Bat Kol International, Weekly Torah Nuggets
Parashat Naso | Numbers 2:1–7:89
“The LORD said to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying,
Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them,
The LORD bless you and protect you.
May the LORD’s face shine on you and be gracious to you.
May the LORD show you favour and give you peace” (Num 6:24-26).
Thus, they shall link My name with the people of Israel, and I will bless them” (Num 6:22-27).
Returning to some of the familiar Torah readings year after year can be likened to revisiting a close friend. And it would be true to say that The Priestly Blessing [6:22 – 27] is one such reading!
God alone is the source of all blessing. The ritual of the Priestly Blessing [“Birkat Kohanim”], an integral part of the ancient Temple service, took place every day. The blessing did not stay confined to the Temple but became part of communal prayer assemblies. It was later incorporated into the ritual of the synagogue resulting as one of the most popular prayers among both Jews and Christians.
Reflection:
In what ways have you been a blessing to others? How do you let your face shine on another? What reaction do you have to being blessed by someone? [Consider the Shabbat meal practice of the parents placing their hands individually on each one of the children, and reciting a blessing.]
Roy Da Silva, India
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“Since the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is thus so great, this sacred synod wants to foster and recommend that mutual understanding and respect which is the fruit, above all, of biblical and theological studies.”
Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions: Nostra Aetate, No. 4