By Mindy Steinholz, WLCJ Finance Chair
The Priestly Blessing, or the Birkat Hakohanim, comes from this week’s Torah portion, Nasso. I have heard it recited from the bimah during holidays, sometimes by the kohanim in the traditional manner and sometimes by the prayer leader. I have heard it recited on the bimah as children become Bat or Bar Mitzvah. I have heard it recited during wedding ceremonies as the couple stand under the chuppah. And it is part of the daily Amidah.
The Priestly Blessing will be chanted from the Torah this week by congregations which do the full annual reading. For others, such as mine, it won’t be chanted until next year as it is included in the second triennial reading. My daughter’s Bat Mitzvah took place during the first triennial reading, but we knew where it was and it seemed so fitting to include it in more places. We therefore decided to put it on the cover of the program for the service.
My daughter knows I have always found the Priestly Blessing meaningful. Therefore, she always smiles at me or some such when it is said during a service or event. And then she coordinated a surprise for me: During her study abroad at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem when she was a college student, she went to the jeweler Hadaya. They have beautiful silver jewelry which can be engraved and personalized. When she returned home, she handed me a small linen bag from the store. Inside was a beautiful bracelet with the first two verses from the blessing (the bracelet doesn’t have room for all three!). She also had a personal message engraved on the inside for me.
I wear the bracelet nearly every day. It is a reminder to me of something which is deeply felt both from Jewish text and from my daughter. It is one of my most treasured personal items.
My wish for all of my sisters on this Shabbat:
May Adonai bless and protect you
May Adonai’s countenance shine upon you and be gracious to you
May Adonai’s countenance turn towards you and grant you peace.
(Numbers 6:24-26)
Shabbat Shalom,
Mindy Steinholz
WLCJ Finance Chair
