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Left Handed Cohen – birkat kohanim

Question:

Dear Rabbi,
I understand that in Birkat Kohanim, the Cohen raises his right hand slightly higher than the left. Does the same apply to a left-handed Cohen, or does he have to raise his left (stronger) hand above the right?
thanks
Sue

Answer:

A left handed kohen raises his right hand higher, just like all other kohanim. The reason is because the reason the right hand is raised higher is because of kabalah reasons, and whenever it is because of kabalah reasons it is the same for lefties as righties. Additionally there is an idea that the right side, which represents chesed should be higher.

Best Wishes

Sources:

Be’er Moshe 3-11, Ben Yimini 35, Kuntris Ish Yemini 27.

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