Sotah

Raba son of R. Huna said: When the Torah-scroll is unrolled  it is forbidden to converse even on matters concerning the law; as it is said: And when he opened it all the people stood up,  and standing up signifies nothing else than silence, as it is said: And I wait because they speak not, because they stand still and answer no more.  R. Zera said in the name of R. Hisda: [It may be derived] from this passage, And the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. R. Joshua b. Levi also said: Any kohen who has not washed his hands may not lift them up [to pronounce the benediction]; as it is said: Lift up your hands in holiness and bless ye the Lord. His disciples asked R. Eleazar b. Shammua, 'How have you prolonged your life?' He replied: 'Never have I made use of a Synagogue as a short cut,  nor stepped over the heads of the holy people,  nor lifted up my hands [as a kohen] without first uttering a benediction.' What benediction did he utter? — R. Zera said in the name of R. Hisda: '[Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe] Who hast commanded us with the sanctity of Aaron and hast commanded us to bless Thy people Israel in love'.  When he [the priest] moves his feet [to ascend the platform] what does he say? — 'May it be pleasing before Thee, O Lord our God, that this benediction wherewith Thou hast commanded us to bless Thy people Israel may be free from stumbling and iniquity.' When he turns his face from the Congregation [to the ark after pronouncing the benediction] what does he say? — R. Hisda led R. 'Ukba forward  and the latter explained [that what he says is], 'Lord of the Universe, we have performed what Thou hast decreed upon us;  fulfil with us