This Monday and Tuesday, the kohanim will bless the congregation. Two midrashim speak of different concerns regarding this blessing. On the one hand, the priests’ power to bless the people of Israel might go to their heads. One the other, many Jews might refuse to be blessed by certain priests. Kohein “A” might be a crook, while Kohein “B” might be a gossip. In response to these concerns, these midrashim demonstrate that both the arrogant priests and their Israelite critics are incorrect. After revealing the text of the priestly blessing in this week’s parasha, God states, “And I will bless them” (Numbers 6:27). Even if the priests are reciting the formula, it is really God Who is doing the blessing. According to one midrash (Sifrei), the priests cannot feel superior, since they are not really blessing the Jewish people. According to the other midrash (Yerushalmi Gitin), a should not worry about receiving the blessing of a wicked priest, as the blessing really comes from God.