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Leviticus 9:22 - Kohen's blessing after sacrifices

Leviticus 9:22 - ויקרא 9:22

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשָּׂא אַהֲרֹן אֶת־ידו [יָדָיו] אֶל־הָעָם וַיְבָרְכֵם וַיֵּרֶד מֵעֲשֹׂת הַחַטָּאת וְהָעֹלָה וְהַשְּׁלָמִים׃

English Translation

And Aharon lifted up his hand towards the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings.

Transliteration

Va'yisa Aharon et-yadav el-ha'am va'yevarecheim va'yered me'asot ha'chatat ve'ha'olah ve'hashlamim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשָּׂ֨א אַהֲרֹ֧ן אֶת־<span class="mam-kq-trivial">יָדָ֛ו</span> אֶל־הָעָ֖ם וַֽיְבָרְכֵ֑ם וַיֵּ֗רֶד מֵעֲשֹׂ֧ת הַֽחַטָּ֛את וְהָעֹלָ֖ה וְהַשְּׁלָמִֽים׃
וַיִּשָּׂ֨א אַהֲרֹ֧ן אֶת־יָדָ֛ו אֶל־הָעָ֖ם וַֽיְבָרְכֵ֑ם וַיֵּ֗רֶד מֵעֲשֹׂ֧ת הַֽחַטָּ֛את וְהָעֹלָ֖ה וְהַשְּׁלָמִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim)

The verse describes Aharon lifting his hands to bless the people after completing the sacrificial offerings. Rashi (Vayikra 9:22) explains that this refers to the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) found in Bamidbar 6:24-26. The lifting of hands (nesiat kapayim) is a sacred act performed by Kohanim to this day during the duchanen ceremony.

Connection to the Sacrificial Service

The Sforno notes that the blessing followed the completion of the sin offering, burnt offering, and peace offerings. This teaches that the priestly blessing is most effective when the people have first achieved atonement (through the sin offering), demonstrated complete devotion to Hashem (through the burnt offering), and established peace among themselves (through the peace offerings).

The Significance of Hand Gesture

The Talmud (Sotah 38a) discusses the proper way Kohanim must raise their hands during the blessing:

  • The hands should be spread with fingers separated in a specific formation
  • The palms face downward toward the congregation
  • The Kohanim must stand on an elevated platform when blessing

Aharon's Unique Role

Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah U'nesiat Kapayim 15:6) emphasizes that this was the first time the priestly blessing was given, establishing the precedent for all future generations. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 9:9) notes that Aharon was particularly suited for this role because of his love for peace and pursuit of harmony among the Jewish people.

Spiritual Dimensions

The Zohar (Vayikra 51b) explains that when the Kohanim raise their hands, they become a conduit for Divine blessing, with the Shechinah resting upon their fingers. The five fingers correspond to the five levels of soul (nefesh, ruach, neshamah, chayah, yechidah) through which the blessings flow to the people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the priestly blessings and the proper way to perform them.
📖 Sotah 38a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the priestly blessings and the requirement for the priests to raise their hands while blessing the people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Aharon lifting his hands to bless the people?
A: Aharon lifting his hands represents the priestly blessing (Birkat Kohanim) given to the Jewish people. This act is a sacred tradition still performed by Kohanim (descendants of Aharon) in synagogues today. Rashi explains that this was the first time the priestly blessing was given, establishing a lasting mitzvah.
Q: Why did Aharon bless the people after offering sacrifices?
A: According to the Midrash, Aharon blessed the people after the sacrifices to show that G-d had accepted their offerings and to bring divine favor upon them. The Rambam teaches that the priestly blessing is a channel for G-d's kindness to flow to the people, especially after atonement through sacrifices.
Q: What three types of offerings did Aharon bring before blessing the people?
A: Aharon brought three types of offerings: 1) Chatat (sin offering) for atonement, 2) Olah (burnt offering) representing complete devotion to G-d, and 3) Shelamim (peace offerings) expressing gratitude and fellowship. The Talmud explains each served a different spiritual purpose in preparing the people to receive blessing.
Q: How does Aharon's blessing apply to Jews today?
A: The Kohanim continue this tradition by reciting the priestly blessing during daily prayers in Israel and on festivals in the diaspora. The Shulchan Aruch rules that this mitzvah connects us directly to the Temple service and Aharon's original blessing, bringing divine protection and grace.
Q: Why does the verse say Aharon 'came down' after blessing?
A: Rashi explains that Aharon descended from the altar where he had been standing to offer sacrifices. The Kli Yakar adds that this teaches humility - even after performing sacred service and giving blessings, one must 'come down' to the people's level with modesty.