Religion Magazine

Interesting Psak: Birkat Kohanim in Tiberias

By Gldmeier @gldmeier
We all know that in Israel the Birkat Kohanim is recited daily and not just during the holidays as is done abroad (in Ashkenazic communities).
What is less known is that in northern Israel the standard is not to recite Birkat Kohanim at all morning services, but only at Mussaf - meaning in most ashkenazic shuls, the weekday prayers usually wont have birkat kohanim, but only Shabbos Mussaf and Rosh Chodesh will.
Hamechadesh is reporting that the Admor of Tzanz went to Tiberias to inaugurate a new community building for the growing Tzanz community in Tiberias. At the time, the Rebbe met with the community rav (his son) and the community dayan to discuss this matter. The decision they came to, and the psak they issued, was that the Tzanz community in Tiberias will change from the current custom and start saying Birkat Kohanim during all morning services instead of just Mussaf services. 
The change was set to take place this past Shabbos.
No explanation was given but I am curious to hear why they decided to change their custom and especially in light of that being the prevailing custom for the entire area.
------------------------------------------------------
Reach thousands of readers with your ad by advertising on Life in Israel ------------------------------------------------------

Back to Featured Articles on Logo Paperblog