Can Women Give the Priestly Blessing?

Can Women Give the Priestly Blessing?

From Responsa Radio by Hadar Institute

February 25, 2026 · 44 min

About this episode

This episode explores the possibility of women giving the priestly blessing in a gender egalitarian context.

The priestly blessing (Birkat Kohanim) is a powerful moment in Jewish communal prayer. Traditionally performed by kohanim, it raises important questions about lineage, ritual roles, and gender equality. Can women offer this blessing to their communities? How can we think about this ritual in a gender egalitarian context? Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/710207 Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: D...

Topics covered

  • Judaism
  • Gender Equality
  • Rituals
  • Community Prayer
  • Lineage

Keywords

  • priestly blessing
  • Birkat Kohanim
  • kohanim
  • ritual roles
  • gender egalitarian

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