Shabbat Shalom
This week, we delve into one of the most iconic passages in the Torah—Birkat Kohanim, the Priestly Blessing. What gives this blessing its enduring power? And why, if it’s the priests’ duty to bless the people, are we commanded to thank them?
We explore the beautiful symbolism behind the ancient priestly hand gesture (yes, the one made famous by Star Trek!), and uncover how the blessing isn’t about the priest’s holiness—but about God’s presence shining through them.
What does it mean that God is “waiting behind the cracks”? And how does this sacred moment connect generations of Kohanim across millennia?
Join us as we reveal the divine layers within this beloved blessing, and what it teaches us about love, humility, and being vessels of light in the world.
Watch now and discover the spiritual depth of Parshat Naso!
Hi Sh’muel,
I really appreciate your weekly Torah portion and your accompanying explanation.
Unfortunately, this week’s message reminded me of how easy it is to ‘miss the mark’ with Biblical truth.
Why is it , with this , possibly, the most important passage in the Torah do we misinterpret God’s Word ? I am sure that you read the Hebrew text and the Name of God, the Tetragrammaton, not just in this passage but throughout the Torah is Jehovah. Why do we conceal God’s Name from the people – is it through religiousity ? How did this blasphemy creep into the Torah ? God is not ashamed of His Name and it should be on the lips of every believer. We should know God’s Name and proclaim it out loud.
I know that this has become an accepted practice so I am not being unkind to you, simply observing as to how easily we can ‘miss the mark’.
The same is true in the New Testament where it is expressly forbidden ( Matt.5:34-37 and James.5:12 ) to swear and take an oath in God’s Name – and yet we blaspheme this dictate by placing a Bible in the hands of people and invite them to break the command by ‘Swearing on the Bible.’
We love your ministry outreach and bless you in the Name of Jehovah.
Shalom,
Brian.
Dear Brian,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful note. Your love for the Word of God and your passion for honoring His Name are both clear and deeply appreciated. I am grateful for your engagement with the Torah portion and your sincerity in raising such an important point.
If I understood you correctly, you are referring specifically to the Priestly Blessing in Numbers 6, where the Tetragrammaton, the sacred four-letter Name of God, appears three times. You’re asking why we in the Jewish tradition do not pronounce the Name as it is written, and instead substitute it with “Adonai” or say “Hashem” (literally: “The Name”).
This is indeed a meaningful question, and one that touches the very heart of Jewish tradition and reverence.
In Judaism, we refrain from pronouncing the four-letter Name of God not out of shame or religious formality, but rather from a deep sense of awe, holiness, and sacred responsibility. Our sages taught that the Divine Name is so holy, it was only spoken aloud by the High Priest once a year , on Yom Kippur, in the Holy of Holies. Outside of the Temple context, we honor the Name by not attempting to pronounce it, lest we profane it unintentionally. This practice is based on the commandment: “You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7), which we interpret very seriously.
We see this not as concealing God’s Name, but as elevating it, acknowledging that some things are so sacred that they must be treated with the utmost care and reverence, much like the Ark of the Covenant itself, which was never to be touched casually.
I do understand and respect your perspective, and I know that among many devout Christians, especially those who study the Hebrew Scriptures closely, there is a desire to speak God’s Name openly and proclaim it. I appreciate your honesty and your heart for truth.
Thank you again for your blessing and your encouragement. May the God of Israel bless you richly and may we, together, continue to seek His truth with humility and love.
Shalom and blessings,
Shmuel