This Shavuot our family celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of our son Zali (Shneur Zalman). It was a very special occasion. What makes it even more special is sharing it with family and friends.
We are so touched at all the blessings showered upon us. We don’t feel worthy of them, but are honored at the kindness and thoughtfulness of others.
The Talmud teaches that one who blesses others is blessed by Almighty G-d. So it’s not just us saying, “Right back at you!” It’s Hashem Himself showering his blessings upon those that bless others.
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In this week’s Torah portion, Nasso, we read about the instruction to the Kohanim (priests) to bless the Jewish people. The Torah states:
The Lord spoke to Moses saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: This is how you shall bless the children of Israel, saying to them: "May the Lord bless you and watch over you. May the Lord cause His countenance to shine to you and favor you. May the Lord raise His countenance toward you and grant you peace." They shall bestow My Name upon the children of Israel, so that I will bless them. (Numbers 6:22-27).
The commandment for the Kohanim to bless the Jewish people is counted as one of the 613 commandments of the Torah. Yet, interestingly, the Torah does not give a specific instruction to bless the people, i.e. Thou Shall bless the people. Rather, the instruction is merely how to bless the people.
In other words, the Torah takes for granted the fact that the Kohanim will bless the people. It is only clarifying the manner in which the blessing should be carried out.
The lesson for all of us is immense. Speaking harshly toward another is not on the table. Neither is remaining silent. Rather we must always be seeking opportunities to praise and bless each other.
Ultimately, we all can learn from Aaron and his children, as we strive to live more caring lives. Doing so is expected from G-d and also inviting G-d into our own lives.
Turns out that blessings are not a two-way street. They are actually a three-way-street!