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Birkat Cohanim: Difference between revisions
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==Procedure of Birkat Cohanim for the Cohanim== | ==Procedure of Birkat Cohanim for the Cohanim== | ||
# Even if there is no platform, the | # Even though they already did Netilat Yadayim that morning, during the Chazara, the Cohanim must wash their hands all the way to their wrists, except in extenuating circumstances (i.e. if they would have to pass in front of someone praying Amidah <Ref>Yalkut Yosef Tefillah Volume 2, Siman 128, Seif 25</Ref>), when they may rely on the original Netilah if they had washed their hands up to their wrists and kept them clean since.<ref>S"A 128:6, Mishnah Brurah 128:19</ref> On Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av, however, one cannot rely on the minimal morning washing of the fingers alone and must wash his hands to the wrists.<ref>Chazon Ovadia: Yamim Noraim page 312</ref> | ||
# Even if there is no platform, the Cohanim should still go up to bless the congregation. Therefore, if the one leading the prayers is the only cohen present, he should bless "Birkat Cohanim" from where he is standing, and he doesn't need to move to the platform. <Ref> Yalkut Yosef, Tefillah Volume 1, page 294</ref> | |||
# The Cohanim who are going to say Birkat Cohanim must remove their shoes, whether or not they are leather. <Ref> Gemara Sotah 40a writes that Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakai instituted that the Cohanim should not go up wearing sandals or any type of shoe for two reasons: 1) out of respect to the congregation not to go before them with dirty shoes and 2) so that a Cohen doesn't have to tie his shoes during Birkat Cohanim and then appear as if he's a Pasul Cohen. This halacha is codified in Rambam 14:6 and S"A 128:5. Chida in Machzik Bracha 128:7 writes that this halacha applies even to non-leather shoes. Kaf HaChaim 128:28 and Halacha Brurah 128:16 agree. </ref>However, those communities in Chutz LeAretz who have a minhag not to remove their shoes if they say Birkat Cohanim from the floor without going up on the duchan have what to rely on.<ref>Yafeh Lelev 128:29 is lenient for Cohanim to wear shoes if they don't go up on the duchan. Although Kaf HaChaim 128:107 disagrees, Halacha Brurah 128:17 says that there's what to rely upon. Yachava Daat 2:13 writes that one who finds it hard not to take off their shoes may rely on the Yafeh Lelev so as not to lose this mitzvah entirely, however, those who want to fulfill mitzvot in the best way should remove thier shoes. </ref> | # The Cohanim who are going to say Birkat Cohanim must remove their shoes, whether or not they are leather. <Ref> Gemara Sotah 40a writes that Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakai instituted that the Cohanim should not go up wearing sandals or any type of shoe for two reasons: 1) out of respect to the congregation not to go before them with dirty shoes and 2) so that a Cohen doesn't have to tie his shoes during Birkat Cohanim and then appear as if he's a Pasul Cohen. This halacha is codified in Rambam 14:6 and S"A 128:5. Chida in Machzik Bracha 128:7 writes that this halacha applies even to non-leather shoes. Kaf HaChaim 128:28 and Halacha Brurah 128:16 agree. </ref>However, those communities in Chutz LeAretz who have a minhag not to remove their shoes if they say Birkat Cohanim from the floor without going up on the duchan have what to rely on.<ref>Yafeh Lelev 128:29 is lenient for Cohanim to wear shoes if they don't go up on the duchan. Although Kaf HaChaim 128:107 disagrees, Halacha Brurah 128:17 says that there's what to rely upon. Yachava Daat 2:13 writes that one who finds it hard not to take off their shoes may rely on the Yafeh Lelev so as not to lose this mitzvah entirely, however, those who want to fulfill mitzvot in the best way should remove thier shoes. </ref> | ||
# The shoes should be leftin a hidden place or even under a chair less than ten Tefachim (~2.5ft) off the ground in order to preserve the sanctity of the Beit HaKnesset.<ref>Kaf HaChaim 128:30 in the name of the Kenesset HaGedolah (middle of the footnote), Ohr Letzion volume 2, 45:40, See Halacha Brurah 128:19 that explains that they should really be left outside the synagogue sanctuary.</ref> | |||
# When the Cohanim put back on their shoes, they shouldn't touch their shoes. If they touch their shoes, they have to wash Netilat Yadayim.<ref>Kitzur S"A 100:16</ref> | # When the Cohanim put back on their shoes, they shouldn't touch their shoes. If they touch their shoes, they have to wash Netilat Yadayim.<ref>Kitzur S"A 100:16</ref> | ||
# By the time the Sheliach Tzibur arrives at the blessing of "Retzeh", the Cohanim must make a motion towards doing the | # By the time the Sheliach Tzibur arrives at the blessing of "Retzeh", the Cohanim must make a motion ("Akirat Raglayim") towards doing the Duchan. If the Sheliach Tzibur finished the blessing of "Retzeh", and said the word "Modim" before a cohen made this motion, that cohen may not go up to do birkat cohanim. <Ref> Yalkut Yosef, Tefillah Volume 1, page 299, Rambam Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim 15:11 based on the gemara in Sota 38b. </ref> Bediavad, in extenuating circumstances, if he moved towards the sink and not towards the Duchan at that time, it’s also ok; however, if he did not move at all after the Chazzan started Modim, he may not participate and must leave the room.<ref>Ben Ish Chai, Year 1, Parashat Tetzaveh, Halacha 9; See further Mishnah Brurah 128:28 and Sha'ar HaTziyun Ot 30</ref> | ||
#The Cohanim should stand there, facing the heichal, with their backs to the congregation. They hold their fingers closed, against their palms, until the sheliach tzibur completes the blessing of "hatov shimcha". When the shaliach tzibbur calls to them " | # A Cohen who refuses to go up to the Duchan without a valid reason is in violation of one positive commandment from the Torah, though it’s equivalent to three.<ref>S"A 128:2</ref> | ||
