Even G-d Wants a Blessing

In Parshat Naso, we learn about the priestly blessing, the traditional blessing given by the Kohain to the congregation on Yom Kippur and other holidays. It is always inspiring when I see how cherished is the heritage of being a Kohain, both in observant and non-observant families. Many times, I meet someone who does not read Hebrew, who has not been to synagogue since their Bar Mitzvah, but who tells me proudly that he/she is a Kohain or a Levi. For thousands of years, since the first Kohain, Aaron, the brother of Moses, was anointed, families have kept track of their lineage and were careful to pass it on to their children. It is truly a privilege to be able to bless others and to share this tradition with your children. Although I am not a Kohain, my mother-in-law is from a distinguished family of Kohanim. She often tells me that when she was engaged to my father-in-law, of blessed memory, the Lubavitcher Rebbe instructed him to study all the laws regarding Kohanim in order to prepare for the marriage.

Perhaps my favorite story of a priestly blessing comes from the Talmud. In true Talmudic fashion, the traditional blessing is turned on its head. Instead of blessing the Jewish people, this High Priest blesses G-d Himself.

It was taught: Rabbi Yishmael the son of Elisha said: "I once entered into the innermost [part of the sanctuary], to offer incense, and I saw Akatrie-l K-ah (a name referring to the crown of God), the Lord of Hosts, seated upon a high and exalted throne. He said to me, 'Yishmael my son, bless Me!' I said, 'May it be Your will that Your mercy suppresses Your anger, and that Your mercy prevail over Your other attributes, and that You deal with Your children with the attribute of mercy, and that You deal with them beyond the letter of the law.' And He nodded to me with His head." (Talmud Brachot 7a)

We all need blessings. Even G-d wants a blessing. But more importantly, we have the capacity to give blessing. Don’t miss an opportunity to bless someone, to wish someone well. Our words generate a certain positive energy that can release potential mazel and blessing.