Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 128:16-18

Shalom, chaverim! (That's Hebrew for "friends," in case you forgot your camp lingo!)

Are you ready to dive back into that incredible camp feeling? You know, the one where every song felt like a prayer, every hike felt like a pilgrimage, and every moment with your friends felt like a sacred encounter? Well, shake off the dust from your hiking boots and grab a s'more, because we're about to bring some of that ruach (spirit!) and kehillah (community!) straight from the campfire circle to your kitchen table.

Today, we're taking a deep dive into a text that might seem a little intimidating at first glance – the Shulchan Arukh, the Code of Jewish Law. But don't worry, we're not going to get bogged down in legalistic minutiae. Instead, we're going to uncover the beating heart of a powerful ancient ritual, Birkat Kohanim, the Priestly Blessing, and discover how its wisdom can infuse our modern lives with intention, presence, and a whole lot of blessing. Think of it as "campfire Torah with grown-up legs" – the profound truths you learned as a kid, now ready to walk with you through the complexities and joys of adult life.

So, let's gather 'round, virtually speaking. Who's got the guitar? Who's got the marshmallows? Let’s get started!

Hook

Remember those incredible Havdalah circles at camp? The ones where we’d all link arms, sway to the melodies, and feel that bittersweet glow as Shabbat departed and a new week began? There was always that one moment, right as the flame danced and the spices filled the air, when we'd sing "Shavua Tov" with all our hearts, our voices blending, a palpable sense of unity filling the air. And then, often, someone – a beloved counselor, the camp director – would turn to each of us, or sweep their hands over the whole circle, and offer a personal blessing for the week ahead: "May you have a week of peace," "May you find strength," "May you know joy." You could feel the intention, the love, the desire for good flowing from them to you, and from us to each other. It wasn’t just words; it was an energy, a shared hope, a promise whispered from soul to soul under the starlit sky.

For me, one particular Havdalah stands out. It was the last one of the summer. The air was crisp, the crickets were chirping their final chorus, and everyone was a mix of exhaustion, nostalgia, and a little bit of dread for the impending return to "real life." As the Havdalah candle flickered, casting long, dancing shadows, our head counselor, a guy named Ari who had the most incredible, soulful voice, started singing "Oseh Shalom" – "May the One who makes peace in the heavens, make peace upon us, and upon all Israel." But he didn't just sing it; he channeled it. He looked around the circle, his eyes meeting ours, and you could see the genuine care, the deep desire for each of us to carry that peace, that sense of belonging, into our separate worlds. And then, he did something beautiful. He extended his hands, palms open, not in the formal priestly gesture, but in a simple, heartfelt offering, and just for a moment, he held that pose, radiating pure, unadulterated blessing. It was a silent moment, but it spoke volumes. It said: "You are seen. You are loved. Go forth and be a blessing."

That moment, that shared experience of receiving and giving blessing, is the very essence of what we're talking about today. It's the human conduit for divine grace. It's the ancient wisdom of Birkat Kohanim translated into the raw, authentic language of camp – of connection, intention, and the powerful act of wishing good upon one another. The Shulchan Arukh might lay out the intricate steps for the Kohanim to perform their blessing in the synagogue, but the spirit behind it, that wellspring of communal good will and divine connection, is as accessible to us as a campfire sing-along. That feeling of Ari extending his hands, that deep, unspoken wish for our well-being, that's the ruach we're tapping into. It’s about being fully present, fully intentional, and fully open – both as the one giving and the one receiving. And if we can find that sacred space within a camp Havdalah circle, we can certainly find it in our homes, in our families, every single day.

Context

So, what exactly is this Birkat Kohanim, this Priestly Blessing, that our ancient text is so meticulously detailing? Let's unpack it like we're preparing for an epic scavenger hunt, getting all our clues in order!

A Divine Command, a Human Conduit

At its core, Birkat Kohanim is one of the oldest and most enduring rituals in Judaism. It's a direct commandment from God, given to Moses, to be transmitted to Aaron and his descendants, the Kohanim (priests). You can find it in the Book of Numbers (Bamidbar 6:24-26), where God explicitly instructs them:

"May the LORD bless you and guard you. May the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the LORD lift up His face to you and grant you peace."

