This week’s parsha, Naso, contains the iconic Birkat Kohanim—The Priestly Blessing—a staple of rabbinic offering in most ceremonial settings. And though the tripartite blessing seems repetitive, our tradition expansively interprets this terse and powerful statement:
May God bless you and keep you.
May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May God’s facelift onto you and grant you peace.
Some have understood these enigmatic words to indicate two primary forms of blessing–spiritual and material—with the first two blessings offering each and the 3rd a combination. In light of current events in the Israel of geography and politics, we might read these blessings more poignantly and concertedly: That Israel’s efforts to secure material blessing and safety must be balanced with preserving the integrity of its soul and the intention of its spirit.
Thank you Rabbi. Your reflections on current events are really needed in this confusing time. Maura