Why the Priests Must Bless Israel With Kavvanah of the Heart

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Nasso 18:2

(Numbers 6:23:) "Thus shall you bless [the children of Israel]; say to them." "Say" (amor) is written full. "Say to them", to the priests: It is not because I told you that you are to bless Israel that you shall bless them as in compelled labor and in haste; rather you shall bless them with intention of the heart (kavvanat ha-lev), so that the blessing may take hold among them. Therefore it is said, "say to them."

Themes

Biblical References