We just celebrated the Mount Sinai experience in epic fashion. With a full house crowd, we read the 10 commandments, ate some delicious homemade cheesecake (no, I'm not biased 😉), and commemorated the moment when it all began. Thank you to all those who came and made it special!
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Friday night, just before Kiddush, my sisters and I would "step up to the plate" as my father would place his hands on each of our heads and bless us for the coming week. Lots of guests? We received the blessing just the same. Now, in our home, the tradition continues, sharing a moment of love with each child.
It is the same blessing recited by the Kohanim (the priestly tribe) which appears in this week's Torah reading. In Jerusalem, it is recited every day. Outside of Israel, it is reserved for the major holidays. The children stream from all sides to join their fathers underneath the tallit. The idea is not to gaze directly at the Kohanim during this magical moment while they are the conduits for divine blessing.
Well, one little boy by the name of Leonard Nimoy peeked and saw 
the distinct manner in which the Kohanim hold their hands (#mysticalstuff). In the 1960's in the Star Trek films, he made the gesture famous with the Vulcan Salute - a one-handed version. It has officially become internet famous, getting its own emoji symbol 🖖.
Following the three verses of the blessing, it says "and I (G-d) will bless them".
Wait, if the Kohanim already blessed them, why the need for G-d's blessing?
One interpretation is that Hashem will actualize and bring to fruition their blessings.
i.e. In order to harness blessings that might be floating around in the spiritual stratosphere, it needs to be drawn down into the physical. (Fun fact: the etymology of the word Bracha(translated as blessing) actually means drawing down). The Kohen does this by forming the words of blessing. The same is true when a father takes a moment to bless his child, when a mother kisses her child good night, or when we wish a friend good morning.
Alternatively, it means that Hashem will bless the Kohanim - as a reward for them blessing the rest of the congregation.
Sometimes, we might think that going out of our way to do a favor for another, is inconvenient. At times, the efforts that we expend for others come at a cost. Perhaps I should just focus on my own needs, reserving my energy and resources for a rainy day?
The message of "I will bless them" is that when we stand up and do for others, offering a kind word, helping those who are less fortunate, extending ourselves for a friend, colleague or neighbor, that effort doesn't go unnoticed. Hashem himself reciprocates and showers his blessing down upon us.
Live long, prosper, and be kind to those around you.
With blessings for a good Shabbos and a fantastic week!