Marci Wiesel
Bircat HaBanim/Bircat HaCohanim (lasercut) – This papercut features the special blessing that we give our children just prior to Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year. It is introduced by the Priestly Blessing which is recited both in the synagogue on Shabbat and recited by parents around the world every Friday night before the festive Shabbat meal.
Translation:
More information on the picture: The three panels that appear comprise a representation of the Holy Temple, the Beit Hamikdash, with the priestly hands positioned in the center together with the Hoshen Mishpat (Breastplate of the Law). It is said that every Kohen is endowed with the innate capability to hold his fingers in just such a way when blessing the nation of Israel. The breastplate was worn by the High Priest during the time of the Temple. Every one of the twelve tribes of Israel was represented on the Choshen with their own unique precious stone. The most meaningful word in the verse is also the last word, Shalom, Peace. (New Paragraph) Priestly Blessing: May G-d make you like Ephraim and Menashe (for girls: like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah). May G-d bless you and keep you. May G-d shine his countenace on you and be gracious to you. May G-d look kindly on you and give you peace. Continuation of the blessing for Yom Kippur: May it be the will of our Father in Heaven, that He instill in your heart His love and reverence. May the fear of G-d be upon your face all your days, in order that you not sin. May your craving be for the Torah and the commandments. May your eyes gaze toward truth; may your mouth speak wisdom, may your heart meditate with awe; may your hand engage in the commandments; may your feet run to do the will of your Father in heaven. May He grant you righteous sons and daughters who engage in the Torah and the commandments all their days. May the source of your posterity be blessed. May He arrange your livlihood for you in a permissible way, with contentment and with releif, from beneath His generous hand, and not through the gifts of flesh and blood; a livlihood that will free you to serve Hashem. And may you be inscribed and sealed for a good, long life, among all the righteous of Israel.