This isn't just a prayer for blessing; it's a prayer of blessing, delivered by specific individuals, the Kohanim, who serve as a sacred channel, a living conduit, through whom God's blessing flows to the entire community. It's a powerful moment in the synagogue service, often performed during the Musaf (additional) service on Shabbat and festivals in the Ashkenazi tradition, or daily in Sephardic communities and in Israel. The Kohanim, descendants of Aaron, stand before the congregation, with their hands outstretched and fingers spread in a very specific way, chanting these ancient words. It’s a moment of profound spiritual connection, where the divine presence feels particularly close, almost tangible. It's not their blessing; they are merely the vessels, the microphones, amplifying God’s eternal promise of love and protection.

Like a Mountain Peak, Touching Heaven and Earth

Imagine you're on a multi-day hike at camp, working your way up to the highest peak. The air gets clearer, the views expand, and finally, when you reach the summit, there's this incredible feeling of being suspended between heaven and earth. The world stretches out beneath you, vast and beautiful, and above, the sky feels closer, more immediate. You feel both grounded and elevated, part of something immense. That’s our outdoor metaphor for the Kohanim. They are like human mountain peaks, standing on the duchan (platform) in the synagogue, a raised space that symbolically lifts them between the congregation and the Divine. Their outstretched hands, separated fingers, and focused intention create a sacred space, a spiritual nexus point where the blessings of the heavens can descend and settle upon the earth, upon the community gathered below. They are the point of contact, the spiritual antenna, receiving and transmitting, allowing the divine energy to flow into the human realm. Just as a mountaintop offers a unique perspective and connection to the vastness of creation, the Kohen's role creates a unique moment for the community to connect with divine grace.

Bringing Blessing Home: More Than Just a Ritual

Now, you might be thinking, "That's great for the Kohanim in shul, but what does this have to do with me? I'm not a Kohen! I'm just trying to get my kids to eat their vegetables and remember their homework!" And that, my friend, is precisely where the "grown-up legs" of our campfire Torah come in. The intricate details of Birkat Kohanim aren't just about ritual mechanics; they're about universal principles of intentionality, presence, and the power of giving and receiving. By understanding what it means for the Kohanim to be fully present and focused when they give the blessing, and for the congregation to be attentive and receptive when they receive it, we unlock powerful insights for cultivating blessing in our own homes and families. Even though we might not be standing on a duchan with outstretched hands in a synagogue, we are all, in our own ways, channels of blessing – whether we're tucking in a child at night, offering a word of encouragement to a partner, or creating a peaceful Shabbat table. And we are all receivers, too, if we learn how to open ourselves to the good that surrounds us. This ancient ritual, therefore, becomes a blueprint for living a more blessed, more intentional, and more connected life, right where you are.

Text Snapshot

Let’s zero in on a few lines from the Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 128:16-18, that really speak to this idea of presence and reception in Birkat Kohanim:

• "At the time that the Kohanim bless the people, they should not glance [around] nor get distracted; rather, their eyes should face downward in the same way one stands in prayer."
• "They raise their hands opposite their shoulders, and raise the right hand slightly above the left, and stretch out their hands and separate their fingers, and they aim to make five spaces..."
• "The people should be attentive to the blessing, and their faces should be opposite the faces of the Kohanim, but they should not look at them."
• "We do not bless [Birkat Kohanim] except in the holy language [Hebrew]; while standing; with outstretched palms; and in a loud voice."

Close Reading

Alright, deep breath, everyone! This is where we really roll up our sleeves and dig into the text, like we're uncovering buried treasure during a camp archaeology chug. These detailed instructions from the Shulchan Arukh aren't just rules; they're profound insights into how we can cultivate spiritual presence, give with intention, and receive with openness in our daily lives. We’ll look at it from two angles: the one giving the blessing (the Kohen), and the one receiving it (the congregation).

Insight 1: The Power of Intentional Presence – Giving the Blessing

Our text tells us: "At the time that the Kohanim bless the people, they should not glance [around] nor get distracted; rather, their eyes should face downward in the same way one stands in prayer." And further, "They raise their hands opposite their shoulders, and raise the right hand slightly above the left, and stretch out their hands and separate their fingers, and they aim to make five spaces..."

