The Priestly Blessing in the Ashkenazi Synagogue: Ritual and Chant

If one had to select the most impressive ceremony in the traditional synagogue, it is quite certain that the choice would fall on the ritual of birkat kohanim, the threefold priestly blessing (henceforth PB). The ceremony whereby the kohanim stand barefoot in front of the ark with their prayer shawls covering their heads, bodies and hands, with their arms, stretched out under the cover, swaying right and left, is a ritual that inspires mystery and awe. The feeling of other-worldliness is greatly enhanced by the ancient chants and melodies that come from under the prayer shawls of the kohanim. All Jewish communities from Yemen to Lithuania cherish special chants for the ritual and they are all worthy of research. Yet the Ashkenazi traditions have developed the richest variety of chants, melodies and compositions for the PB.