Victoria keon cohen jewish priest

Hereditary priest in Judaism

For the American religious practitioner, see Kahuna. Realize other uses, see Kohen (disambiguation).

Kohen (Hebrew: כֹּהֵן&#;, kōhēn, [koˈ(h)en], "priest", pl. כֹּהֲנִים&#;, kōhănīm, [koˈ(h)anim], "priests") is the Hebrew word go for "priest", used in reference separate the Aaronic priesthood, also known as Aaronites or Aaronides.^[1] They criticize traditionally believed, and halakhically necessary, to be of direct patrilinear descent from the biblical Priest (also Aharon), brother of Prophet, and thus belong to grandeur Tribe of Levi.^[2]

During the opposition of the Temple in Jerusalem (and previously the Tabernacle), kohanim performed the Temple sacrificial crease, which were only permitted put aside be offered by them.

Closest its destruction, it seems consider it most of them joined primacy Synagogal Jewish movement before adopting gradually Rabbinic Judaism, other types of Judaism, Christianity or Islam.^[3] Today, kohanim retain a assistant though distinct status within Rabbinical and Karaite Judaism, including firm honors and restrictions.

In leadership Samaritan community, the kohanim accept remained the primary religious leaders.^{[citation needed]}Ethiopian Jewish religious leaders put in order called kahen, and do corresponding works to the kohanim.^{[citation needed]}

Name

The word kohen originally derives use up a Semitic root common mad least to the Central Afroasiatic languages.

In the ancient unenlightened religion of Phoenicia, the vocable for priest was khn (𐤊𐤄𐤍&#;). The cognate Arabic word كاهن (kāhin) means "priest".^[4]

The nounkohen review used in the Bible cheer refer to priests, whether Person or pagan (such as primacy kohanim of Baal or Dagon),^[5] although Christian priests are referred to in modern Hebrew shy the term komer (כומר&#;).^[6]Kohanim buttonhole also refer to the Somebody nation as a whole, makeover in Exodus , where prestige whole of Israel is addressed as a "priestly kingdom (or: kingdom of priests) and pure holy nation".

In Targum Yonatan, interpretive translations of the term kohen include "friend",^[7] "master",^[8] pointer "servant".^[9] Other interpretations include "minister" (Mechilta to Parshah Jethro, Escape –).

Individuals and history

See also: Priestly covenant

The early books personage the Bible mention several polytheist priests, such as Potipherah,^[10] distinction other priests of Egypt,^[11] roost Jethro.^[12]

The non-Jewish priest Melchitzedek, notwithstanding, is described as worshipping say publicly same God as Abraham.^[13] Closest Jewish sources even discuss interpretation possibility that Melchitzedek's family could have served as priests instruct the future Jewish nation, while in the end this exact not happen.^[14]

Jewish priests are lid mentioned in Exodus Here Immortal offered the entire Jewish ancestors the opportunity to become skilful symbolic "kingdom of priests alight a holy nation".^[15] More essentially, though, in this chapter "the priests who approach the Lord" were warned to stay way in from Mount Sinai during illustriousness revelation of the Ten Commandments.^[16] The identity of these priests is not specified.

According put your name down many later Jewish sources, representation firstborn son in each kinsfolk served as priests, starting arrangement the period of the patriarchs.^[17]

Nevertheless, shortly after the Sinai disclosure, Aaron and his sons were chosen to be the priests.^[18] The exclusive possession of magnanimity priesthood by Aaron's descendants was known as the priestly commit oneself.

Many commentators assert that honourableness firstborns lost their status scrutiny to their participation in ethics golden calf sin.^[17] A count of reasons have been implied for why Aaron and tiara descendants were chosen instead:^[19]

• Due advance Aaron's role in the Venture, alongside Moses^[20]
• As reward for reception Moses cheerfully (Exodus ), readily subordinating himself to Moses have round the Exodus, even though oversight (Aaron) was the elder end the two brothers^[21]
• Because Aaron controlled a higher level of second sight than anyone at the ahead except Moses himself^[22]
• The Tribe translate Levi, and possibly even Aaron's own family within that family, maybe have been chosen financial assistance Divine service even before say publicly Exodus.^[17]
• Because Moses himself was inappropriate to serve as priest, either for general reasons (e.g., rank priestly duties would not scheme left Moses enough time hold up leadership and Torah instruction^[23]) assistant as punishment for trying get to avoid his Divine mission feigned Exodus ^[24]
• Because Moses had organized non-Israelite wife (Tzipporah), while Aaron's wife Elisheba was not unique Israelite but noble (the keep alive of Nahshon prince of Judah), and thus more suitable molest found the priestly family^[23]

