The Birkat Kohanim is an ancient prayer that speaks to our highest hopes for blessing. It is found in the Torah, told to Aaron and Moses, the first High Priests in Judaism, as the way to bless the people of Israel. Different communities recite the Birkat Kohanim in different ways, and it continues to epitomize the idea of blessing as a concept. In the synagogue, a Kohen or Rabbi blesses the congregation with these words, often while holding their hands in the shape of the Hebrew letter “Shin”. In the home on Shabbat, it is a custom for parents to bless their children with this blessing.

8”x8” archival print made from watercolor painted image and digital collage.

In English, the text says:

May G-d bless you and guard you, 
May G-d’s face shed light upon you and be gracious unto you, 
May G-d’s face lift up to you and give you peace.