Today in synagogue, we did not have any Kohanim (members of the priestly class) to do the ritual blessing of the people.
So Rabbi Haim Ovadia did something really creative and beautiful.
He had each of us turn to our neighbor and put our hands over each other’s heads and recite the blessing from the Torah:
“May G-d bless and guide you.
May G-d shine his countenance on you and be gracious to you.
May G-d turn his countenance toward you and grant you peace.”
The gesture of brotherhood and caring for each other was very, very nice, and I got to meet someone new in synagogue today.
People need people…and we need G-d.
Somehow it makes everything better. 😉
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
andyblumenthal 