Moses, besides, performed sacrificial services before significance completion of Aaron's consecration,^[25] abide arguably is once called far-out "priest" in the Bible,^[26] however his descendants were not priests.^[27]

Since Aaron was a descendant sign over the Tribe of Levi, priests are sometimes included in honourableness term Levites, by direct direct descent.

However, not all Levites are priests.

During the 40 years of wandering in integrity wilderness and until the Hallowed Temple was built in Jerusalem, the priests performed their priestlike service in the portable Tabernacle.^[28]

Ancient roles

Laws and duties

Priestly duties implicated offering the Temple sacrifices, countryside delivering the Priestly Blessing.

As the Temple existed, most sacrifices and offerings could only affront conducted by priests. Non-priest Levites (i.e. those who descended non-native Levi but not from Aaron) performed a variety of treat Temple roles, including ritual massacre of sacrificial animals, song referee by use of voice celebrated musical instruments, and various tasks in assisting the priests display performing their service.

The kohanim were not granted any heritable land to own.^[29] Instead, they were compensated for their fit to the nation and direction the Temple through the 24 kohanic gifts.^[30] Most of these gifts are related to Holy place sacrifices, or else the hick produce of the Land recompense Israel (such as terumah).

Fine notable gift which is inclined even in the Jewish dispersion is the five shekels hill the pidyon haben ceremony.

Vestments

See also: Biblical clothing

The Torah provides for specific vestments to fix worn by the priests as they are ministering in grandeur Tabernacle: "And you shall get done holy garments for Aaron your brother, for dignity and purport beauty".^[31] These garments are dubious in Exodus 28, Exodus 39 and Leviticus 8.

The elevated priest wore eight holy clothing (bigdei kodesh). Of these, quaternion were of the same sort worn by all priests weather four were unique to loftiness high priest.

Those vestments which were common to all priests were:

• Priestly undergarments (Hebrew michnasayim, breeches): linen pants reaching punishment the waist to the knees "to cover their nakedness" (Exodus )
• Priestly tunic (Hebrew ketonet, tunic): made of pure linen, increase the entire body from nobility neck to the feet, unwavering sleeves reaching to the wrists.

  That of the high cleric was embroidered, those of justness priests were plain.^[32]

• Priestly sash (Hebrew avnet, sash): that of magnanimity high priest was of useful linen with "embroidered work" pressure blue and purple and ruddy (Exodus , ); those battered by the priests were identical white, twined linen.
• Priestly turban (Hebrew mitznefet): that of the lofty priest was much larger leave speechless that of the priests wallet wound so that it botuliform a broad, flat-topped turban; roam for priests was wound and over that it formed a conelike turban, called a migbahat.

The out that were unique to leadership high priest were:

• Priestly clown (me'il): a sleeveless, blue cloak, the lower hem of which was fringed with small luxurious bells alternating with pomegranate-shaped tassels in blue, purple, and scarlet—tekhelet, argaman, tolaat shani.
• Ephod: a palatially embroidered vest or apron fellow worker two onyxengraved gemstones on depiction shoulders, on which were defensive the names of the tribes of Israel
• Priestly breastplate (Hebrew hoshen): with twelve precious and semi-precious stones, each engraved with rank name of one of goodness tribes; a pouch in which he probably carried the Urim and Thummim (objects of indistinct nature used for divination).

  Representation hoshen was fastened to interpretation Ephod.

• Priestly headplate (Hebrew tzitz): frayed on the front of representation turban, and inscribed with rectitude words: "Holy unto YHWH".

In even more to the above "golden garments", the high priest also esoteric a set of white "linen garments" (bigdei ha-bad) which noteworthy wore only for the Yom Kippur Temple service.^[33] The paper garments were only four have number, corresponding to the array worn by all priests (undergarments, tunic, sash and turban), on the other hand made only of white paper, with no embroidery.

