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{{Short description|Hereditary priest in Judaism}}
{{For|the Jewish and Samaritan surname|Cohen}}
{{Kehuna and Kohanim}}
{{Judaism}}
'''Kohen''' ({{langx|he|כֹּהֵן|kōhēn}}, {{IPA|he|koˈ(h)en|pron}}; {{pl.}} {{langx|he|כֹּהֲנִים|kōhănīm|label=none}}, {{IPA|he|ko(h)aˈnim|}}) is the Hebrew word for "[[priest]]", used in reference to the Aaronic [[Priest#Judaism|priesthood]], also called '''Aaronites''' or '''Aaronides'''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aaronides {{!}} Encyclopedia.com|url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/aaronides|access-date=2020-06-21|website=www.encyclopedia.com}}</ref> They are traditionally believed, and [[halakha|halakhically]] required, to be of direct [[Patrilineality|patrilineal descent]] from the biblical [[Aaron]] (also ''Aharon''), brother of [[Moses]], and thus belong to the [[Tribe of Levi]].<ref name=Leuchter2021>{{cite web|last=Mark Leuchter|first=Mark Leuchter|title=How All Kohanim Became Sons of Aaron|work=TheTorah.com|year=2021|url=https://www.thetorah.com/article/how-all-kohanim-became-sons-of-aaron|accessdate=June 29, 2021}}</ref>

During the existence of the [[Temple in Jerusalem]] (and previously the [[Tabernacle]]), ''kohanim'' performed the Temple [[korban|sacrificial offerings]], which were only permitted to be offered by them. Following [[Siege of Jerusalem (70 CE)|its destruction]], it seems that most of them joined the [[Synagogal Judaism|Synagogal Jewish movement]] before adopting gradually [[Rabbinic Judaism]], other types of Judaism, [[List of converts to Christianity from Judaism|Christianity]] or [[List of converts to Islam from Judaism|Islam]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |url=https://www.openbookpublishers.com/product/1209 |title=Diversity and Rabbinization: Jewish Texts and Societies between 400 and 1000 CE |date=2021 |publisher=Open Book Publishers |isbn=978-1-78374-993-5 |editor-last=McDowell |editor-first=Gavin |series=Semitic Languages and Cultures |volume=7 |language=en |doi=10.11647/obp.0219 |editor-last2=Naiweld |editor-first2=Ron |editor-last3=Stökl Ben Ezra |editor-first3=Daniel |doi-access=free }}</ref> Today, ''kohanim'' retain a lesser though distinct status within [[Rabbinic Judaism|Rabbinic]] and [[Karaite Judaism]], including certain honors and restrictions.

In the [[Samaritans|Samaritan]] community, the kohanim have remained the primary religious leaders.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} [[Beta Israel|Ethiopian Jewish]] religious leaders are called ''[[kahen]],'' and do similar works to the kohanim.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

== Name ==
The word ''kohen'' originally derives from a [[Semitic root]] common at least to the [[Central Semitic languages]]. In the ancient polytheistic religion of [[Phoenicia]], the word for priest was ''khn'' ({{script|Phnx|𐤊𐤄𐤍}}). The cognate [[Arabic]] word {{lang|ar|كاهن|rtl=yes}} (''kāhin'') means "priest".<ref>[https://www.almaany.com/en/dict/ar-en/%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%86/ كاهن in English]</ref>

