There are moments in our lives which stand out beyond compare; moments of intensity and occasions of great significance: birth, death, recovery from illness, witnessing an adult child's growth. These moments overwhelm us. We seek words for experiences that defy words. Perhaps words from thousands of years ago in some way give speech to grand moments.
In this week’s Parshah we find three phrases which are among the most famous of all Jewish tradition. They emerge from a man named Aaron who is called upon to dedicate a shared worship space. Never before has Israel had a worship place. At the occasion of the first dedication EVER we hear the words “May God bless you and keep you, may God turn God's face to you and protect you, may God turn God’s face to you and grant you peace.”
Originally, this threefold blessing was intended for the entire nation of hundreds of thousands of Israelites. At a later stage in history parents took hold of this phrasing and offered these words over their children. We learn that you do not need to be a high priest to bless loved ones. Anyone of us is authorized to bless someone as long as he/she opens himself/herself to the vulnerability of being incapable of accomplishing this blessing itself. Only by appreciating our limits does our blessing carry forth- as long as we are motivated by love. Love and humility are the essential elements of effectuating a blessing upon others.
May we not wait until momentous occasions to bring God into our lives and to offer blessings upon others. May we all recognize that every week is an opportunity to express love and humility and connect ourselves and others to the tradition of Aaron 3,300 years ago, anchoring ourselves in history and in effect serving as a high priest. May we open our mouths to each other in love and humility.
Shabbat shalom. Rabbi Steve Silberman
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