Wow! Talk about focus! The Shulchan Arukh isn't just saying, "Hey, stand up there and say some words." It's describing a state of profound spiritual presence and intentionality. The Kohen isn't supposed to be checking their watch, wondering what's for kiddush, or discreetly waving to a friend in the back row. Their gaze is directed downward, their mind is clear, and their entire being is focused on the sacred task at hand. This isn't just about outward posture; it's about inner kavanah – deep, heartfelt intention.

Think back to camp. Remember those moments when a counselor was really listening to you? Not just nodding, but truly engaged, making eye contact, making you feel like you were the only person in the world? That's the kind of presence the Kohen is meant to embody. It’s the difference between a perfunctory "Good job!" and a genuinely enthusiastic, specific compliment that makes a kid's day. The Shulchan Arukh is teaching us that the act of blessing, of giving positive energy and good will, requires our full, undivided attention.

The detail about raising hands and making "five spaces" (between the pinky and ring, middle and index, index and thumb, and then thumb to thumb on both hands, creating five distinct openings) is also incredibly symbolic. It’s not just a random hand gesture; it’s a deliberate, almost architectural, formation. It’s a physical manifestation of opening oneself as a channel. These "five spaces" aren't just for show; they represent a conscious effort to create a pure, unhindered conduit for the blessing. The Kaf HaChayim commentary on this section (128:97:1) emphasizes this, stating that "as long as their faces are towards the people, their hands should be spread out to bestow the blessing upon them." This isn't passive; it's an active, engaged posture of giving.

Bringing it Home: Cultivating Presence in Our Family Lives

So, how does this translate from the duchan to your dining room? Imagine you’re trying to give a "blessing" in your home. Maybe it’s a compliment to your spouse, a word of encouragement to a child, or simply being fully present during dinner. How often are we truly there? Are we glancing at our phones? Mentally making a to-do list? Distracted by the day's worries? The Kohen's discipline reminds us that for our blessings – our words of affirmation, our acts of love, our moments of connection – to be truly potent, we need to bring our whole selves to the moment.

• The "Downward Gaze" of Focus: In our busy lives, our eyes are constantly darting, our minds multi-tasking. The "downward gaze" isn't about avoiding others; it's about internalizing focus. It's about consciously shutting out external distractions and cultivating an inner stillness, allowing us to be truly present for the person or task in front of us. In family life, this could mean putting the phone away during meal times, making eye contact when your child is speaking, or giving your full attention when your partner shares about their day. It’s about creating sacred moments, even in the mundane. Just as the Kohen doesn't look at the congregation but through them to the Divine source of blessing, we can learn to look past the surface distractions in our family interactions and connect to the deeper, loving essence of the people we cherish. This isn't always easy, especially when daily life throws curveballs like spilled milk or forgotten permission slips, but the ideal of the Kohen's focused presence offers a powerful aspirational model. It's about showing up, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

• "Making Five Spaces": Intentionality in Our Actions: The specific hand gesture of the Kohanim is a physical act of intention. It says, "I am not haphazardly throwing blessings your way; I am carefully, deliberately opening myself to channel this goodness." How do we "make five spaces" in our family interactions? It’s about being deliberate with our words and actions. Instead of a generic "I love you," can we offer specific appreciation? "I love how you always make sure the dog is fed," or "I appreciate your patience with the kids today." Instead of just being in the same room, can we create space for connection – a planned family game night, a dedicated conversation time, or a special weekend outing? These deliberate acts, like the Kohen's precise hand formation, signify a deeper commitment and presence. They transform routine into ritual, and obligation into opportunity for connection. When we intentionally carve out time, space, and focus for our loved ones, we are, in a sense, "spreading our fingers" to allow blessing to flow through us to them. It's an act of stewardship over the spiritual well-being of our home, much like a good camp counselor stewards the emotional health of their bunk.

This insight reminds us that the power of a blessing, whether formal or informal, lies not just in the words spoken, but in the kavanah – the deep, undistracted, loving intention – with which it is delivered. It's about being a true channel for goodness, radiating positive energy with every fiber of our being. And that, chaverim, is a skill we can all cultivate, bringing more kedusha (holiness) and simcha (joy) into our homes.

