Does the chazzan call out the first word 'Yivarechecha' to the Kohanim or do they begin on their own?
Synopsis
The Mechaber implies the Kohanim begin 'Yivarechecha' on their own, with the chazzan then prompting word by word. The Rema records that some say the chazzan calls out even the first word 'Yivarechecha' first, and this is the Ashkenazi practice. The Magen Avraham notes all agree the chazzan prompts 'Yivarechecha' when there is only one Kohen (since no formal call was made). The Mishnah Berurah explains the dispute: the position that the chazzan need not call the first word holds that the Kohanim cannot err on the first word; those who require the call extend the prompt to all words.
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Discussion
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