Birkat Kohanim — The Priestly Blessing
11 × 14 Photographic Print — $29.99
The print is professionally produced on premium photographic paper, capturing the vibrant colors and intricate details of the original artwork. Shipping is available within the United States only.
Birkat Kohanim transforms the biblical Priestly Blessing into a luminous circular composition. Hebrew calligraphy and English translation unfold through concentric, spiraling forms, gently drawing the eye inward toward Shalom, the blessing’s ultimate expression of peace, harmony, and wholeness.
Executed in a refined watercolor mosaic aesthetic, layers of sapphire blue, turquoise, seafoam, and deep teal evoke translucent glass, precious stone, and the quiet movement of water. The interplay of disciplined geometry and organic color creates a work that feels simultaneously sacred, modern, and timeless.
Designed to command attention without disrupting its surroundings, the piece is ideally suited to sophisticated living spaces, serene bedrooms, curated entryways, private libraries, or contemporary spiritual interiors.
More than decorative art, it is a visual meditation on blessing: protection, grace, divine presence, and peace flowing continuously into the home.
The Hebrew text in the image is the Priestly Blessing (also known as Birkat Kohanim or the Aaronic Blessing), which comes from the biblical book of Numbers 6:24–26.
The text is arranged in concentric circles spiraling inward, with corresponding English translations interwoven.
Reading from the outermost circle and moving inward:
- Outer Circle:
- יברכך (Yevarechecha) – May [the LORD] bless you
- יהוה (Adonai) – The LORD
- וישמרך (V’yishmerecha) – And keep you
- Middle Circle:
- יאר (Ya’er) – May make shine
- יהוה (Adonai) – The LORD
- פניו (Panav) – His face
- אליך (Eleycha) – Upon you
- ויחנך (V’yichuneka) – And be gracious to you
- Inner Circle:
- ישא (Yissa) – May lift up
- יהוה (Adonai) – The LORD
- פניו (Panav) – His face
- אליך (Eleycha) – Upon you
- וישם (V’yasem) – And give
- לך (Lecha) – To you
- שלום (Shalom) – Peace
Full Traditional Translation:
“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Explanation
The prayer consists of three carefully structured lines that progressively build in length and intimacy:
- The First Blessing (יברכך יהוה וישמרך) asks God for material security and physical protection.
- The Second Blessing (יאר יהוה פניו אליך ויחנך) asks for spiritual enlightenment, wisdom, and grace in the eyes of others.
- The Third Blessing (ישא יהוה פניו אליך וישם לך שלום) asks for a close, personal relationship with the Divine, culminating in the ultimate gift of wholeness and peace.
Symbolism
- The Number Three: The blessing invokes the name of God three times. In Judaism, this tri-fold repetition symbolizes strength, completeness, and an enduring, permanent reality.
- “Shining His Face”: In ancient Near Eastern imagery, a king turning his face toward a subject symbolized favor and life. God “shining His face” represents divine warmth, love, and favor beaming down upon the home.
- Shalom (Peace): The blessing ends with Shalom. Symbolically, peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but absolute harmony, completeness, and wellness in every aspect of life. In Jewish thought, Shalom is considered the “vessel” that holds all other blessings—without peace, no other blessing can be fully enjoyed.