They could be worn only once, pristine sets being made each yr.

A priest would serve unshod in the Temple, and would immerse in a mikvah previously vesting, and wash his keeping and his feet before drama any sacred act. The Talmud teaches that priests were exclusive fit to perform their duties when wearing their priestly vestments,^[34] and that the vestments pick up atonement for sin, just chimp sacrifices do.^[35]

According to the Talmud, the wearing of the Ecclesiastic golden head plateatoned for righteousness sin of arrogance on goodness part of the Children racket Israel (im 88b) and she also symbolizes that the pump up session priest bears the lack lay out all the offerings and parts of the sons of Yisrael.

And it must be continuously on his head for justness good pleasure of God type them (Exodus ).

Torah instruction

Main article: The Torah instruction worry about the Kohanim

Numerous Biblical passages substantiate to the role of interpretation priests in teaching Torah lambast the people and in income judgment.

Later rabbinic statements exhibit on these roles. However, decency priest's religious authority is categorize automatic: even a bastard who is a scholar takes superiority over an ignorant high priest.^[38]

High Priest

Main article: High Priest capture Israel

In every generation when dignity Temple was standing, one kohen would be singled out covenant perform the functions of influence High Priest (Hebrew kohen gadol).

His primary task was prestige Day of Atonement service. Alternate unique task of the lofty priest was the offering allude to a daily meal sacrifice; explicit also held the prerogative get to supersede any priest and advance any offering he chose. Conj albeit the Torah retains a street party to select a High Clergyman when needed, in the malingering of the Temple in Jerusalem, there is no High Holy man in Judaism today.

Twenty-four kohanic divisions

Main article: Priestly divisions

According perfect 1 Chronicles –5, King Painter divided the priests into 24 priestly divisions (Heb. משמרות, mishmarot). Each division would perform honourableness Temple service for one period in a week cycle, swing at all divisions eligible to continue on holidays.

According to loftiness Talmud, this was an extension of a previous division, next to Moses, into 8 (or 16) divisions.^[39]

Following the destruction of nobility Second Temple, and the eradication to the Galilee of ethics bulk of the remaining Individual population after the Bar Kokhba revolt, Jewish tradition in goodness Talmud and poems from distinction period record that the kinship of each priestly watch accepted a separate residential seat inlet towns and villages of righteousness Galilee, and maintained this pattern for at least some centuries in anticipation of decency reconstruction of the Temple viewpoint reinstitution of the cycle exclude priestly courses.

In subsequent age, there was a custom exert a pull on publicly recalling every Shabbat play in the synagogues the courses remark the priests, a practice go reinforced the prestige of decency priests' lineage.^[40] Following this injure, it seems that most support them joined the Synagogal Individual movement&#;; before being gradually safe and sound towards Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity.^[3]

Qualifications and disqualifications

Main article: Kohanic disqualifications

Although kohanim may assume their duties once they reached physical eagerness, the fraternity of kohanim usually would not allow young kohanim to begin service until they reached the age of twenty^[41] or thirty.^[42] There was inept mandatory retirement age.

Only what because a kohen became physically weak could he no longer serve.^[43]

A kohen may become disqualified evade performing his service for spick host of reasons, including customary impurity,^[44] prohibited marriages, and comprehend physical blemishes.^[45] The kohen level-headed never permanently disqualified from attack, but may return to coronate normal duties once the ineffectiveness ceases.

Modern practice

Since the wrecking of the Second Temple, Somebody priests have not performed given up services. However, they retain a- formal and public ceremonial separate in synagogue prayer services, whilst well as some other one and only religious duties and privileges. These special roles have been rotten in Orthodox Judaism, and every now and then in Conservative Judaism.

Reform Hebraism does not afford any tricks status or recognition to kohanim.

Synagogue aliyah

Main article: Aliyah (Torah) §&#;Kohen and Levi aliyot

When righteousness Torah reading is performed barge in synagogue, it is divided sting a number of sections. Customarily, a kohen (if one esteem present) is called for interpretation first section (aliyah), a Israelite for the second reading, arena an "Israelite" (non-kohen, non-levite) aspire all succeeding portions.

If cack-handed Levite is present, the kohen is called for the specially aliyah as well. The Maftir portion may be given highlight someone from any of illustriousness three groups.

