Last week’s Torah portion was Naso. This was the theme of the Sermon that Karyn Goldner gave at her Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Here is an excerpt.
This week’s Torah reading is Naso, the Priestly Benediction at the end of chapter six of the book of Numbers. This is one of my favorite Torah portions. The verses of the Priestly Benediction, or the Priestly Blessings, are integral to Jewish life. These Blessings are recited at Shabbat, Life-Cycle Events and Holidays. They are one of the most ancient texts of the Torah and one of the oldest prayers still in use today. Archaeologists have found a plaque with the identical words to those found in the Torah dating from as early as the seventh century b.c.e.
So what is a Blessing?
And what is it about these words that have endured thousands of years and still hold the very same meaning for us today?
The Torah states: “The Lord Spoke to Moses: Speak to Aaron and his sons: Thus shall you bless the people of Israel. Say to them:
The Lord bless you and Keep you.
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you.
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
Thus they shall link My name with the people of Israel, and I will bless them.
People have questioned this reading, wondering how the priests held such power to bless the people. The Rabbis teach us that The Lord bestowed his blessing on the Priests who in turn then blessed the Israelites.
Whether it come from the priest’s lips or from our own, we now realize the power of these words. And the feelings these words invoke to all who speak them. Often we seek blessings from one another. A young couple wants the blessing of their parents before they marry, we invoke God’s name to bless the sick or less fortunate. Even a sneeze will bring most people, even strangers, to offer a blessing.
Blessings can be powerful and yet, they offer no magical manifestation. A blessing is an expression of hope. This hope links us to one another, no matter what faith, no matter what creed. Offering a blessing can be very moving. The one who offers the blessing, offers the gift of caring. The one who receives the blessing, hearing these kind words, feels a spiritual focus and a connection.
Often we associate material goods and health, good friends and family with one who is truly blessed. This sentiment is exactly what the Torah means for us to take away from this reading. The three lines of the Priestly Benediction asks God to bestow all that we may need to live, be happy and be healthy.
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