From Rabbi Bergman:
In Parashat Naso, we are introduced to the priestly blessing, Birkat Kohanim.
While Kohanim (priests) outside Israel recite it only on holidays (Pesach, Shavuot, Yom Kippur and Sukkot), in Jerusalem, as well as in many other parts of Israel, it is recited daily.
The Sefer HaChinuch states that the Mitzvah of Birkat Kohanim -- where the Kohanim bless the Jewish people at Shacharit, Musaf and Neilah -- is in force everywhere, at every time.
Why isn’t Birkat Kohanim recited every day, or at least every Shabbat, outside of Israel?
Over the centuries, there were various attempts to reinstitute Birkat Kohanim outside of Israel that were prevented for one reason or another. Rabbis over the centuries viewed these failed efforts as indicative of a divine intent that Birkat Kohanim not be said regularly outside of Israel.
A number of questions have been raised about the appropriateness of reciting Birkat Kohanim daily. These include:
- Are the Kohanim pure enough?
- Are they really Kohanim, or did they lose their lineage?
- Is there enough Kavanah (intent) during the Tefila to warrant Birkat Kohanim?
- As Birkat Kohanim requires a state of simcha (joy), are Jews outside of Israel too preoccupied with making a living, thereby diminishing their ability to experience joy?
The Talmud in tractate Sotah (38b) states: Adda said in the name of Rabbi Simlai: In a shul whose attendance consists of only Kohanim, all of the Kohanim ascend to recite Birkat Kohanim. The Gemara asks: To whom is their blessing addressed if no other congregants are present? Rabbi Zeira said: It is addressed to all who are working in the fields and therefore can’t come to shul.
Some Rabbis have suggested that Jews throughout the world who can’t move to Israel, or the Jews in Israel who are unable to attend services every day due to health or work-related issues, may still be included in the blessings of the Kohanim in Jerusalem every day.
As a final point, it's interesting that some rabbis have advised people outside of Israel to ask a Kohen in Jerusalem to have them in mind during Birkat Kohanim.
We conclude Birkat Kohanim with the words: “Viyasem lecha Shalom" -- "May God establish peace for you." And may it be so!
Shabbat Shalom!