The [[noun]] ''kohen'' is used in the [[Hebrew Bible|Bible]] to refer to [[priest]]s, whether Jewish or pagan (such as the ''kohanim'' of [[Baal]] or [[Dagon]]),<ref>Verses that use the term to refer to non-Aaronides include: {{Bibleverse|Genesis|14:18|HE}}, {{Bibleverse-nb|Genesis|41:45,50|HE}}, {{Bibleverse-nb|Genesis|46:20|HE}}, {{Bibleverse-nb|Genesis|47:22,26|HE}}; {{Bibleverse|Exodus|2:16|HE}}, {{Bibleverse-nb|Exodus|3:1|HE}},{{Bibleverse-nb|Exodus|18:1|HE}}; {{Bibleverse|Judges|17:5,10,12,13|HE}}; {{Bibleverse-nb|Judges|18:4-30|HE}}; {{Bibleverse|1 Samuel|5:5|HE}}, {{Bibleverse-nb|1 Samuel|6:2|HE}}; {{Bibleverse|1 Kings|12:31-32|HE}}, {{Bibleverse-nb|1 Kings|13:2,33|HE}}; {{Bibleverse|2 Kings|10:11,19|HE}}, {{Bibleverse-nb|2 Kings|17:32|HE}}; {{Bibleverse|Jeremiah|48:7|HE}}, {{Bibleverse-nb|Jeremiah|49:3|HE}}; {{Bibleverse|Amos|7:10|HE}}; {{Bibleverse|2 Chronicles|13:9|HE}}, {{Bibleverse-nb|2 Chronicles|23:17|HE}}, {{Bibleverse-nb|2 Chronicles|34:5|HE}}</ref> although Christian priests are referred to in modern Hebrew by the term ''komer'' ({{lang|he|כומר}}).<ref>[https://www.morfix.co.il/%D7%9B%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%A8 מילון מורפיקס: פירוש כומר בעברית]</ref> ''Kohanim'' can also refer to the Jewish nation as a whole, as in {{bibleverse|Exodus|19:6|HE}}, where the whole of Israel is addressed as a "priestly kingdom (or: kingdom of priests) and a holy nation".

In [[Targum Yonatan]], interpretive translations of the word ''kohen'' include "friend",<ref>{{Alhatorah|2 Kings|10:11|Targum Yonatan}}</ref> "master",<ref>{{Alhatorah|Amos|7:10|Targum Yonatan}}</ref> and "servant".<ref>{{Alhatorah|Jeremiah|48:7|Targum Yonatan}}</ref> Other interpretations include "minister" ([[Mekhilta of Rabbi Ishmael|Mechilta]] to [[Yitro|Parshah Jethro]], Exodus 18:1–20:23).

== Individuals and history ==
[[File:Nuremberg chronicles f 29v 2.png|thumb|Illustration of Aaron's lineage from the 1493 [[Nuremberg Chronicle]]]]
{{See also|Priestly covenant}}
The early books of the Bible mention several [[pagan]] priests, such as [[Potipherah]],<ref>{{Bibleverse|Genesis|41:45,50|HE}}, 46:20</ref> the other priests of Egypt,<ref>{{Bibleverse|Genesis|47:22,26|HE}}</ref> and [[Jethro]].<ref>{{Bibleverse|Exodus|2:16|HE}}, 3:1, 18:1</ref>

The non-Jewish priest [[Melchitzedek]], however, is described as worshipping the same God as [[Abraham]].<ref>{{Bibleverse|Genesis|14:18-20,22|HE}}</ref> Later Jewish sources even discuss the possibility that Melchitzedek's family could have served as priests for the future Jewish nation, though in the end this did not happen.<ref>[[Leviticus Rabbah]] 25:6; [[Babylonian Talmud]], [https://www.sefaria.org/Nedarim.32b.7 Nedarim 32b]</ref>

Jewish priests are first mentioned in {{Bibleverse|Exodus|19|HE}}. Here God offered the entire Jewish people the opportunity to become a symbolic "kingdom of priests and a holy nation".<ref>{{Bibleverse|Exodus|19:6|HE}}</ref> More practically, though, in this chapter "the priests who approach the Lord" were warned to stay away from [[Mount Sinai]] during the revelation of the [[Ten Commandments]].<ref>{{Bibleverse|Exodus|19:22,24|HE}}; see also {{Bibleverse|Exodus|24:5|HE}} where "the Israelite youths" offered sacrifices after this revelation.</ref> The identity of these priests is not specified. According to many later Jewish sources, the firstborn son in each family served as priests, starting in the period of the [[Biblical patriarchs|patriarchs]].<ref name=aht>[https://alhatorah.org/Selection_of_the_Priests_and_Levites/2 Selection of the Priests and Levites]</ref>

