Naso – The Priestly Blessing

In parshas Naso Hashem tells Moshe how the Cohanim are to bless the children of Israel (Numbers 6:22-27). The text is

יְבָרֶכְךָ ה'	May the Hashem bless you
וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ:	and protect you
יָאֵר ה' | פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ	May Hashem shine His face on you
וִיחֻנֶּךָּ:	and favor you
יִשָּׂא ה' | פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ	May the Hashem direct His countenance toward you
וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם:	and grant you peace

The commentaries delve into the meaning of this blessing. Rashi sees a blessing as bestowment of physical possessions and that these possessions should not be damaged or lost. He also sees in this blessing, favor and suppression of anger.

The Ibn Ezra sees a blessing of long life and wealth. Protection refers to salvation in time of need. A shining face is like a king who desires the company of another and receives them warmly. Peace he describes as freedom from evil, shock, poverty, and enemies.

The Sforno also sees a blessing as wealth and possessions and quotes Ethics of our Fathers (3:17) that if there is no flour there will be no Torah. The protection is from thieves. After the blessing comes illumination. He explains "shine" as perception of the face of G-d and being able gaze on the wonders of the Torah and the deeds of heaven. He sees providence as everlasting life and cites Gemara Brachos that the righteous will sit and delight from the radiance of the divine presence. Peace is a perfect, permanent rest with no aspect of punishment.

The Cli Yakar sees an ascension theme in this bracha. He notes in the Song of Songs that the children of Israel are called a daughter, sister, and mother. The aspect of the daughter is gifts and protection from heaven such as a healthy strong body, intellectual acumen, and protection from aggravation. A sister is compared to the moon that reflects the light of the sun. So to say G-d's favor is bestowed upon one that reflects the light of the Torah. The aspect of a mother lends itself to the idea of the righteous, specifically that G-d fulfills the decrees of a tsadik.

The Or Hachaim sees this blessing as a blessing which has no bad in it. Hashem's shining face means that there will be no barrier between Israel and their father in heaven, and that the light of the divine presence will shine on Israel. G-d's providence means that even if bad deeds cause a separation G-d will beckon a return. Peace is unity with Hashem. In addition if a person looks deeply into the concept of peace he will see that it is the foundation of the world, includes both which is high and low, and is the vessel that holds all blessings.