Parashat Nasso

We live in a world where people barely look up. We talk while texting, scroll while listening, and check out of conversations even while sitting face-to-face. It’s become strangely difficult just to look someone in the eye — to not look past them. To give them our full, undivided presence.

But in this week’s parashah, buried in the famous Birkat Kohanim, we’re reminded of a higher standard: “Yisa Adonai Panav Eilecha” — “May God lift His face to you.”

The Midrash explains this beautifully: When God blesses us, He lifts his face. Because it’s not the same to greet someone while turning your head as it is to face them directly. There’s something deeply dignifying about giving someone your full attention.

And we’re meant to do the same. This week, try putting the phone down during a conversation. Try to avoid all distractions. Look the person you’re speaking with in the eye. And make them feel, in that moment, that this interaction between the two of you is the only thing that matters.