May an unmarried Kohen perform Birkat Kohanim?
Synopsis
The Mechaber rules that an unmarried Kohen may perform Birkat Kohanim. The Rema notes the opposing view that an unmarried man 'dwells without joy' and the one who blesses must be in a state of joy; however, the Ashkenazi custom is that he blesses even if unmarried. The Rema adds a crucial custom unique to Ashkenaz: Kohanim do not perform Birkat Kohanim except on Yom Tov (when they are in holiday joy), not on Shabbat or weekdays. On Yom Tov, only during Musaf (as they are about to emerge into Yom Tov joy). On Yom Kippur they bless as on Yom Tov; some places also at Ne'ilah and Shacharit. This is one of the most significant Ashkenazi-Sephardi divergences in daily practice.
More in Birkat Kohanim — Detailed Laws
What is the minimum quorum required for Birkat Kohanim (the Priestly Blessing)?
2 opinions
May a non-Kohen (zar) perform Birkat Kohanim?
3 opinions across 3 eras
How many positive commandments does a Kohen who skips Birkat Kohanim violate?
2 opinions
If a Kohen has already performed Birkat Kohanim once that day, does he violate a commandment by not going up again?
1 opinions
Must Kohanim who do not wish to perform Birkat Kohanim remain outside the synagogue?
1 opinions
May Kohanim ascend the platform wearing shoes?
3 opinions
Must Kohanim wash their hands again before Birkat Kohanim even if they washed in the morning?
2 opinions
When must a Kohen begin moving toward the platform (uproot his feet)?
1 opinions
Related from other topics
When there are no Kohanim to perform Birkat Kohanim, what blessing should the prayer leader recite as a substitute?
Lifting the Torah (Hagbah)
Should the congregation answer 'Amen' or 'May it be Your will' after the prayer leader's substitute Birkat Kohanim?
Lifting the Torah (Hagbah)
During which prayer services is Birkat Kohanim (Duchanin) performed?
Birkat Kohanim Restrictions
Is Birkat Kohanim performed at Mincha on a public fast day that has Neilah?
Birkat Kohanim Restrictions
Is Birkat Kohanim performed at Mincha on a public fast day that does NOT have Neilah?
Birkat Kohanim Restrictions
If a Kohen transgressed and went up to the duchan at Mincha on Yom Kippur, does he perform Birkat Kohanim?
Birkat Kohanim Restrictions
Discussion
Discussion coming soon.
The Daily Law
One question. Every opinion. Every morning.
A new halakhic question and the full spectrum of rabbinic thought, delivered daily.