ואהבך וברכך והרבך וברך פרי בטנך ופרי אדמתך וכו' (ז-יג)
MASHAL: The art of blessing another Jew has been elevated, in this day and age, to a new level by HaGaon R’ Chaim Kanievsky Shlit’a. In order to save time and enable hundreds of Yidden on a daily basis to benefit from his blessings, R’ Chaim has taken to shortening the language of his benediction. For many years, he would shake a petitioner’s hand and say, “Bracha V’Hatzlacha.” (Blessing and success). Lately, though, he has outdone himself. Now, as the line passes by, R’ Chaim utters a short “BUHA” (the acronym for ברכה והצלחה) and moves on to the next person!
A number of years ago, R’ Yankel Galinsky ZT”L came to R’ Chaim and asked for a bracha. R’ Chaim shook his hand and gave his customary “BUHA” - to which R’ Yankel smilingly replied, “OOHAA.” The people standing around were perplexed, as was R’ Chaim himself.
“What is ‘OOHAA’?” asked R’ Chaim, eyebrows raised.
“What is ‘BUHA’?” R’ Yankel asked in response.
R’ Chaim looked hard at R’ Yankel and said, “‘BUHA’ is ‘Bracha V’hatzlacha.’ R’ Yankel smiled and replied, “And ‘OOHAA’ is ‘Amen V’Amen’ (אמן ואמן)!”
NIMSHAL: Our Sages teach us that the power of a blessing is amplified when the receiver of the blessing responds with “Amen.” Although Moshe Rabbeinu was in the midst of his final monologue, which consisted of many aspects of criticism and ethical discourses, he does infuse the Nation with hope and blessings as well. He extols the virtues of the Land of Israel and the many blessings the people will merit when they arrive there. The people were listening and it was up to them to respond with “Amen” in order to ensure that the blessings will indeed manifest themselves in full force.
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