By Yossi Kahana
As our souls hurt during this time of upheaval, we must continue to come together as human beings and call out racism, intolerance, and hate wherever and whenever it occurs. Of course, no words can fully convey our collective sense of despair at what has unfolded and continues to unfold. Jewish National Fund-USA’s values have always been grounded in our unyielding commitment to inclusivity and respect. Without delay, let us use this time to redouble our efforts to bring positive change to our homes and communities.
It is interesting that the statement from JNF-USA management and executive leadership also quoted the following verse from the book of Psalms:
"Hinei ma tov u'ma na'im shevet achim gam yachad." - "Behold how good and pleasant it is when all people live together as one."
The Blessing of Love, The Priestly Blessing, Birkat Kohanim—also known as Nesi’at Kapayim, the “lifting of the hands”—is a blessing that has been recited by the kohanim, the priests, since biblical times. Today, it is performed in the synagogue, typically during the holiday Musaf service. The source for this practice is from this week Parashat Neso:
“Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: This is how you shall bless the children of Israel: “May G d bless you and guard you. May G d shine His countenance upon you and be gracious to you. May G d turn His countenance toward you and grant you peace.” They shall bestow My Name upon the children of Israel, so that I will bless them.”
Thus, G d granted the patrimonial male descendants of Aaron the ability to channel divine blessings to the congregation. The Priestly Blessing is one of the most spiritually uplifting moments in Jewish life, as the entire congregation is embraced in a “divine hug.”
United, the Oneness of G d rests upon His children and He fulfills our prayers, acquiescing to the blessing of the Kohanim, hastening the coming of the era when G d's all-encompassing Oneness will permeate the totality of existence, when He will bless us... guard us... and finally establish peace for us.
This beautiful blessing has a strong rhythmic structure, and the verses become increasingly more personal. The first line, “May G d bless you and guard you,” refers to material blessings: sustenance, physical health and so on. The second, “May G d shine His countenance upon you and be gracious to you,” refers to the interpersonal blessing of grace between us and others. The third line is the deepest of all: “May G d turn His countenance toward you and grant you peace.” There are seven billion people on the earth. What makes us anything more than a face in the crowd, a wave in the ocean, a grain of sand on the seashore? The fact that we are G d’s children. He is our parent. He turns His face toward us. He cares.
This knowledge gives us a profound sense of inner peace. We do not need to prove ourselves to receive a blessing from G d. All we need to know is that His face is turned toward us. G d sees us, hears us, holds us in His everlasting arms. Shabbat Shalom!
