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The Book of Numbers- ‫ספר במדבר‬

Torah Portion Naso

Mentioned in Parashat Naso is the priests’ blessing to the nation of Israel.
The priests hold their fingers in a special manner and bless:

"May God bless and protect you.
May God illuminate His countenance to you and grant you favor.
May God lift His countenance to you and establish for you peace."

(6:24-26)

The priestly blessing includes three parts.
The commentator R' Yitzchak Abarbanel explains:
The residents in a country can be divided into three main groups:

1. Workers of the land and craftsmen
2. Men of intellect and thought
3. Men of war
The first part of the priestly blessing – "may God bless and protect you" – relates
to the first group: this is a blessing for production and protection from harm.
The second part – "may God illuminate His countenance to you and grant you
favor" – relates to the second group: this is a blessing for good thoughts.
The third part – "may God lift His countenance to you and establish for you peace
" – relates to the men of war: this is a blessing that the men of war will achieve
the ultimate goal:

Peace

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