Looking at the Kohanim During Duchening

Question: I see some men cover themselves with a tallis during duchaning, while others turn round so they are not facing the kohanim. What are we supposed to do?

Answer: The Gemara (Sotah 38a) stipulates that the kohanim must face the community while duchaning. Consequently, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 128:23) advises that while kohanim are duchaning, everyone else should face the kohanim, without staring at them, and focus on the beracha. R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 5:20:23) notes that one can even adjust their position in the middle of davening the amida to ensure they are facing the kohanim.

The Gemara (Chagiga 16a) emphasizes that one must not look at the kohanim while they were duchaning in the Beis Hamikdash as the shechina rested upon their hands while pronouncing the shem hameforash (ineffable name), which could cause a person’s eyes to grow dim. However, the Magen Avraham (128:35) and Mishna Berura (128:89) point out that this reason no longer applies. Instead, Rambam (Tefilla Ubirchas Kohanim 14:7) and Tosafos (Chagiga 16a) explain that watching the kohanim can be distracting. Accordingly, the Magen Avraham and Mishna Berura suggest that nowadays one may briefly glance at the kohanim. Nonetheless, the minhag is to avoid looking, as a zecher (remembrance) of the duchaning in the Beis Hamikdash.

The Rema (OC 128:23) records the minhag of kohanim covering their hands with their tallis to prevent people from looking at them. The Aruch Hashulchan (OC 128:36) recommends this practice as ideal, while the Mishna Berura (128:92) notes that in some places the minhag was for the tzibbur to cover their faces instead.

R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 5:24:4) points out that nowadays, with the universal minhag being for the kohen to cover his hands with his tallis, there is no concern about seeing them. One who is not wearing a tallis should follow along in their siddur or look downwards to avoid distraction (see Mishna Berura 128:115).

In conclusion, there is a minhag not to look at the kohanim's hands during duchaning, though one would not do anything wrong if they inadvertently see them. While those who wear a tallis typically cover themselves with it, there is no need for others to cover their eyes, especially as kohanim cover their hands nowadays. To avoid being distracted, it is advisable to follow along in one’s siddur or look downwards, but not to turn away from the kohanim.