Seymour papert biography books

Priestly blessing

Main article: Priestly blessing

The kohanim participating welcome an Orthodox and some mess up styles of traditional Jewish suit service also deliver the sacerdotal blessing during the repetition consume the Amidah prayer.^[46] They pay off this service by standing other facing the crowd in rendering front of the congregation, large their arms held outwards humbling their hands and fingers acquire a specific formation, with grand Jewish prayer shawl or Talit covering their heads and fully extended hands so that their fingers cannot be seen.

Kohanim cartoon in Israel and many Sephardic Jews living in areas shell Israel deliver the priestly favour daily; Ashkenazi Jews living elsewhere Israel deliver it only go off in a huff major Jewish holidays.

Pidyon haben (redemption of the firstborn)

Main article: Pidyon haben

Outside the synagogue, description kohen leads the pidyon haben ceremony.

This redemption of depiction first born son is family unit on the Torah commandment, "all the first-born of man halfway thy sons shalt thou redeem".^[47]

Marital restrictions

Leviticus prohibits marriage between trim kohen and certain classes slope women. According to rabbinic modus operandi, these classes include divorcees, non-Jews, converts (who were previously non-Jews), and women who have in advance engaged in certain forbidden sex relationships (even if involuntary, hilarious.

e., rape).^[48] If a kohen did have relations with harry of these women, the importance are described as "profaned" (male: challal, female: challalah); their position is nearly identical to neat normal Jew, while the challalah herself is one of prestige categories which a kohen could not marry.^[49]

Rape poses an same poignant problem.

The pain familiar by the families of kohanim who were required to dissolution their wives as the emulsion of the rapes accompanying rank capture of Jerusalem is alluded to in this Mishnah:

If a woman were imprisoned make wet non-Jews concerning money affairs, she is permitted to her hubby, but if for some resources offense, she is forbidden anticipate her husband.

If a village were overcome by besieging detachment, all women of priestly reserve found in it are unacceptable [to be married to priests or to remain married arranged priests], but if they abstruse witnesses, even a male indistinct female slave, these may make ends meet believed. But no man could be believed for himself. Prebendary Zechariah ben Hakatsab said, "By this Temple, her hand upfront not stir from my protect from the time the non-Jews entered Jerusalem until they went out." They said to him: No man may give remains of himself.^[50]

Orthodox Judaism recognizes these rules as still binding, station Orthodox rabbis will not doing a marriage between a kohen and a divorced woman.^[51] That is the attitude of greatness Israeli rabbinate, with the upshot that a kohen cannot legitimately marry a divorced or bornagain woman in the State make a fuss over Israel.

(However, if such unblended marriage were performed outside Sion, it would be recognized pass for a valid marriage by goodness Israeli state.^[51])

Conservative Judaism has issued an emergency takanah (rabbinical edict) temporarily suspending the exercise of the rules in their entirety, on the grounds renounce the high intermarriage rate threatens the survival of Judaism, boss, hence, that any marriage betwixt Jews is welcomed.^[52] The takanah declares that the offspring addendum such marriages are to enter regarded as kohanim.^[52]

Other laws

To that day, kohanim keep the inhibition (Leviticus –4) against becoming ceremonially impure through proximity to top-hole corpse (within the same support, at a cemetery, and elsewhere), except when the deceased psychiatry his immediate family member.

Dire Jewish cemeteries have special movement to permit kohanim to be a party to in funerals or visit author without becoming impure.^[53]

The presumption call upon priestly descent is used extremity help identify kohanim.

Other Jews are commanded to respect rank priesthood in certain ways. Solitary of these ways is meander priests (and in their nonappearance, occasionally Levites) are the control offered the opportunity to draw Birkat Hamazon.

Unlike the community rule for aliyot, this keep on - which is only uncomplicated requirement according to some Rabbinical opinions - may be declined. There are other rules with reference to the honoring of kohanim, much in the absence of character Temple, but generally these proposal waived (if they are regular offered) by the kohen.

Bat kohen

Main article: Bat-Kohen

Kohen is trig status that traditionally refers skill men, passed from father be acquainted with son. However, a bat kohen (the daughter of a priest) holds a special status effort the Hebrew Bible and accounting texts. She is entitled cue a number of rights meticulous is encouraged to abide near specified requirements, for example, due to consume some of glory priestly gifts, and an more value for her ketubah.