#While on the Duchan, the Kohanim should say the “Yehi Ratzon” prayer printed in the Siddur and complete it with one of the Chazzan’s Berachot, so the Tzibbur essentially answers Amen to them, as well.<ref> S"A 128:13 and Mishnah Brurah there</ref> | |||
#The Cohanim should stand there, facing the heichal, with their backs to the congregation. They hold their fingers closed, against their palms, until the sheliach tzibur completes the blessing of "hatov shimcha". When the shaliach tzibbur calls to them "Cohanim!", they turn their faces to the people, spread out their fingers, and lift up their hands to shoulder height.<ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 3, S"A 128:10</ref> The Minhag is that they raise their hands already before they start the Beracha.<ref>Halacha Brurah 128:14</ref> | |||
#All turns in Halacha are made to the right, and Birkat Kohanim is no exception. The Kohanim must turn clockwise while saying the Beracha so that they should finish saying "BeAhavah" while facing the Tzibbur.<ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 13; Yalkut Yosef Tefillah Volume 2, 128:49</ref> They again turn clockwise after the Chazzan starts Sim Shalom.<ref>S"A 128:17</ref> | |||
#If only one Cohen is blessing the people, he should turn around after the shaliach tzibbur finishes the bracha of "hatov shimcha" and begin reciting the blessing alone. Afterwards, the sheliach tzibur says the words of birkat cohanim one word at a time and Cohen repeats each word after the shaliach tzibbur, as explained below.<ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 8, S"A 128:10</ref> | #If only one Cohen is blessing the people, he should turn around after the shaliach tzibbur finishes the bracha of "hatov shimcha" and begin reciting the blessing alone. Afterwards, the sheliach tzibur says the words of birkat cohanim one word at a time and Cohen repeats each word after the shaliach tzibbur, as explained below.<ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 8, S"A 128:10</ref> | ||
#If there are two or more Cohanim present, they do not begin reciting the blessing until the sheliach tzibur calls them, saying the word “Cohanim”. <ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 8, S"A 128:10</ref> | #If there are two or more Cohanim present, they do not begin reciting the blessing until the sheliach tzibur calls them, saying the word “Cohanim”. <ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 8, S"A 128:10</ref> | ||
#One of the measures ordained by Ezra is that the Cohanim should not ascend to the duchan wearing sandals. Rather, they should stand barefoot<ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 6</ref> | #One of the measures ordained by Ezra is that the Cohanim should not ascend to the duchan wearing sandals. Rather, they should stand barefoot<ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 6</ref> | ||
# If the only cohen in the tzibur is the Sheliach tzibur, and he is using a siddur and will | # If the only cohen in the tzibur is the Sheliach tzibur, and he is using a siddur and will therefore not be confused and will be able to continue in his tefila after birkat cohanim, he should move his feet during the bracha of "Retzeh", and then go do birkat cohanim, so that the tzibur will not miss out on this special blessing. But if there is another cohen who can do birkat cohanim, the sheliach tzibur should not go. <Ref> Yalkut Yosef, Tefillah Volume 1, page 311</ref> | ||
# If the sheliach tzibur forgot to do birkat coahanim, and he started the blessing of "Sim Shalom", as long as he did not finish the blessing of "Sim Shalom", if he remembers he can go back. But if he finished the words "Hamevarech et amo yisrael basahalom"(the end of "Sim Shalom"), he can no longer go back. And even though there are those who say that you can do birkat cohanim after the prayers are finished, it is better not to do it. ([[Safek brachot lehakel]]- when we have a doubt about blessing we should be lenient, and not say the blessing)<Ref> Yalkut Yosef, Tefillah Volume 1, page 315</ref> | # If the sheliach tzibur forgot to do birkat coahanim, and he started the blessing of "Sim Shalom", as long as he did not finish the blessing of "Sim Shalom", if he remembers he can go back. But if he finished the words "Hamevarech et amo yisrael basahalom"(the end of "Sim Shalom"), he can no longer go back. And even though there are those who say that you can do birkat cohanim after the prayers are finished, it is better not to do it. ([[Safek brachot lehakel]]- when we have a doubt about blessing we should be lenient, and not say the blessing)<Ref> Yalkut Yosef, Tefillah Volume 1, page 315</ref> | ||
# Birkat Kohanim must be said loudly in Hebrew - so at least nine people (Lechatechilah, the entire Tzibbur<ref>Ohr Letzion vol. 2 Siman 4</ref>) 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'''.