THE WISDOM OF THE TALMUD\BRACHOT 12a
The Temple service was performed by Kohanim (Priests). The Kohanim were divided into groups and each group was assigned to perform the service during a certain time period. When one group finished their service, the next group would enter the Temple and begin their shift.
On the Sabbath, the Kohanim that had finished their shift said a special prayer to the incoming group:
"May the One, Who dwells in this house dwell amongst you - and bless you - with love, brotherhood, peace, and friendship."
The Divine Presence dwelt in the holy Temple. When the Nation of Israel worshiped HaShem in the Temple, blessings and light descended from Heaven upon the Temple. In turn, the divine blessings filled Jerusalem, permeated the Land of Israel, and HaShem’s blessing spread upon all the nations of the world.
The highest blessing is peace, as our sages remarked, "Without peace there is nothing." The Sabbath is a day of rest.; a time to commune with the Creator and recognize His eternal and infinite goodness. Moreover, on Shabbos the very angels of peace bless us with peace. Accordingly, Shabbos carries the blessing and manifestation of peace, itself.
Since the service of the Kohanim in the Temple brings the blessings of peace into the world, it is important that they be at peace and friendship with each other during their service. To be sure, the more the Kohanim were at peace with each other, the more peace would descend upon the world.
Therefore, on Sabbath - the day of peace, the Kohanim - the lovers of peace, would bless each other with peace in the Temple - the place of peace. Resultantly, blessing of peace would descend from HaShem - the Source of Peace. These sweet blessings of peace would fill the Temple and spread throughout all the nations of the world.
May HaShem rebuild His holy Temple in Jerusalem so that we will perform our service to HaShem. Then, Israel and all mankind will be united with love and friendship. Peace - the greatest of HaShem’s blessings - will fill the hearts of all mankind!
TODAY: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Israel, and all mankind.
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