Priestly Blessings

It is not possible for any Jew to observe all 613 commandments even when the Temple was standing. A case in point is that many Mitzvot apply only to Kohanim.

The Sefer Hachinuch wrote that it is a Mitzva that the Kohein blesses the Jewish people every day of the year. On days when the Mussaf prayer is recited, there is an additional blessing. In Israel, the Kohein blesses 450 times a year.

The reason for this Mitzva is that it is Hashem’s desire, with His great kindness, to bless His people by way of His faithful servants, who serve in His house.

The thoughts of the Kohanim are bound in the service of Hashem. Their souls are connected with fear of the Al-mighty, and in their merit, the blessings bear fruit.

It was Hashem’s decision that rather than bless the people directly, He chose to do this by way of His intermediaries. The שכינה, the Divine Presence, travels through the fingers of the Kohanim as they face their congregation, with their hands spread in sanctity.

This blessing is given as part of the daily service when there is a Minyan. It is said daily in Israel, although Sefardic Jews also bless outside of Israel.

The Kohanim’s blessing consists of asking that G-d will find favor with them, and they will receive great sustenance. They will not be shamed in any way and they will find a sense of peace and well being.

The Birkat Kohanim is a positive Mitzva reserved only for Kohanim, but the rest of the nation are the beneficiaries of these special blessings.