The laying on of hands book: A Treasury of Jewish Folklore, Nathan Ausubel. Pg. 170.
A pretty young woman came to the rabbi.
"Bless me, Rabbi", she implored
The rabbi spread out his hands over her head and blessed her, but he
Took care not to touch her head while doing so.
"Why don't you place your hands on my head? she asked in surprise.
'Blessings from a distance aren't as fruitful as blessings from near.'
"How do you light the candles on Friday night" asked the rabbi.
"Do you recite the prayer with your hands touching the flame?"
"Of course not--I'd only burn my hands!" answered the young woman.
"Believe me, it's no different with me!" said the rabbi, smiling.
"We're I to lay my hands on your head, I might also burn them."