Birkat Cohanim, also known as the Priestly Blessing or Nesiat Kapayim (the “lifting of the hands”), is a biblical commandment (Deorayta) for the descendants of Aaron, known as Kohanim, to bless the Jewish people. The blessing is derived from Numbers 6:23–27, which commands Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites with the specific words: “May the LORD bless you and keep you; May the LORD shine His face upon you and be gracious to you; May the LORD lift up His face upon you and give you peace”. This blessing is considered a divine act, with God’s presence symbolically flowing through the hands of the Kohanim.
The blessing is traditionally recited in synagogues during the Musaf service on Jewish holidays (Yom Tov), and in Israel, it is also recited daily during Shacharit, Musaf, and Ne’ilah.
Outside of Israel, the Ashkenazi custom is to recite Birkat Cohanim only on Yom Tov, as it is believed that the blessing should be performed when people are in a state of joy and not preoccupied with work or daily concerns. Some communities, particularly Ashkenazim, do not perform the blessing on Shabbat when it coincides with Yom Tov, though this practice is discouraged by many authorities. On fast days such as Tisha B’Av or the 17th of Tammuz, which lack Ne’ilah, Birkat Cohanim is recited during Mincha because fasting prevents the concern of intoxication.
The ritual involves Kohanim removing their shoes, washing their hands up to the wrists (a practice based on Psalm 134:2), and ascending to a raised platform called a duchan.
The Kohanim stand facing the congregation, with their backs to the Ark, and raise their hands with fingers spread in a specific formation—typically with the thumbs and pinky fingers together, and the middle and ring fingers together, forming a symbolic “Shin” (שׁ) or “windows”. They recite the blessing in Hebrew, repeating each word after the chazzan (cantor), who recites it aloud, and the congregation responds with “Amen” after each verse.
The blessing is not recited at night, during Mincha on non-fast days (due to concerns of intoxication), or if a Cohen is in mourning.
A Cohen who is called to bless must do so, as refusing violates a biblical commandment.
The Kohanim are required to be in a state of joy and spiritual readiness; a Cohen in mourning (aveilut) is not permitted to participate. The blessing is considered a spiritually uplifting moment, often described as a “divine hug” where the entire congregation is embraced by divine blessing. The ritual is also associated with the idea that the Divine Presence shines through the fingers of the Kohanim, which is why Orthodox Jews traditionally avoid looking directly at them during the blessing.
