Looking at the Kohanim during the Priestly Blessing
Question
I heard in the name of the great Gaon, Rabbi Amram Fried, that nowadays it is permitted to look at the Kohanim while they are blessing if they are covered with a tallit. I would like to verify this rumor.
Thank you
Answer
Shalom and blessings
The rumor is incorrect.
It is forbidden to look at the Kohanim during the Priestly Blessing.
As explained in the Shulchan Aruch. See sources.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 128, Seif 23
When the Kohanim bless the people, they should not look and should not be distracted, but their eyes should be directed downward as during prayer; and the people should focus on the blessing, and their faces should be towards the faces of the Kohanim, but they should not look at them.
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