Halakhah к Бамидбар 6:22

A question that kohanim who serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) might face upon discharge is whether or not they may continue to perform the mitzvah of nesi’at kapayim (raising the hands to bless the people; Bemidbar 6:22-27). The basis of discussion of this issue is the Gemara (Berachot 32b) stating that a kohen who has killed is disqualified from performing nesi’at kapayim. As a source for this principle, the Gemara cites a pasuk from Yeshayahu (1:15), which teaches that because our hands are filled with blood, Hashem ignores us when we extend our hands (interpreted by the Gemara as a reference to nesi’at kapayim). The Rambam (Hilchot Nesi’at Kapayim 15:3) and the Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 128:35) codify this passage as normative Halachah. We will cite the rulings of Rav Moshe Feinstein, Rav Eliezer Waldenberg, and Rav Ovadia Yosef, who focus on the parameters and scope of this prohibition, discussing such issues as whether it applies to one who kills b’oness (under duress), one who kills a nochri, and one who kills in the course of performing a mitzvah.

There is a positive biblical commandment for kohanim to bless the nation of Israel, as it is written: “God spoke to Moshe, saying: Speak to Aharon and his sons, saying: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: May the Lord bless you and guard you. May the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face toward you and grant you peace” (Bamidbar 6:22-26).