Halachic Highlights

Question: Do you fulfill any mitzvah when you only partially perform Sh’nayim Mikra V’Echad Targum?

Question: Should those non-kohanim who are standing to the sides of the kohanim move for Birkas Kohanim so that they are standing facing the kohanim?

Short Answer: Ideally, those who are on the sides of the kohanim should move to face the kohanim directly during Birkas Kohanim. But if they cannot, or if there is not sufficient room for the entire congregation to stand directly in front of the kohanim, they are still included in the brachah.

Question: May a kohen recite Birkas Kohanim during his year of aveilus?

Talking During Birkas Kohanim

Question: May a kohen perform Birkas Kohanim where there are only nine other men in shul and some of the men are talking and not listening to Birkas Kohanim?

Short Answer: Yes, these disrespectful people who talk during Birkas Kohanim are included in Birkas Kohanim and thus Birkas Kohanim may be performed in such a situation.

Question: Is the kohen allowed to start preparing for Birkas Kohanim before the chazan recites HaKeil HaKadosh during Chazaras HaShatz?

Question: Should a Levi wash a kohen’s hands for Birkas Kohanim where the Levi will miss part of Chazaras HaShatz in the process? What about where the Levi needs to walk in front of a person who is in the middle of his Sh’moneh Esrei?