Insight 2: Opening Ourselves to Receive – The Congregation’s Role

Now, let's flip the coin and look at the experience from the other side – the congregation, the recipients of the blessing. Our text says: "The people should be attentive to the blessing, and their faces should be opposite the faces of the Kohanim, but they should not look at them." And elsewhere, it emphasizes the importance of the communal "Amen" after each verse of the blessing, with commentaries like Turei Zahav on 128:10 and Mishnah Berurah 128:60 explicitly stating, "for before Amen, the blessing is not completed."

This is fascinating! The congregation is told to be "attentive," to face the Kohanim, but not to look at them. What's going on here? It's a powerful lesson in how to truly receive a blessing. It’s not about the human vessel, but the divine source. By looking away from the Kohen’s face, we are reminded that the blessing isn't coming from the Kohen personally, but through them, from God. It shifts our focus from the messenger to the Message, from the human to the Divine. It cultivates humility in reception, acknowledging that the goodness we receive is ultimately from a higher source.

And then there's the "Amen." This isn't just a polite formality. The commentaries make it clear: the blessing isn't complete without it! This means the act of receiving is an active, vital component of the blessing itself. The "Amen" is an affirmation, a declaration of "So be it!" or "I believe it!" It’s our way of taking ownership, of internalizing the blessing and making it real for ourselves. Without the congregation's "Amen," the circuit isn't closed, the blessing doesn't fully land. It's a co-creation.

Think about a camp sing-along, where the whole edah (age group) sings a song that builds and builds, and then at the end, everyone shouts the last word together, or claps in unison. That collective energy, that shared affirmation, is what makes the moment so powerful. It’s the same with "Amen." It's our collective embrace of the blessing.

Bringing it Home: Cultivating Receptivity in Our Family Lives

This insight offers profound lessons for how we receive blessings, support, and love in our homes. How often do we truly open ourselves to receive? Or do we, like the congregation that shouldn't look at the Kohen, sometimes get caught up in the imperfections of the messenger, or even our own insecurities, preventing us from fully absorbing the good?

• "Don't Look at Them": Receiving Beyond the Messenger: In our families, blessings can come in many forms – a child's spontaneous hug, a partner's thoughtful gesture, a parent's gentle advice, or even a moment of unexpected beauty in our home. How often do we accept these blessings with an open heart, without judgment or cynicism? If our child gives us a drawing, do we appreciate the love behind it, or do we critique the artistic merit? If our partner does something helpful, do we accept it, or do we immediately think of the things they didn't do? The "don't look at them" instruction reminds us to look beyond the surface, beyond the imperfections of the human giver, and to recognize the underlying spirit of love, generosity, or divine grace that is being offered. It teaches us to be humble in receiving, understanding that all good things ultimately flow from a benevolent source. This can be transformative: it allows us to receive a blessing from a challenging family member, or to appreciate a simple act of kindness without needing it to be "perfect." It's about seeing the divine spark in every interaction, even when the human packaging is a bit messy. It’s about recognizing the blessing even when it comes in an unexpected or imperfect package, just as we might find profound beauty in a crooked stick during a nature scavenger hunt at camp.

• The Power of "Amen": Actively Embracing the Blessing: The "Amen" isn't passive; it's an active, vocal affirmation. It’s about saying, "Yes, I accept this blessing! Yes, I want this good to be real in my life!" How do we "Amen" the blessings in our family? It could be simply saying "Thank you" with genuine gratitude and presence, rather than a rushed mumble. It could be actively acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of our loved ones. It could be taking a moment to consciously internalize a happy family memory, rather than letting it flit by. When someone offers a compliment, instead of deflecting it ("Oh, it was nothing!"), can we practice saying "Thank you" and truly letting that positive affirmation land? This active reception not only enriches our own experience but also affirms the giver, encouraging more acts of blessing. It closes the circuit of positive energy, making the blessing fully manifest in our lives. Just as a camp community thrives on shared enthusiasm and affirmation, our families flourish when we actively acknowledge and embrace the good, making it tangible and real for everyone involved. It’s about creating an atmosphere where blessings are not just given, but truly received and celebrated.

Both of these insights – the Kohen's intentional presence in giving, and the congregation's attentive openness in receiving – offer a powerful blueprint for building homes filled with deeper connection, genuine appreciation, and an abundance of blessing. They remind us that spiritual living isn't just for the synagogue; it's for every moment of our lives, especially within the sacred circle of our families.