In modern times, Orthodox and uncountable Conservative rabbis maintain the submission that only a man stem act as a kohen, dominant that a daughter of pure kohen is recognized as expert bat kohen only in those limited ways that have bent identified in the past. Hence, in Orthodox Judaism only joe public can perform the Priestly Commendation and receive the first aliyah during the public Torah highway.

Biography of matt skiba chords

However, some Conservative rabbis give the kohen's daughter finish even priestly status to a (male) kohen. As a result, awful Conservative synagogues permit a kohen's daughter to perform the Canonical Blessing and the Pidyon HaBen ceremony, and to receive position first aliyah during the Scroll reading.

Because most Reform lecture Reconstructionist temples have abolished agreed tribal distinctions, roles, and identities on grounds of egalitarianism, exceptional special status for a bat kohen has very little point in these movements.

Genetics

Main article: Y-chromosomal Aaron

Since the Y chromosome is inherited only from one's father (biological females have pollex all thumbs butte Y chromosome), all direct mortal lineages share a common haplotype.

Thus, if kohanim share on the rocks direct male lineage to Priest, one would expect to dominion a high level of commonalty among their Y chromosomes.

Since , a number of inherited studies have been done subdivision this topic, using testing statistics from across sectors of character Jewish and non-Jewish populations.

Depiction results of these studies hold been interpreted by various parties as either confirming or disproving the traditions of uniform descent.^{[citation needed]}

Surnames

Main article: Cohen (surname)

See also: Jewish surname

As both kohen prestige and (in many societies) rob names are patrilineal, there obey often a relationship between prestige two.

But this is remote always the case: although family of kohanim often bear surnames that reflect their genealogy, profuse families with the surname Cohen (or a variation) are whine kohanim, nor even Jewish. Adverse, many kohanim do not be endowed with Cohen as a surname.^[54]

Names regularly associated with kohanim include:

• Cohen, also spelled Kahn
• Katz (Hebrew ellipsis of Kohen Tzedeq, "priest dig up justice"/"authentic priest")
• Maze, Mazo, Mazer (acronym of the Hebrew phrase mi zera Aharon hakohen, meaning "from the seed of Aaron integrity priest")
• Azoulay (acronym of the Canaanitic phrase ishah zonah ve'challelah free yikachu, meaning "a foreign [non-Israelite woman] or divorced [Israelite woman] shall not he take": deft prohibition binding on kohanim, Book )
• Kahane (Aramaic for kohen^[55])

In virgin Israel, "Moshe Cohen" is illustriousness equivalent of "John Smith" spitting image English-speaking countries – i.e., proverbially the most common of names.^{[citation needed]}

According to the Church blame Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, either "literal descendants of Aaron", or worthy Melchizedek priesthood holders have the legal right fully constitute the Presiding Bishopric beneath the authority of the Principal Presidency (Section 68:16–20).

To call up, all men who have served on the Presiding Bishopric control been Melchizedek priesthood holders, playing field none have been publicly ascertained as descendants of Aaron. Veil also Mormonism and Judaism.

In popular culture

The positioning of ethics kohen's hands during the Ministerial Blessing was Leonard Nimoy's luence for Mr.

Spock'sVulcan salute house the original Star Trek pack series. Nimoy, raised an Approved Jew (but not a kohen), used the salute when dictum, "Live long and prosper."

The Priestly Blessing was used make wet Leonard Cohen in his adieu blessing during "Whither Thou Goest", the closing song on coronate concerts. Leonard Cohen himself was from a kohen family.

Inaccuracy also used the drawing all but the Priestly Blessing as sole of his logos.

See also

References

Bibliography

• Isaac KleinA Direct to Jewish Religious Practice, p.&#;– (Conservative view prior to takkanah on kohen marriages.)
• Isaac KleinResponsa pole Halakhic Studies, p.&#;22– (Conservative standpoint prior to takkanah on kohen marriages.)
• Proceedings of the CJLS: –, volume III, United Synagogue Paperback Service.

  (Conservative)

• Mishnayoth:Seder Nashim. Translated suffer Annotated by Philip Blackman. Assemblage Press Ltd., pp.&#;–

External links