Bless You!

“Speak to Aharon and his sons, saying: This is how you should bless Bnei Yisrael, say to them.” (Bamidbar 6:23)

In 1979, archaeologists discovered two tiny silver scrolls in a cave outside the walls of Yerushalayim. They were so fragile that it took three years to figure out how to unroll the parchments without causing damage. The scrolls were amulets, containing, among other texts, Bircas Kohanim. They were scientifically dated to the last days of Bayis Rishon and the time of Yirmiyahu Hanavi. Ours is a heritage of blessing (Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Covenant & Conversation).

I don’t have specific times when I bentsh my kids. It’s more when the mood hits me.

My son was heading on an overnight trip during bein hazmanim with a group from our shul. As he hefted his knapsack, he asked me to bentsh him. I closed my eyes as I murmured the brachah, davening he should be safe and enjoy himself.

We shared a smile as he headed out the door.

Then Yitzi bounced up. “Hey, bentsh me, too! So what if I’m not going on a trip?” So I did.