Today's mass Birkat Kohanim - The Priestly Blessing

Thousands of people turned out Tuesday for the traditional "priestly blessing" at Jerusalem's Western Wall plaza.

The ceremony was led by Israel's two chief rabbis, Shlomo Amar and Yona Metzger. The prayer is held every year during the week-long Passover holiday.

The Chief Rabbis


The Crowds


The priestly blessing is found in Numbers 6:23-27. When recited, the Kohen (priest) raises his hands with the palms facing outward and the thumbs of his outspread hands touching. The four fingers on each hand are split into two sets of two fingers each (thus forming the letter Shin)

The Kohanim


The Torah: "Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, in this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them: May the Lord bless you, and keep you: May the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. And they shall put My name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them." (Numbers 6:23-27)

When the Holy Temple stands in Jerusalem, the Divine Presence shines through the fingers of the Kohanim as they bless the Jews, and one is not allowed to look out at them out of respect for G-d.

By coming to Jerusalem three times a year even when the Temple is still absent we show our eager anticipation for the Third Temple. Come be a part of it - it's something else!

G-d is calling you Home!!!