Talk:Birkat Cohanim

Thanks so much for all your input on this article, it's looking great. There was just one thing I wanted to clarify. I didn't phrase the "shaliach tizbbur 'feeds' the words to the cohanim" because feeds isn't a literal expression and someone who doesn't know what birkat cohanim looks like won't understand. (It seems to me to be a more yeshivish term than a proper expression). I'd prefer to use a literal explanation, such as "the shaliach tizbbur says the words of birkat cohanim, one at a time, and the cohanim repeat each word after the sheliach tzibbur. I'm not looking to cause a fight but trying to improve the site. If you still disagree, please explain your thought. Thanks. -Ike Sultan

halacha without source

oct 21 2015 Halacha added: "# If the Kohen has the custom not to wash his hands in the morning, he must wash his hands before performing the ceremony." Since it doesn't have a source it was removed. If you would like to add it again, please add a source.

"Accordingly ... shoulder height"

The use of "accordingly" in this text in the article means that what follows is obvious from what came before. But it isn't.

"Birkat Kohanim must be said loudly in Hebrew - so at least nine people (Lechatechilah, the entire Tzibbur[37]) can hear, while standing up with raised hands, all of which are necessary even Bediavad. Any Cohen who cannot fulfill these requirements may not go up to the Duchan. Accordingly, the Cohanim must raise their at shoulder height.[38]"

Thumbs touching

"The thumbs should be spread out, as well, and not touching." Pretty sure there's a widespread practice among Orthodox cohanim to touch thumbs. I'm sure the source cited says not to, but are there other sources that say the opposite?