English as the Priestly Benediction, is God's blessing for the Children of Israel. The blessing is delivered by the Kohanim; but the God Himself is the source of the blessing. The blessing is made up of three sentences and the words of the blessing are found in the Torah - in Numbers 6:24-26.
The Torah tells us that Aaron would lift his hands to bless the people. (Leviticus 9:22.) And to this day the Kohanim raise their hands towards the Jewish people as they deliver this ancient blessing. (In the Karaite tradition, the Kohen does not make any Dr. Spock-like shapes with his hands.)
At the Karaite Jews of America, the Birkat HaKohanim is recited towards the end of the morning Shabbat service.
The Torah tells us that Aaron would lift his hands to bless the people. (Leviticus 9:22.) And to this day the Kohanim raise their hands towards the Jewish people as they deliver this ancient blessing. (In the Karaite tradition, the Kohen does not make any Dr. Spock-like shapes with his hands.)
At the Karaite Jews of America, the Birkat HaKohanim is recited towards the end of the morning Shabbat service.
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May the LORD bless thee and keep thee.
May the LORD shine his face toward thee, and be gracious unto thee. May the Lord lift his face toward thee, and give thee peace. (Number 6:24-26) |
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה, וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ
יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וִיחֻנֶּךָּ
יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם
Yevarechecha Adonai, V'Yishmerecha Ya'er Adonai Panav Eleycha, ViChoneka Yisa Adonai Panav Eleycha, V'Yasem Lecha Shalom |
This is the traditional Karaite Jewish melody for the Priestly Benediction
Performed by Rotem Cohen
Performed by Rotem Cohen
