Sota 38: Details of the Priestly Blessing - Whom, To Whom, How, Where

Based on a number of references to standing in the Temple, the rabbis deduce that priest should be standing while giving the priestly benediction.  Further, people should never sit while in the Temple.  The rabbis also discuss references that suggest when the priests' hand should be lifted, which of G-d's names should be used, and whether all or just some of the 'sons of Israel' should be blessed.  They find verses to help them figure out that priests should face those they are blessing, and that they should speak in full voice rather than in a whisper.

Similarly, the rabbis believe that priests must ascend the platform to make their blessing.  Similarly, the kohanim bless the congregation today during the Amida prayer, which stands in for the blessing in the Temple service.  They should also be sure that all priests recite the blessing periodically to maintain their status in the priesthood.  

The rabbis note that priest who give this blessing are blessed themselves.  Likewise, a person who is given a cup of blessing to recite the birkat hamazon, grace after meals, should be one with a good eye - one who is generous.  One who is generous and thus blessed should receive even more blessings.  The Gemara goes on a tangent to discuss the fate of miserly people.  

What if the entire congregation is made up of priests?  They should all ascend the platform and bless those in the field.  But who will say 'amen'?  We know that people must be in front (or to the sides_ of the priests to be included in the blessing.  So how can we include those in the fields?  The rabbis are clear that barriers make no difference, and that they are speaking of those who are compelled to work in the field rather than those who simply choose to work during the blessings.  

The rabbis find this difficult.  What about certain congregations where some priests remain to be blessed rather than to do the blessing?  We learn that in these cases a quorum of ten remain to be blessed.  If there are fewer than ten remaining, all priests should ascend and bless those Jews in the field who cannot attend services.  They clarify: a tall person does not interpose between the priests and a short person, nor do any barriers break the priestly blessing. 

Amazing that so many of our rituals have come from this very ancient text.  It is so powerful to feel a part of this continuous line of practice and inquiry.