farther away from Jerusalem offered a fuller experience of worship to those believers who could not regularly participate in the temple services. There appears to be one more act of synagogue worship practiced at least occasionally—a priestly benediction when a priest was present. This benediction was likely the one embedded in Numbers 6:22–27: 22The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, 24The LORD bless you
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