<ref> Rambam Hilchot Tefillah 14:11, See Shu"t Noda BeYehudah vol. 1 Siman 5, Torah Temimah Parashat Naso ot 134, Mishnah Brurah 128:52, Piskei Teshuvot vol. 2, Siman 128, Footnote 174, Shu"t Yabia Omer vol. 8, O"C 13:2 brought down in Yalkut Yosef Tefillah vol. 2 128:50, and at length in Halacha Brurah 128:57, especially in footnote 127.</ref> | |||
#According to the Shulchan Aruch,<ref> 128:12. See Yalkut Yosef Tefillah vol. 2 128:50, Piskei Teshuvot vol. 2, footnote 175, as well as his explanation on the top and the pictures in the back of the Sefer, Halachaq Brurah 128:45-48 and the Berur Halacha 41-42 for various explanations and illustrations of the different Minhagim regarding how to hold one's hands and fingers, including a Yishuv for the Lashon or the S"A and the Minhag HaArizal. For further understanding of the two Minhagei HaMekubalim, see Zohar Parashat Naso 121a, Siddur Ya'avetz Dinei Nesiat Kappayim Ot 24, Kitzur S"A 100:9, Ma'aseh Rav Ot 167, Ben Ish Chai Shana Aleph Parashat Tetzaveh and Halichot Olam ibid. (editor's note regarding the BI"H: he says he can't find the source in the Kitvei HaAri, but the other Acharonim mentioned before and after did), Kaf HaChaim 128:77 and 80, Shu"T Ohr LeTzion vol. 2, Hilchot Nesiat Kappayim 8:3, and, of course, the Halacha Brurah mentioned above.</ref> the outstretched arms must be held in a straight line (i.e. no bent elbows, fingers, etc.), the right hand should be a little bit higher than the left with spaces in between the middle and ring fingers so that the middle and index fingers are held together and the ring and pinky fingers are held together. The thumbs should be spread out, as well, and not touching. The fingers should all be held straight, parallel to the ground. If a Kohen can’t hold his fingers in this position, he should just spread them all out.<ref> Yalku Yosef Tefillah vol. 2, 128:50</ref> | |||
#'''Even though there are various Minhagim regarding how to spread one’s fingers, everyone agrees the hands must be at shoulder height while saying the words! Therefore, one may not "shuckle" back and forth with his hands going up and down. Also, if a Cohen gets too tired, he may briefly rest his hands in between words, as long as he raises them up again before saying the next word.'''<ref>Mishnah Brurah 128:52, see earlier footnote about shoulder height.</ref> | |||
#The Cohanim should have in mind to fulfill the Mitzvat Aseh Min HaTorah (Positive Torah commandment) of blessing Am Yisrael. | |||
#The Cohanim must be vigilant to stay in sync, to say each word together in unison, starting each word after the Chazzan finishes saying it and not elongating the words more than the other Kohanim.<ref>S"A 128:18</ref> | |||
#While saying the words ending in a Chaf Sofit (Yevarechecha, VeYishmerecha, Eilecha, Viyichuneka, Eilecha, and Lecha) and “Shalom,” the Cohanim turn to their left and right to spread out the Beracha to the people on their sides.<ref>S"A 128:45, Mishnah Brurah 168</ref> | |||
# The cohanim should be careful not to continue the next blessing until the congregants have finished saying "Amen".<ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Bikcat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 5, S"A 128:13</ref> | # The cohanim should be careful not to continue the next blessing until the congregants have finished saying "Amen".<ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Bikcat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 5, S"A 128:13</ref> | ||
# At the end of birkat Cohanim, the Cohanim should not turn back around (so that their backs are facing the congregation), nor should they put their hands down and close their fingers, until the sheliach tzibur begins the beracha of "Sim Shalom". <ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 6, S"A 128:16</ref> | # At the end of birkat Cohanim, the Cohanim should not turn back around (so that their backs are facing the congregation), nor should they put their hands down and close their fingers, until the sheliach tzibur begins the beracha of "Sim Shalom". <ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 6, S"A 128:16</ref> | ||
# The cohanim should not return to their places until the shaliach tzibbur finishes "sim shalom" and some say until the congregation finishes answering Amen.<Ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 4, S"A 128:16</ref> | # The cohanim should not return to their places until the shaliach tzibbur finishes "sim shalom" and some say until the congregation finishes answering Amen.<Ref>Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 4, S"A 128:16</ref> | ||
#The Cohanim are not allowed to add any other blessings to the birkat Cohanim.<ref>Gemara Rosh Hashana 28b, Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 12</ref> Doing so constitues "Bal Tosif".<ref>Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4:2</ref> | #The Cohanim are not allowed to add any other blessings to the birkat Cohanim.<ref>Gemara Rosh Hashana 28b, Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 14, Halacha 12</ref> Doing so constitues "Bal Tosif".<ref>Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4:2</ref> | ||
==Procedure of Birkat Cohanim for the Shaliach Tzibbur== | ==Procedure of Birkat Cohanim for the Shaliach Tzibbur== | ||
