May a Kohen add additional verses beyond the three biblical verses of Birkat Kohanim?
Synopsis
The Mechaber rules that a Kohen may not add anything beyond the three verses, and doing so violates the prohibition of 'do not add' (bal tosif). The Biur Halacha notes a debate between Rashi/Rashba, who limit the prohibition to when the addition is done with full Birkat Kohanim formality (handraising, etc.), and the Rambam, who extends it even to additions not done in that manner.
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May one recite other verses or passages between Ga-al Yisrael and the Amidah besides 'Hashem Sefatai'?
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At Mussaf and Mincha (where Shema does not precede the Amidah), may one recite other verses before the Amidah?
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May one add additional praises or attributes to God beyond 'the great, the mighty, and the awesome God' in the Amidah?
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Does the prohibition on altering biblical verses extend to changes other than singular/plural, such as shifting from third-person to second-person address?
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Should the congregation answer 'Amen' or 'May it be Your will' after the prayer leader's substitute Birkat Kohanim?
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If a Kohen transgressed and went up to the duchan at Mincha on Yom Kippur, does he perform Birkat Kohanim?
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Discussion
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