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Birkat Kohanim is one of the most ancient Jewish prayers, also known as the Priestly Blessing or Nesiat Kapaim is a powerful Jewish prayer. This powerful prayer is recited by Kohanim. Since it is believed to have mystical power, Birkat Kohanim or initials of it are inscribed on many Jewish jewelry accessories. Birkat Kohanim can only recited by the Kohanim.
Who are the Kohanim?
The Kohens or HaKohanim, were the high priests of the israelitesin the Sinai desert. People who are called Kohens or Cohens today are decedents of Aaron and his sons. To this day, Kohens form a holy order and follow God's commandments to protect them against ritual defilement. Kohens must follow certain rules that apply on their holy order. To maintain ritual purity, for example, the Kohens must abstain from going to cemeteries.
Birkat Kohanim in the bible
As the book of Numbers tells us, Aaron and Moses were commended by God to deliver this blessing to the Israelites.
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"The Lord bless thee and keep thee,
The Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace"
(Book of Numbers, 6:24-26).
In contrast to the English translation, the Hebrew version of the bible includes the explicit name of God. Jewish scholars have argued the power of prayer is in the letters and words that form it. The Jewish scholar, Levi Ben Gershon, also known as Ralbag, discusses the importance of reciting Birkat Kohanim in no other language than Hebrew. In translation, argues the Ralbag the mystical power of the prayer held in the letters that comprise it might be lost.
Birkat Kohanim service
Anyone who has participated in Birkat Kohanim knows it is a very special service. The service is performed by Kohens. Before the service the Kohens perform Natilat Yadaim – they wash their hands, and also remove their shoes. The removal of the shoes is a symbol of the sacred work of the Kohanim at the sacred Temple where the priests used to walk barefoot.
The Kohens stand on the platform facing the ark, in front of the congregation and start to recite the prayer. While saying Birkat Kohanim, the Kohens cover their heads with their Tallitot. The cantor recites the three verses melodically. The Kohens repeat it after the cantor word by word and the congregation responds with “Amen”.
Birkat Kohanim is also known as Nesiat Kapayim
While reciting the prayer, the Kohens stretch their arms forward and spread out their hands. The hands are stretched in a special way, with fingers separated so as to have space between them. The Kohens cover their reached out hands with the Tallitot so no one can see their hands while the prayer is recited. That is why Birkat Kohanim is also known as Nesiat Kapayim – meaning the raising of the hands in Hebrew.
Birkat HaKoanim at the Wailing Wall
Since the six days war in 1967, in which the Wailing Wall was liberated by the state of Israel, it has become a tradition to make a pilgrimage to the Wall three times a year: Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot. Every year in Hol HaMoed, thousands of believers gather at the Wailing Wall in the ancient city of Jerusalem to heaBoldr the Birkat Kohanim.
Birkat Kohanim in Jewish jewelry
Archeological findings suggest that Jewish amulets with Birkat Kohanim verses inscribed on theme have been used since the days of the First Temple. To this day, many Jewish men and women wear jewelry accessories with Birkat Kohanim inscribed on them. It is believed that carrying these sacred words can draw divine protection and blessing upon the wearer. Birkat Kohanim jewelry accessories are popular gifts to Cohens or anyone who is interested in spirituality and Jewish art.
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