Nasso

 The Lord tells Aaron to bless the people in His name (Chapter 6).  What follow is the most famous blessing in the entire Torah.  Do you recognize it?  When is it recited and by whom?

 

1.It appears in the daily morning service.  The blessing is recited at the public repetition of the Amidah.

2. The blessing is said where the Kohanim still duchan – that is when they are invited onto the bima, place a tallit over their head and then bless the congregation.  In Israel, Kohanim duchan every Shabbat.  In America duchanning is usually reserved for the High Holy Days.

3. That same blessing is pronounced by parents over the heads of their children on Shabbat and festivals.

 

Rashi declares that this blessing must be given with kavanah, and a full understanding of what it means.  He further instructs that the words must not be said too quickly but with great care and deliberation.

 

The first part of the berakha says that God’s Face should turn to you.  What does the word “face” mean in this context?  Think of the expression of someone “losing face” or “saving face.”  Consider also when speaking to someone and they do not look at you.  The idea of God turning His face indicates attentiveness and connection.

 

Rashi also alerts us to the golden hue that one receives when the holy One turns to us.  In other words, not only do we hope that God focuses His attention on us but also blesses us with His other-worldly light.  This is the meaning of “May God’s Face shine upon you…”

 

The final blessing uses the word  v’ya’same.  It is revealing that the Torah does not say v’yitane “give peace” but v’ya’same, “put peace.” The Torah is subtly indicating that we should be asking God to place the power of peace within us.  This is vital.  Once, a great sage explained that God provides seven varied paths to peace.  This idea, we are told, is secretly revealed by seven discreet tagin, or crowns, that grace the tops of the letters in this blessing.  In every dilemma there is a way out.  In fact, seven paths.  We are never in a corner with no alternatives.  The way of peace is within our grasp.

 

So, if the power of peace lies within, why do we bother with blessing others with what they already possess?  Isn’t that a misuse of a blessing?  

 

 

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