1. Is sending someone a Bracha as a WhatsApp message the same as giving it in person? 2. What’s the Inyan of placing ones hands over someone’s head when giving them a Bracha?

 

If so, should the person say/respond with amen?

 

Answers:

1.

A bracha can be given in writing or verbally. Each one has its own special power.

One should respond “Amen” in writing.

2.

Regarding placing the hands over one’s head while blessing them – Some do this. Some don’t. Some use only right hand.

The reasons of this custom:

To make the recipient a vessel for the bracha; to unite the one blessing and the recipient; to indicate extra flow of blessing, ayin yafeh; because there are 15 joints in the hand corresponding to the 15 words of Birchas kohanim.

 

וראה גם ד״ה שאו ידיכם תרפ״ח ותשכ״ז.

 

 

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