Nevertheless, shortly after the Sinai revelation, [[Aaron]] and his sons were chosen to be the priests.<ref>{{Bibleverse|Exodus|28:1|HE}}, {{Bibleverse-nb|Exodus|29:9|HE}}; {{Bibleverse|Numbers|18:19|HE}}; etc.</ref> The exclusive possession of the priesthood by Aaron's descendants was known as the [[priestly covenant]]. Many commentators assert that the firstborns lost their status due to their participation in the [[golden calf]] sin.<ref name=aht/> A number of reasons have been suggested for why Aaron and his descendants were chosen instead:<ref>[https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/db205f97/files/uploaded/008%20%D7%A4%D7%A8%D7%A9%D7%AA%20%D7%AA%D7%A6%D7%95%D7%94%20%D7%94%D7%9B%D7%94%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%94%20%D7%9C%D7%90%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%9F%20%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%90%20%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%A9%D7%94.pdf הכהונה לאהרון ולא למשה–מדוע?]</ref>
* Due to Aaron's role in the Exodus, alongside Moses<ref>[[Nissim of Gerona|Derashot Haran]], 3. Text: הנה שזכה אהרן למדרגה גדולה קרובה למדרגת הנבואה ולא עוד אלא שזכה בה לו ולזרעו. וכל זה בשכר שנתעסק עם מרע"ה בענין יציאת מצרים ולא נתקנא במשה</ref>
* As reward for greeting Moses cheerfully ({{Bibleverse|Exodus|4:14|HE}}), willingly subordinating himself to Moses in the Exodus, even though he (Aaron) was the elder of the two brothers<ref>Shabbat 139a; Tanhuma</ref>
* Because Aaron possessed a higher level of prophecy than anyone at the time except Moses himself<ref>{{Alhatorah|Exodus|28:1|Abarbanel}}</ref>
* The [[Tribe of Levi]], and possibly even Aaron's own family within that tribe, maybe have been chosen for Divine service even before the Exodus.<ref name=aht />
* Because Moses himself was unsuitable to serve as priest, either for general reasons (e.g., the priestly duties would not have left Moses enough time for leadership and Torah instruction<ref name=ie>{{Alhatorah|Exodus|28:1|Ibn Ezra Second Commentary}}; [[Exodus Rabbah]] 37:4</ref>) or as punishment for trying to avoid his Divine mission in {{Bibleverse|Exodus|4:13|HE}}<ref>Zevachim 102a; [[Tanhuma]], Shemini 3</ref>
* Because Moses had a non-Israelite wife ([[Tzipporah]]), while Aaron's wife [[Elisheba]] was not only Israelite but noble (the sister of [[Nahshon]] prince of Judah), and thus more suitable to found the priestly family<ref name=ie/>

[[Moses]], too, performed sacrificial services before the completion of Aaron's consecration,<ref>{{Bibleverse|Exodus|24:6|HE}}, {{Bibleverse-nb|Exodus|40:31|HE}}; {{Bibleverse|Leviticus|8|HE}}</ref> and arguably is once called a "priest" in the Bible,<ref>{{Bibleverse|Psalms|99:6|HE}}</ref> but his descendants were not priests.<ref>{{Bibleverse|1 Chronicles|23:13-14|HE}}</ref>

Since Aaron was a descendant of the [[Tribe of Levi]], priests are sometimes included in the term [[Levite]]s, by direct patrilineal descent. However, not all Levites are priests.

During the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness and until the [[Temple in Jerusalem|Holy Temple]] was built in [[Jerusalem]], the priests performed their priestly service in the portable [[Tabernacle (Judaism)|Tabernacle]].<ref>{{bibleverse|Numbers|1:47–54|HE}}, {{bibleverse-nb|Numbers|3:5–13|HE}}, {{bibleverse-nb|Numbers|3:44–51|HE}}, {{bibleverse-nb|Numbers|8:5–26|HE}}</ref>

==Ancient roles==
=== Laws and duties ===
Priestly duties involved offering the Temple [[Korban|sacrifices]], and delivering the [[Priestly Blessing]]. When the Temple existed, most sacrifices and offerings could only be conducted by priests. Non-priest Levites (i.e. those who descended from [[Levi]] but not from Aaron) performed a variety of other Temple roles, including [[Shechita|ritual slaughter]] of sacrificial animals, song service by use of voice and musical instruments, and various tasks in assisting the priests in performing their service.

