ברכת כהנים
birkat kohanim
The Aaronic blessing in Hebrew is ברכת כהנים (birkat kohanim).
This phrase refers specifically to the liturgical text found in Numbers 6:24, 26, which is recited by priests over the congregation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 'birkat' (blessing of) and 'kohanim' (priests).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form birkat kohen (blessing of a priest) is also frequently used to refer to the same blessing.
How do you pronounce it?
birkat kohanim
Did you know?
- When reciting ברכת כהנים, priests traditionally cover their heads and faces with their tallit prayer shawls to hide from the congregation's view.
- During the recitation of ברכת כהנים, the priests hold their hands in a specific shape that resembles the Hebrew letter ש (shin).
- The letter ש formed by the priests' hands is widely believed to symbolize שדי (Shaddai), one of the names for God.
Examples in context
- הוא למד את ברכת כהנים בבית הספר.Hu lamad et birkat kohanim bevet ha sefer.He learned the aaronic blessing in school.
- ברכת כהנים היא טקסט עתיק מאוד.Birkat kohanim hi tekst atik me'od.The aaronic blessing is a very ancient text.
- הם קראו את ברכת כהנים בסוף התפילה.Hem kar'u et birkat kohanim besof ha tfila.They recited the aaronic blessing at the end of the prayer.
