This is a poster announcing to the public a large public gathering at the Kotel (Western Wall) during Pesach for the Priestly Blessing. The poster references the quote from the Torah that “in the multitude of people is the glory of God,” a quote used to support the principle of many people praying together.
Would You Like to Know More?
The Priestly Blessing - The Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim) is a prayer recited in synagogue by the Kohanim, the descendants of Aaron, traditionally believed to have chosen by God to serve as priests. At the time of the temple, the Kohanim were responsible for the service in the temple. The Kohanim, with arms raised, recite this blessing of peace that appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 6: 23-27:
May God bless you and guard you
May God make His face shed light upon you and be gracious unto you –
May God lift up His face unto you and give you peace
The tradition of large public Priestly Blessings started in 1970 and has taken place ever since during Chol Hamoed (the intermediate days) of Pesach and Sukkot. Tens of thousands of people, both Kohanim and others, participate in this special ceremony.
Connection to Parashat Naso
In Parashat Naso, God commands Moses to recite the precise text of the priestly blessing to his brother, Aharon, and all of Aharon’s sons. In Israel this blessing, comprising just three sentences, is recited by the Kohanim every morning; outside of Israel, it is only said on festivals. In giving God’s blessing, the Kohanim become the servants of God and are required to feel love for the congregation they are blessing.
