Parshat Shmini: Hands Up

On the 8th day of consecrating the Mishkan in the desert, Moses and Aaron make a final set of offerings to God and then…they wait. All of this action and ritual has been for the purpose of establishing the system of sacrificial offerings, and—in the grand picture—finding some system of atonement and teshuva for the people’s sin of building a Golden Calf, stewarded by Aaron.

After this elaborate series of ritual steps and activity, full of washing and separating and placing and sprinkling and anointing and reciting and washing and sweeping — at the end of all of it, God’s presence does not appear right away. 

And in this moment of waiting, the verses say that “Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them.”

In the absence of a closure to all of this ritual, Aaron spontaneously offers a blessing. We don’t know exactly what Aaron says (though this moment is cited as the origin for the Birkat Kohanim, the priestly blessing still recited by Cohens today), but we know the choreography:

Hands up.

What might this gesture represent?

Are Aaron’s hands up in surrender — indicating his recognition of his lack of control and his servitude to God?

Are his hands up in praise — raising toward the heavens in deep worship and reverence for God?

Could his hands be up in celebration? After all, this is the conclusion of a significant, long, and involved ceremony.

Are his hands seeking to connect with the people in front of him? One might picture Aaron reaching up and outward to all the people assembled here, with whom he is seeking fellowship and reconnection after many days of focused activity?

Or perhaps the gesture indicates a feeling of inadequacy — hands extending upward as if to seek a rope or a strong arm to pull him to safety after a lengthy and vulnerable stretch of time?

No matter which answer most resonates, Aaron takes this moment to bless the people. After extending himself on the people’s behalf for these eight days, Aaron humbles himself in their presence, offering them a blessing that they will find God’s favor and peace.

Counterintuitively, it is sometimes in our most vulnerable state that we are able to be the most open to offering something to others. When our defenses are down, we somehow have the most to share. Our realest self radiates through.

The next time your armor is down, consider what blessing (literal or metaphorical) you may be best positioned to share with those around you. From the place that is the most exposed, the most open, and the least guarded, what is it that you have to share?

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Welcome to Torah in Harlem! As we move through each week, we’ll explore the stories and insights of the weekly Torah portion—the ancient text at the heart of Jewish life—and let them inspire conversation in our community. Our hope is to cultivate a gathering place where learning belongs, reflection brings joy, and we can all grow together. Want to hop into the conversation? Join our Torah in Harlem Whatsapp Group.

Artwork by Hillel Smith.