Some details of the laws of Cohens’ blessings

Is one allowed to stop in the middle of the shmone-esre prayer for Cohens’ blessings? Is there really a source that says that one has to stand in front of the Cohens? Is there a source for the custom of some people who spread hands while receiving Cohens’ blessings? Is there a source for the custom of covering children’s heads with a tallis?  

1. One should stand silently, concentrating on the blessing, and not reply “amen”.
2. There is no law that one has to stand right in front of the Cohens, it’s enough to stand somewhat to the side, as long as one is not standing completely to their sides (that is, ninety degrees or more from the direction of their faces). But there are people who have the custom to stand right in front of the Cohens.
3. Some communities have the custom to show that they are receiving the blessing.
4. The Mishnah Berurah writes that there is a custom to cover one’s face so as not to look at Cohens’ hands. From there stems the custom to cover someone who doesn’t have his own tallis with his father’s tallis.

1. Shulchan Oruch, section Orach Chaim, chapter 128, §19
2. Ibid., §24; Chut Meshulash, ibid.
3. Custom
4. Mishnah Berurah, ibid., subsection 91