When the Talmidim of R' Elazar asked him why he lived so long, he responded with three things. The third thing, that he didn't do Nesiyas Kapayim without a bracha, how is that a merit? Don't cohanim have to?
Thanks!
Tzvi Levi, Manalapan, USA
Dear Tzvi,
Here are several answers (thanks to Schottenstein edition for sources).
1) The Ritva implies that it is a Mitzvah which gives reward of long life even though it must be done.
2) The Meiri in Megilah says that this refers to enlarging the basic Berachah - he always added the Yehi Ratzon to enhance the Mitzvah.
3) A Mitzvah which is itself a Berachah has no Berachah before it - like Birchas ha'Mazon and Kidush of Shabbos, so too Birchas Kohanim which is a Berachah does not need a Berachah before it - but he made sure to say a Berachah regardless (Haga'os Radal, Turei Even, Keren Ora, Bi'ur ha'Gra OC 128:13 with slight variances).
4) There was always a Berachah for Birchas Kohanim but Rebbi Elazar added a Berachah for the Din of Nesi'as Kapayim - raising the hands - and combined them together to prevent extra Berachos (Rav Arye Amsterdam brought by Tikun Tefila in Sidur Otzar ha'Tefilos).
All the best
Reuven Weiner