May a Kohen Who Publicly Violates Shabbos Perform Birkat Kohanim – Duchaning?

Question:
There is an individual in our community who is a Kohen but who drives to synagogue on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Is it permissible for such a person to perform Birkat Kohanim (Duchaning)? I was under the impression that someone who publicly desecrates Shabbos is disqualified from performing Birkat Kohanim. This has become a point of friction in our community, and we are seeking guidance.

Answer:
From a strict halachic standpoint, you are correct: A Kohen who publicly violates Shabbos is technically disqualified from Birkat Kohanim, but most contemporary poskim rule not to stop him, since many such individuals are considered tinokos shenishbu. Thus, communities may allow him to duchan.

At the same time, the rabbi and community should make sincere efforts to encourage the Kohen to grow in Shabbos observance. Furthermore, when appropriate, authorities may implement measures to prevent a Kohen from performing Duchaning if he engages in public actions of desecration that are considered as insensitive to the community.

Also, its important to note that this ruling is meant only as permission not to stop him, not as encouragement to tell him to ascend, as from the letter of the law, he may not do so. Therefore, if he is the sole Kohen present in the synagogue, some authorities recommend finding a tactful reason for him to step outside rather than have him perform Nesias Kapayim on his own. However, if this would cause embarrassment, if he refuses to leave, or if he has already ascended to the platform, it is appropriate to allow the situation to proceed without intervention.

Explanation:

The Poskim rule that a person who publicly desecrates Shabbos is traditionally considered disqualified from performing or participating in Birkat Kohanim. This is one of the few transgressions, in addition to murder and idolatry and breaking the Kehuna laws, that can invalidate a Kohen from reciting the priestly blessing being tantamount to idolatry. This follows a general ruling in Jewish law which regards a person who desecrates Shabbos in public similar to one who engages in idolatry, thereby assuming the same status as a Gentile in various Halachic contexts.

However, many contemporary authorities note that the status of a “public Shabbos desecrator” (mechalel Shabbos befarhesia) is less clear‑cut today. Numerous individuals who do not fully observe Shabbos are nevertheless considered tinokos shenishbu—people who were not raised with proper knowledge or understanding of Torah observance who are given a different status and not viewed as idolaters. Also, disqualifying all nonreligious Jews from Birkat Kohanim could have the unintended effect of erasing their awareness of being Kohanim altogether, leading future generations to lose this identity.

For this reason, the vast majority of leading halachic authorities of the previous and current generation rule that such individuals should not be prevented from going up to duchan, especially when they are joining other Kohanim and not performing the blessing alone.

At the same time, the rabbi and community should make sincere efforts to encourage the Kohen to grow in Shabbos observance. This ruling is meant only as permission not to stop him, not as encouragement to tell him to ascend.

Sources:

See regarding the letter of the law invalidation of a Kohen who desecrates Shabbos in public to participate in Nesias Kapayim: Admur 128:52 in parentheses; Peri Chadash 128:39; P”M 128 M”Z 39; M”B 128:134; Kaf Hachaim 128:217; Piskeiy Teshuvos 128:78

See regarding the leniency in todays times to allow a Kohen who desecrates Shabbos in public to participate in Nesias Kapayim: Binyan Tziyon 23; Beis Yitzchak E.H. 2:65; Maharsham 1:121; Achiezer 3:25; Sdei Chemed Mareches Mem Kelal 86; Zekan Ahron 1:12; Mishneh Sachir O.C. 34; Igros Moshe 1:33; 2:4; Minchas Shlomo 2:44-10; Tzitz Eliezer 7:6; 13:14; Kinyan Torah 1:35; Yabia Omer 7:16; Teshuvos Vrhanhagos 1:132; 481

See regarding the general labeling of who desecrates Shabbos in public as a gentile for many Halachic matters: Admur 128:52 in parentheses; Admur O.C. 39:1 “He is like a gentile for all matters”; Michaber Yoreh Deah 2:5 “He is like a gentile”; Admur Y.D. 2:10 “He is a like a gentile regarding Shechita and for the entire Torah, except for Kiddushin”; Rashba 7:53; Tiferes Lemoshe 113:9 [brought in Pischeiy teshuvah 113:1] regarding Bishul Akum [however not Pas Akum]; Erech Hashulchan 112:2; Kaf Hachaim 112:11; Ketzos Hashulchan 101:5 and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 72: “Anyone who publicly desecrates Shabbos is considered like an idle worshiper and [thus] if he touches wine he forbids it, and the bread which he bakes is like Pas Akum, as well as the food which he cooks is like Bishul Akum.”