Today, the second intermediary day of Pesach (Passover), hundreds of Kohanim (Jews descended from Moses’ brother Aaron, who was the head of the priestly class) and  thousands of Jews in Israel went to the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem for the traditional Birkat Kohanim (the priestly blessing).

This blessing features powerful words that can be experienced as a deep meditation. Shrouded in their tallitot (the ritual prayer shawl), the Kohanim recite the following words to the onlookers:

יְבָרֶכְךָ ה’, וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ

May HaShem bless you and safeguard you. 

יָאֵר ה’ פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וִיחֻנֶּךָּ

May HaShem illuminate His countenance upon you and be gracious to you. 

יִשָּׂא ה’ פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם

May HaShem lift up His countenance unto you and give you peace. 

This blessing takes place at the Western Wall in Jerusalem twice a year, during Pesach (Passover) and Sukkot. But it’s also recited in shuls (synagogues) daily in Israel and during specific holidays (including Pesach) outside of Israel.

The next time you are privileged to hear Birkat Kohanim, whether at the Western Wall or in a shul, take a few deep breaths beforehand to center yourself. Then visualize yourself as an empty vessel about to be filled up with HaShem’s blessings. Feel HaShem’s love and protection enveloping you, which will lead to a feeling of peace and contentment.

Happy Passover!

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