—Numbers 6:23.
Daniel was fuming. His son, lazy, loud, and allergic to
responsibility, had pushed one button too many. So, Daniel did what fathers
used to do before parenting books and therapy: He kicked the youth out of the
house.
By nightfall, the wind picked up, and with it, the boy’s
whining. No coat, no blanket, no clue. Shivering, he shuffled over to the
neighbor’s house, hoping the man would play the role of
peacemaker-slash-clothing courier.
The neighbor, a soft touch, took the bait. He marched over
to Daniel’s door, full of moral outrage. “He’s your son!” he said. “At least
give him a coat!”
Daniel didn’t flinch. “Yes, do me a favor,” he said,
deadpan. “Allow me to give my son a coat.”
The neighbor blinked. What in the world did that mean?
Daniel sighed. “You think I don’t want to help him? I’m
his father! There’s nothing I want more than to help him. But because of his
laziness and arrogance, I have no choice but to be tough. It is for his own
good that I am strict with him.”
The neighbor shifted, suddenly very interested in his
shoes.
Daniel fixed him with a look. “So, if you really want to
help, don’t come to me. Speak to the boy! Tell him to shape up. Then
I’ll gladly give him whatever he needs.”
The Task of the Kohanim
God instructed Aaron and his sons how to bless the
Jewish people: “This is how you shall bless the Israelites.” At first glance, Birkat
Kohanim sounds like a straightforward prayer, a request for God’s
compassion and protection. But here’s the question: Why do the kohanim turn to
face the people when they recite it? Shouldn’t they be facing God, as
intercessors?
Turns out, they’re not just delivering a blessing. They’re
delivering a message. Like the father in the parable, God wants to give us
everything, but we need to be worthy. The kohanim face us, because the real
plea is directed at us. Shape up, they’re saying. Live up to who you are.
God’s instruction to Aaron echoes the father’s words to
his neighbor: “This is how you should bless the Israelites: Tell them!”
Turn to the people and speak to them. Then, “God will bless you and watch over
you.”
The Midrash puts it bluntly: “Before you command Me
regarding My children, command My children regarding Me!” (Rashi on Num. 28:2).
