In this week's parsha, G-d imparts the Birkat Cohanim (Priestly Blessing) through Moshe to Aharon and his sons (the Cohanim.) "Thus shall you bless the Children of Israel, by saying: 'May G-d bless you and guard you; May G-d cause His face to shine upon you and favor you; May G-d raise His face towards you and give you peace.'" Cohanim, descendants of Aharon, still give this blessing today, daily in Sephardic synagogues and in Israel, and on holidays in Ashkenazic synagogues outside Israel.
Why does the Hebrew word "ko" (thus), an unusual expression, precede the blessing?
The use of the word "ko" alludes to our forefather Avraham, whom G-d blessed while pointing out the countless stars in the sky: "Thus shall your offspring be." (Bereishit 15:5) The three blessings in the Birkat Cohanim remind us of our three forefathers, Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov. The Birkat Cohanim is introduced with the word "ko" to indicate that the true blessing of the Jewish people is that each of us strives to become like our forefathers. We ask G-d to bless us in the merit of our forefathers.
There are many interpretations of each of the three blessings that comprise the Birkat Cohanim. Here is one explanation:
"May G-d bless you" refers to material possessions – food, homes and income. May we have what we need.
"And guard you" refers to the safekeeping of material possessions. G-d determines what becomes of our possessions: they should not be stolen, damaged or misused.
"May G-d shine His face upon you" is a spiritual blessing. It means may G-d hear our prayers, and may He give us understanding when we learn Torah.
"And favor you" means may G-d do this even when we don't merit it.
"May G-d raise His face towards you" means may G-d give us His full attention wherever we are, and watch over all our activities. This is known as hashgacha pratis (Divine Providence) or G-d's personal concern for each of us.
"And give you peace" refers to peace of mind (we should not be troubled by worries); peace of heart (we should not be overtaken by bad inclinations); peace in our relationships; and peace in the world.
As parents, we have a special opportunity each week to convey this ancient blessing upon our children. On Friday evening, in the glow of the Shabbat candlelight, we bless our children with the very words that are written in the Torah, connecting our children to our forefathers as well as to all of the generations preceding us.
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