Parshah Naso

The priestly blessing

'May G-d bless you and protect you.' The parshah teaches us the words we still use to bless our children.

The Birkat Kohanim is stunning in its restraint, three lines, fifteen words, no adjectives of achievement. It asks for protection, presence, and peace.

The blessing does not ask G-d to make anyone impressive. It asks G-d to be near. That may be the truest blessing any of us can offer another person.

This week, bless someone with your presence rather than your praise. Sit with them. Wish them well. Let that be enough.

Make it personal

Your Hebrew birthday opens a personal doorway into this parshah.

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