The following is an example from the Ministry of Education’s booklet on Sefer Bamidbar (Numbers) for grade 4. This worksheet presents a number of educational activities for the study of Birkhat Kohanim (the Priestly Blessing). Students can choose to participate in any of these activities.

Choose one of the following activities:

1. Interview a Kohen (Priest)

Find a Kohen who does the Birkhat Kohanim service and who will give you a few minutes of his time for an interview. Prepare the questions ahead of time. These examples may help you:

  1. On which days do you fulfill the mitzvah of Birkhat Kohanim?
  2. What preparations do you do before performing this mitzvah?
  3. Where do the Kohanim stand? With what do they cover themselves?
  4. What is the role of the Chazan during Birkhat Kohanim?


2. Draw a picture of a Kohen during Birkhat Kohanim

In the Diaspora, Kohanim perform this mitzvah only on Yom Tov so this activity will be difficult. However, ask a Kohen if he can give you a few minutes of his time and perform this for you one weekday. He, of course, will not say the Berakha. Present the drawing in class.


3. Tape a Kohen Performing the Service with a Tape Recorder

In the Diaspora, Kohanim perform this mitzvah only on Yom Tov so this activity will be difficult. Thus, this activity will also be done as a practice session during the week. After the session, ask a Kohen how he feels when performing the mitzvah and what he thinks about when he does it.