Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean to 'put G-d's name upon the children of Israel'?
A: This refers to the Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim) given by the Kohanim (priests) to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this means the Kohanim pronounce G-d's sacred name (the Tetragrammaton) when blessing the people, thereby placing G-d's name upon them.
Q: Why is the Priestly Blessing important in Judaism?
A: The Priestly Blessing is a direct commandment from G-d (Numbers 6:22-27) and is considered a special channel for divine blessing. The Talmud (Sotah 38a) teaches that the Kohanim serve as conduits for G-d's blessings to flow to the Jewish people.
Q: How is this verse applied today in Jewish practice?
A: In Orthodox Jewish communities, the Kohanim recite the Priestly Blessing daily in Israel and on holidays in the diaspora, with their hands raised in the traditional manner. The congregation stands with heads covered and faces the Kohanim, receiving this ancient blessing as commanded in the Torah.
Q: What is the significance of G-d saying 'I will bless them' after the Priestly Blessing?
A: The Ramban explains that this shows the Priestly Blessing is not merely symbolic - G-d Himself promises to fulfill these blessings. The Kohanim are the messengers, but the actual blessing comes directly from G-d, giving the ritual its true power and significance.
Q: Can anyone give the Priestly Blessing or only Kohanim?
A: According to Halacha (Jewish law), only male descendants of Aaron who are Kohanim may perform this ritual blessing. The Mishnah (Megillah 4:6) and Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 128) specify strict requirements about who may give this blessing and under what circumstances.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bamidbar 6:27) concludes the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing), where Hashem instructs Aharon and his descendants to bless Bnei Yisrael with this sacred formula. The placement of Hashem's name upon the people signifies a divine connection and protection.
Meaning of "Put My Name Upon Bnei Yisrael"
The Promise of Divine Blessing
The second half of the verse—"and I will bless them"—underscores that the ultimate source of blessing is Hashem. Midrash Tanchuma (Naso 10) teaches that this assurance means Hashem will amplify the Kohanim's blessing with His own boundless benevolence.
Kabbalistic Insight
The Arizal (Pri Etz Chaim, Shaar HaKavanot) explains that the Kohanim’s recitation of the blessing channels divine light (shefa) into the world, aligning the physical and spiritual realms through the power of Hashem’s name.
Practical Halachic Implications