[Avodah] Birchat Cohanim

[Joel Rich]

A fascinating insight from the Alei Tamar( Rabbi Yissachar b. Zvi Tamar
1886-1982) on the Jerusalem Talmud chapter 5, halacha 4)
He posits the reason why there is no daily birchat cohanim outside of
Israel on the fact that, in order for the blessing to be given, it must be
done with full joy, full love of the Jewish people, with complete, full
intent and equanimity of mind with the best of voices.

He thus explains a report of a practice in Italy that when the Cohanim went
up to the duchen, only one would say the birchat cohanim (either the
greatest of them or with the one with the best voice.) While this practice
seems to be inconsistent with the Talmud, he posits that it’s an ancient
practice, and they were so worried that they would not be able to do it
right that they selected only the greatest to say it the others would get
credit through him.

The kicker is that over the years it went from being the most qualified
cohen to the one with the best voice. Insert your own commentary here.

Bsorot Tovot

Joel Rich
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