This video shows a Kohen’s POV of more than 10,000 Jews gathered at the Western Wall (Kotel) to receive the Kohanic (Priestly) Blessing. Although this Blessing happens daily in arguably more than 10,000 synagogues throughout Israel, it is only twice each year that 100’s if not 1,000’s of Kohanim converge at the Kotel to Bless the people. This attracts a packed Kotel Plaza. If you look carefully, you can see the people lining the rooftops to hear the Kohanim Bless the people.
Kohanim are the offspring of Aharon HaKohen, Moses’ brother who was appointed as the Temple Official. These children of Aharon are charged with the Temple service. During Temple times thousands of years ago, this Blessing occurred daily. The Roman’s destroyed the Temple in 70 C.E., massacred the Jewish population in Israel at the time and displaced most surviving Jews throughout the nations of the world. The Kohanic Blessing (liturgy below) continued for thousands of years without a land of our own. For Ashkenazi Jewry it was limited to High Holiday Services. Sephardim throughout the world have continued this Blessing daily whenever there is a proper minyan and Kohen to perform this special part of the service.
May we see the Temple rebuilt speedily in our days and bring back the Glory of Jerusalem.
May the L-RD Bless you and Protect you –
- יְבָרֶכְךָ יהוה, וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ
- (Yevhārēkh-khā Adhōnāy veyishmerēkhā …)
May the L-RD make His face Shed Light upon you and Be Gracious unto you –
- יָאֵר יהוה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וִיחֻנֶּךָּ
- (“Yāʾēr Adhōnāy pānāw ēlekhā viḥunnékkā …)
May the L-RD Lift up His Face unto you and Give you Peace –
- יִשָּׂא יהוה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם
- (“Yissā Adhōnāy pānāw ēlekhā viyāsēm lekhā shālōm.“)
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