Micro-Ritual

Alright, chaverim, now for the fun part – let’s bring this Torah home! We're going to create a simple, heartfelt "Micro-Ritual" inspired by the Birkat Kohanim that you can easily integrate into your Friday night or Havdalah traditions. We want to infuse those moments with the intentional presence of the Kohen and the open receptivity of the congregation.

For this ritual, let's lean into the beautiful tradition of Havdalah, that magical transition from the holiness of Shabbat to the new week. It already has that camp Havdalah circle vibe, right? We're going to add a layer of personal, intentional blessing, using the spirit of Birkat Kohanim as our guide.

Havdalah Home Blessing: The "Seven Spaces" Ritual

This ritual is all about creating sacred space and channeling blessing with intention, much like the Kohanim do with their specific hand gestures and focused gaze. We're going to use the idea of "seven spaces" – seven moments of intentional blessing – to transition into the week.

The Setup: Before Havdalah begins, gather your family. If you have a special Havdalah candle (multi-wick), spices, and wine, great! If not, any candle, something fragrant (even a fresh orange peel!), and grape juice or water will do. The point is the intention, not the props.

The Ritual:

1. Gather & Connect (The Circle): Just like our camp Havdalah circles, everyone stands together, perhaps holding hands. Take a deep breath. Close your eyes for a moment, and remember a favorite Shabbat memory or something you're grateful for from the past week.

   • Camp Connection: This is your moment to recreate that feeling of unity, that shared kehillah from camp, before you embark on the new week.

2. The Blessing of Focus (Kohen's Gaze): As you begin the Havdalah blessings (or even if you just light the candle and say "Shavua Tov"), choose one person to be the "Blessing Channel" for this part. This person will hold the Havdalah candle high.

   • Instruction: This "Blessing Channel" person should try to embody the Kohen's focused gaze. Instead of looking around, they should softly direct their gaze downwards, or towards the candle flame, symbolizing their inward focus and intention to channel blessing. Everyone else should be attentive, facing the "Blessing Channel" person, but perhaps looking at the flame or down at their own hands, practicing that "not looking at them" receptivity.
   • Symbolism: This step teaches us to be present and intentional, both when giving and receiving. The downward gaze helps the "Blessing Channel" to quiet their mind and focus on the divine flow, while the congregation's receptive gaze helps them avoid focusing on the human messenger, and instead open to the blessing itself.

3. The "Seven Spaces" Blessing (Outstretched Hands): After the main Havdalah blessings (or after lighting the candle), the "Blessing Channel" person extends their hands, palms open, towards each family member in turn (or sweeps them over the whole group if it's a large gathering, like a virtual edah reunion!).

   • Instruction: As they do this, they will offer a simple, heartfelt blessing for the week ahead, focusing on seven key areas that represent "spaces" in our lives where blessing can land. You can choose any seven, but here are some suggestions:
     1. Peace (Shalom): "May you have a week of peace and calm."
     2. Health (B'riut): "May you be blessed with strength and good health."
     3. Joy (Simcha): "May you find moments of deep joy and laughter."
     4. Learning (Limud): "May you learn new things and grow in wisdom."
     5. Connection (Kesher): "May you feel connected to those you love and to your community."
     6. Creativity (Yetzira): "May your week be filled with creativity and new ideas."
     7. Protection (Shmira): "May you be watched over and protected in all your ways."
   • Sing-able Line/Niggun Suggestion: As you offer each blessing, you can sing a simple, repetitive melody – a niggun – perhaps on the words "Y'varekhekha Adonai v'yishm'rekha" ("May God bless you and guard you") or simply a melodic "Amen."
     • Niggun Idea: (To the tune of a simple, repetitive chant, like a familiar camp melody or a slow, meditative tune)
       • "Y'va-rek-khe-kha A-do-nai... v'yish-m're-kha..." (repeat softly with each blessing)
     • This simple melody helps to slow down the moment, focus intention, and create a sacred atmosphere, just like the Kohanim's chanting.

4. Active Reception (Congregation's Amen): After each "space" blessing is offered, everyone else in the family responds with a clear, heartfelt "Amen!"

   • Instruction: This "Amen" should be like a collective hug for the blessing, actively taking it in. Don't just mumble it; say it with intention!
   • Symbolism: This is your family’s collective "Amen," completing the circuit of blessing and making it real, just as the congregation's "Amen" makes the Kohen's blessing complete.

