In Ashkenazic circles, it is a well established custom for the kohanimto perform the birchat kohanim (priestly blessing) only on Yom Tov[1]. Over the ages, some scholars tried to change this because birchat kohanimis a biblical commandment and not reciting it is a custom which is hard to justify[2]. Yet, they were not successful in doing so and the custom remains. On the other hand, in Israel the custom is for the kohanim to recite the blessing every day.
In our minyan, we have only one kohen who lives in Israel and is not keeping the second day of Yom Tov[3]. May he make the blessing in spite of the fact that it is not a holiday for him?
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| Can it be done? |
In his Sha'arei Teshuva, Rav Chayim Mordechai Margaliyot discusses a difference of opinion regarding this issue and it seems that he is leaning towards leniency (i.e. reciting the blessing)[4]. Rav Moshe Feinstein writes[5]that because the basic law is that the blessing should be recited every day even outside of Israel "it is not befitting to prohibit it". He continues to discuss the matter and it is not clear what his conclusion is although undoubtedly he leans towards leniency.
I called Rav Shabatai Rappaport, head of the Bar-Ilan University Beit Midrash who has edited Rav Feinstein's Igrot Moshe, and he said that the birchat kohanim should be recited in our situation. Rav Rappaport added that an Israeli kohen's custom is to say the blessing each day and thus whenever he has the opportunity to follow his personal custom he may do so.
In conclusion, an Israeli kohen spending Yom Tov outside of Israel should recite the birchat kohanim on the second day of Yom Tov.
[1] See Rema in Shulchan Aruch 128:48[2] See Halichot Shlomo, Tefila p.128 footnote 11.[3] This is a complex matter and therefore you should consult a rabbi as to your observance of Yom Tov if the question arises. [4] Orach Chayim 496 subparagraph 3*[5] Igrot Moshe Orach Chayim 5:37
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