Must Kohanim who do not wish to perform Birkat Kohanim remain outside the synagogue?
Synopsis
The Mechaber rules that Kohanim who do not wish to ascend need only stay outside during the moment the chazzan calls 'Kohanim.' However, the custom is to remain outside until Birkat Kohanim concludes entirely, so that people will not suspect them of being disqualified (pagum). The Aruch HaShulchan clarifies this applies to Kohanim who are too weak, since otherwise avoiding the mitzvah would be sinful.
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May tashlumin be performed outside the time of the adjacent prayer?
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When there are no Kohanim to perform Birkat Kohanim, what blessing should the prayer leader recite as a substitute?
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Should the congregation answer 'Amen' or 'May it be Your will' after the prayer leader's substitute Birkat Kohanim?
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Should the prayer leader recite the substitute Birkat Kohanim formula even when Kohanim are present but not lifting their hands?
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Is saying the substitute Birkat Kohanim formula required l'chatchila (initially), and what happens b'dieved (if omitted)?
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Discussion
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