Proper Behavior of the Congregation During Birkat Cohanim
- Halacha Moment
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
The Daily Halacha Moment - Proper Behavior of the Congregation During Birkat Cohanim
״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)
“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)
Question:
What is the proper behavior of a congregation during Birkat Cohanim?
Answer:
Because there is an opinion that the Yisraelim also fulfill a mitzvah by receiving the beracha, one who is present in the Shul when the Cohanim are called up should not leave until after Birkat Cohanim has been completed [1]. Even if one has already heard Birkat Cohanim earlier that day, it is still considered improper to leave the Shul at the time the Cohanim ascend to give the blessing [2].
The congregation should stand during Birkat Cohanim and listen attentively to every word with proper intent [3]. However, someone who is elderly or unwell is permitted to remain seated during the beracha [4].
One who is standing slightly behind the Cohanim is not included in the blessing. However, someone standing directly to the side of the Cohanim is included. In all cases, it is proper to face the Cohanim. Even if there is a partition even an iron wall between the Cohanim and the people being blessed, as long as those individuals are facing the Cohanim, they are considered part of the blessing [5].
If someone is standing in front of the Cohanim, they should turn to face east, toward the front of the Shul [6].
One should not gaze at the hands of the Cohanim during Birkat Cohanim, but should instead look downward [7] or cover their face with a Tallit [8]. However, since in our times the Cohanim typically cover their hands with a Tallit, it is permitted to look at them [9].
If one is in the middle of their silent Shemoneh Esrei when the Cohanim are blessing the congregation, they should stand silently and not respond “Amen” [10].
Sources:
[1]. Piskei Teshuvot 128:2.
[2]. Kaf HaChaim 128:149.
[3]. Mishna Berurah 128:51, Tefillah KeHilchata 14:48.
[4]. Yalkut Yosef, Tefillah Volume 1, page 298
[5]. Shulchan Aruch 128:24, Beiur Halacha s.v. Aval, Rambam, Mishneh Torah: Hilchot Tefillah U'Birkat Cohanim, Chapter 15, Halacha 8
[6]. Biur Halacha 128:24 s.v. Aval
[7]. Shulchan Aruch 128:23.
[8]. Mishna Brurah 128:92, Tefillah KeHilchata 14:49.
[9]. Based on Shulchan Aruch 128:23
[10]. Igrot Moshe OC 4:21:2.
How You Can Participate
📲 link 😊
Netanel Aminov
Founder Of The Halacha Moment
🌟 Today's Halacha Moment is dedicated:
🕯 Leiluy Nishmat:
Mishael Ben Frecha
Efrat Bat Aushra
🤒 Refuah Shelema:
Chana Bat Sima Feiga
💯 Hatzlacha:
Aminov Family
Sion Ben Elie
DBY
🗣️ Want Your Friends/ Family to Be Part of This Amazing Broadcast?
👇 Click Below 👇
⭐️❤️ Want the _zechut_ of dedicating a Halacha Moment seen by thousands?
Dedicate a day $72
Dedicate A Week $36
Dedicate A Month $1250
Zelle info@halachamoment.com
🤩 Comment on this Halacha Moment and let us know how it impacted you.
Comments