Halachot and Customs
Can a Sabbath Violator Who Is a Kohen Recite the Priestly Blessing?
Question
Hello, honored rabbi, My question is whether a person who does not observe Shabbat is permitted to recite the Priestly Blessing and bless the congregation on Shabbat. In the same matter, I live in New York, and in our synagogue they allow people who do not observe Shabbat to open the ark and lift the Torah. Is that correct and permitted, solely in order to try to bring Jews closer to Torah?
Thank you for the answer
Answer
Greetings,
1. One should not prevent a Sabbath violator in public from joining the other kohanim in order to recite the Priestly Blessing together with them. Indeed, if there is no other kohen there besides him, if possible it is best to persuade him not to go up to the duchan to recite the Priestly Blessing alone, and to leave the synagogue when the prayer leader reaches the Priestly Blessing. If he refuses, one should also turn a blind eye in this case, so as not to cause enmity and dispute, and allow him to recite the Priestly Blessing and bless the congregation (Responsa Yabia Omer, vol. 7, Orach Chaim, siman 15).
2. It is permitted to let a Sabbath violator open the ark, and likewise to lift the Torah (see also Piskei Teshuvot, vol. 2, siman 136, note 2. And see also Responsa Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim, vol. 2, siman 51, beginning with the words "therefore").
With blessings, Hillel Meirs
