In the Torah this week, we read the portion called Naso, from the Book of Numbers. It’s in this portion that we find the priestly benediction. You remember it, “May God bless you and keep you; May God deal kindly and graciously with you; May God grant you peace.” If the English doesn’t sound familiar, it’s because rabbis who extend this blessing often elaborate on it to make it especially personal and meaningful. Let’s examine, for a moment, what the three-fold benediction really says:
“May God bless you.” In our sources, we learn that “bless you” means with prosperity. That’s not to suggest that it focuses only on material goods; rather it focuses on the blessings anyone should hope to enjoy. In a world full of God’s creations, we should know that they were created for our pleasure. God’s blessing is about the fullness of our life and that includes prosperity in whatever meaningful form that might take.
“And protect you.” As long as you’re enjoying prosperity and goodness, no one should steal it from you. This is not a light hope; rather, this speaks to the real fear that your property could be stolen or your blessings could come to an end. God’s protection over all aspects of your life should provide you with some comfort.
“May God deal kindly and graciously with you.” This second part of the three-fold benediction often refers to the spiritual aspects of God’s presence. To live in God’s presence and to benefit from it is a blessing. It’s the hope that God’s light, as it were, will always shine upon you.
“May God grant you peace.” This last part captures the sum total of the entire blessing. Above all, is the expectation that God may grant peace, real Shalom that provides rest, but also wholeness and completeness in your life.
The blessing is recited on many occasions, and in some congregations it’s recited on the bemah at the end of every Shabbat service as a final benediction. The rabbi may raise his or her arms, and in some cases, spread his or her fingers in the manner of the high priest in ancient times. At Beth Israel, we have not followed this particular custom, as far as I can remember, but we do conclude each worship service with a benediction that is meaningful and relevant to our needs each week. If you’re a Star Trek fan, which I’m not, you would know that Mr. Spock spread his fingers apart like the High Priest did and some rabbis still do. Mr. Spock, Leonard Nemoy, is Jewish; when he was looking for a clever hand gesture to use in his role he recalled the way his rabbi once spread his hands over his head in the synagogue.
As Shabbat comes and the Memorial Day weekend begins, give some thought to God’s blessings in your life, and the way Shalom, real peace is truly the sum total of all your hopes when all is said and done. Let’s also remember the soldiers who have fought and who still fight to defend our country and the blessings they and their family’s seek everyday. May God bless them and protect them. May God grant them peace.
From my desk to yours, Shabbat Shalom.