5. Passing the Light (Shared Stewardship): After all seven blessings are offered, the "Blessing Channel" can pass the Havdalah candle to another family member, inviting them to be the "Blessing Channel" next week.

   • Symbolism: This reminds us that we are all capable of being channels of blessing in our homes. It's a shared responsibility and a rotating privilege.

6. Extinguishing the Flame (Integration): When the Havdalah candle is finally extinguished in the wine/juice, take a final moment of silence. Let the warmth of the blessings settle in.

   • Camp Connection: This is like the final, lingering glow of the campfire, carrying its warmth into the night.

7. Shavua Tov! (New Beginnings): End with a joyful "Shavua Tov!" to everyone, ready to embrace the new week with renewed spirit and intention.

Variations & Tips:

• For Younger Campers: Simplify the "seven spaces" to just 2-3 blessings (e.g., peace, joy, health). Let them participate by giving "hugs" or high-fives as the "Amen."
• For Older Campers/Adults: Each person can take a turn being the "Blessing Channel" for one or two of the "seven spaces," offering a personal blessing to the group.
• No Havdalah? No Problem! You can adapt this ritual for Friday night blessings over candles or children, or even during a special family meal. The core elements are the intentional giving and receptive receiving.
• Journaling/Sharing: After the ritual, you might encourage family members to share which blessing resonated most with them, or to briefly write down their own "seven spaces" intention for the week.

This "Seven Spaces" Havdalah Home Blessing is a beautiful way to bring the profound lessons of Birkat Kohanim – intentional presence, active giving, and open reception – into the heart of your family life. It’s a chance to pause, connect, and infuse your home with that sacred camp ruach every single week. It's not fluffy; it's deeply meaningful, creating moments of holiness and connection that truly bring Torah home.

Chevruta Mini

Alright, grab a partner – or just reflect quietly, if that's your jam! Let's chew on these ideas a little more, like we're dissecting a particularly interesting line from a camp play.

1. The "Kohen's Gaze" in Your Home: Our text emphasizes the Kohen's focused, undistracted presence, like an internal "downward gaze," when giving the blessing. Think about a time you tried to bring blessing or positive energy into your home or family – maybe a special Shabbat meal, a kind word, a supportive action, or even just listening fully to a loved one. What did it feel like to be truly present and intentional in that moment? What challenges did you face in staying focused (e.g., distractions, your own internal chatter), and how did you overcome them, or how could you have, inspired by the Kohen's discipline?

2. The "Amen" of Openness: The congregation's role in Birkat Kohanim is to be attentive and respond with a heartfelt "Amen," actively receiving the blessing, without focusing on the human messenger. When was a time you felt truly open and receptive to receiving a blessing, support, or love from someone else, or even from life itself (like a moment of unexpected beauty)? What helped you "open your hands" to receive it fully? Conversely, what might sometimes make you "look away" or close off from receiving positive energy, even from those who love you most? How can we cultivate more "Amen" moments – moments of active, grateful reception – in our family life?

Takeaway

Wow, what a journey! From the ancient laws of the Shulchan Arukh to the starlit Havdalah circles of camp, we’ve seen how the profound wisdom of Birkat Kohanim isn't just a ritual for a select few. It’s a universal blueprint for bringing more blessing, intention, and connection into our everyday lives.

Remember that fundamental truth we uncovered: we are all called to be both channels and receivers of blessing. Whether you're a Kohen or an Israelite, a camp counselor or a busy parent, the lessons are the same. When we give, we are called to be fully present, focused, and intentional, like the Kohen with their "downward gaze" and "five spaces." And when we receive, we are called to be attentive, open-hearted, and affirming, saying a resounding "Amen!" that completes the circuit of goodness.

So, as you go forth into your week, remember the ruach of camp and the deep wisdom of our tradition. Look for opportunities to be a "Blessing Channel" in your home, bringing your whole, intentional self to every interaction. And just as importantly, practice being an "Amen-sayer," opening yourself to receive the blessings that are constantly flowing around you, from your loved ones, from your community, and from the Divine.

May you have a week filled with peace, health, joy, and countless moments of intentional connection. Shavua Tov, chaverim! Go forth and be a blessing!