Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'The Lord bless thee, and keep thee' (Numbers 6:24) mean?
A: This verse is the first part of the Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim). According to Rashi, 'The Lord bless thee' refers to material prosperity, and 'keep thee' means that G-d should protect that blessing from being lost or stolen. The Sforno adds that 'keep thee' also implies spiritual protection, ensuring that material wealth does not lead a person away from righteousness.
Q: Why is the Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26) important in Judaism?
A: The Priestly Blessing is a sacred tradition where Kohanim (descendants of Aaron) bless the Jewish people during prayer services. The Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah U’Nesi’at Kapayim 15:7) explains that this mitzvah emphasizes G-d's love for Israel, as He desires to bless them through His holy servants. It is recited daily in many communities, especially in Israel, and on festivals in the Diaspora.
Q: How does the blessing 'The Lord bless thee, and keep thee' apply to us today?
A: This blessing reminds us that all blessings come from G-d, and we must recognize His kindness in both material and spiritual matters. The Talmud (Sotah 38b) teaches that the Kohanim serve as a conduit for divine blessing, but every individual should strive to live in a way that makes them worthy of these blessings—through Torah study, mitzvot, and good deeds.
Q: What is the deeper meaning behind 'keep thee' in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 11:5) explains that 'keep thee' implies safeguarding a person from harmful influences, both physical and spiritual. The Kli Yakar adds that it refers to G-d preserving the Jewish people as a distinct nation, ensuring their survival and faithfulness to the Torah throughout history.
Q: Can anyone recite the Priestly Blessing, or is it only for Kohanim?
A: The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 128:1) rules that only male Kohanim (with a verified lineage) may recite this blessing with raised hands during the synagogue service. However, parents often use these words to bless their children on Shabbat, as the Talmud (Sotah 38a) teaches that the Shechinah (Divine Presence) rests upon those who give blessings with sincerity.
Explanation of the Verse (Bamidbar 6:24)
The verse "יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ" ("The Lord bless thee, and keep thee") is the first part of the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) given to the Jewish people. This blessing, commanded by Hashem to be recited by the Kohanim, conveys divine favor and protection.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that "יברכך" refers to material blessings, such as prosperity and abundance in one's possessions. The phrase "וישמרך" implies that Hashem will safeguard these blessings so they are not lost or stolen. Rashi emphasizes that without divine protection, material wealth could easily be taken away by enemies or misfortune.
Rambam's Perspective
In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Tefillah U'Nesiat Kapayim 14:7), the Rambam teaches that the Kohanim must recite this blessing with kavanah (proper intention) and that the congregation must also focus on receiving the blessing. The repetition of the divine name (יְהוָה) underscores that the blessing flows directly from Hashem.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Sifrei (Bamidbar 6:24) elaborates that "יברכך" refers to blessings in one's home and fields, while "וישמרך" extends to protection from harm—both physical and spiritual. The Midrash connects this to the idea that divine blessings must be accompanied by divine guardianship to be truly effective.
Kabbalistic Insight
According to the Arizal (Rabbi Isaac Luria), the three verses of the Priestly Blessing correspond to the sefirot of Chesed (Kindness), Gevurah (Strength), and Tiferet (Harmony). This first verse aligns with Chesed, representing Hashem's boundless kindness in bestowing blessings upon His people.
Practical Implications