Birchas Kohanim Archives

We are looking for a Cohen to Duchen for Yom Tov. I found a college student (not frum) who says he is a Cohen. May I allow him to Duchen; what research must I do to validate that he is indeed a Cohen?

You can rely on his word regarding giving him an Aliyah and Birchas Kohanim. Sources: עפ"י הרמא אבהע"ז סי' ג סעי' א וראה בב"ש ס"ק ב שאע"פ שהוא…

Due to surgery on my shoulder I have trouble keeping my arm up. Can I lean my arm on another Kohen’s shoulders by Birchas Kohanim?

If you wont fall if he moves away then it is permissible. You may also put your hand down between each word. Sources: משנ״ב קכח ס"ק נא-נב; ביאורים ומוספים…