The kohanim were not granted any ancestral land to own.<ref>{{Bibleverse|Numbers|18:20|HE}}</ref> Instead, they were compensated for their service to the nation and in the Temple through the [[twenty-four kohanic gifts]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cohen-levi.org/temple_studies/order_of_the_temple_service.htm |title=Order of the Temple Service |work= Temple Studies |publisher=Cohen-levi.org |access-date=2013-02-18 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702160007/http://www.cohen-levi.org/temple_studies/order_of_the_temple_service.htm |archive-date= Jul 2, 2013 }}</ref> Most of these gifts are related to Temple sacrifices, or else the agricultural produce of the [[Land of Israel]] (such as [[terumah]]). A notable gift which is given even in the [[Jewish diaspora]] is the five [[shekel]]s of the ''[[pidyon haben]]'' ceremony.

===Vestments===
{{See also|Biblical clothing}}
[[Image:LEV 8- High priest in robes and breastplate.jpg|thumb|The high priest in his golden garments (the chain [[censer]] depicted is anachronistic).]]
[[Image:Kohenbreastplate.jpg|thumb|The [[priestly breastplate]] of the high priest.]]
[[File:Jewish priests.jpg|thumb|Kohen, [[High Priest of Israel|''Kohen Gadol'']] and a [[Levite]] (Charles Foster, 1873)]]

The [[Torah]] provides for specific vestments to be worn by the priests when they are ministering in the [[Tabernacle]]: "And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for dignity and for beauty".<ref>{{bibleverse|Exodus|28:2|HE}}</ref>  These garments are described in {{bibleverse|Exodus|28|HE}}, {{bibleverse|Exodus|39|HE}} and {{bibleverse|Leviticus|8|HE}}. The high priest wore eight holy garments (''bigdei kodesh''). Of these, four were of the same type worn by all priests and four were unique to the high priest.

Those vestments which were common to all priests were:
* [[Priestly undergarments]] (Hebrew ''michnasayim'', breeches): [[linen]] pants reaching from the waist to the knees "to cover their nakedness" ({{bibleverse|Exodus|28:42|HE}})
* [[Priestly tunic]] (Hebrew ''ketonet'', tunic): made of pure linen, covering the entire body from the neck to the feet, with sleeves reaching to the wrists. That of the high priest was embroidered, those of the priests were plain.<ref>{{bibleverse|Exodus|28:39-40|HE}}</ref>
* [[Priestly sash]] (Hebrew ''avnet'', sash): that of the high priest was of fine linen with "[[embroidery|embroidered work]]" in blue and purple and scarlet ({{bibleverse|Exodus|28:39|HE}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Exodus|39:29|HE}}); those worn by the priests were of white, twined linen.
* [[Priestly turban]] (Hebrew ''mitznefet''): that of the high priest was much larger than that of the priests and wound so that it formed a broad, flat-topped turban; that for priests was wound so that it formed a cone-shaped turban, called a ''migbahat''.

The vestments that were unique to the high priest were:
* [[Priestly robe (Judaism)|Priestly robe]] (''me'il''): a sleeveless, blue robe, the lower hem of which was fringed with small golden bells alternating with [[pomegranate]]-shaped tassels in blue, purple, and scarlet—''[[tekhelet]]'', ''[[Tyrian purple|argaman]]'', ''[[tolaat shani]]''.
* [[Ephod]]: a richly embroidered vest or apron with two [[onyx]] [[engraved gem]]stones on the shoulders, on which were engraved the names of the tribes of Israel
* [[Priestly breastplate]] (Hebrew ''hoshen''): with twelve precious and semi-precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes; a pouch in which he probably carried the [[Urim and Thummim]] (objects of unclear nature used for divination). The ''hoshen'' was fastened to the Ephod.
* [[Priestly golden head plate|Priestly headplate]] (Hebrew ''tzitz''): worn on the front of the turban, and inscribed with the words: "[[Q-D-Š|Holy]] unto [[YHWH]]".
[[File:Macoy Masonic Hebrew with text 1868 p134.jpg|thumb|''Qodeš l-Yahweh'' ([[Paleo-Hebrew alphabet]]), "Holy to [[Yahweh]]", an inscription worn on the forehead of the [[High Priest of Israel]]]]
In addition to the above "golden garments", the [[High Priest of Israel|high priest]] also had a set of white "linen garments" (''bigdei ha-bad'') which he wore only for the [[Yom Kippur Temple service]].<ref>{{bibleverse|Leviticus|16:4|HE}}</ref> The linen garments were only four in number, corresponding to the garments worn by all priests (undergarments, tunic, sash and turban), but made only of white linen, with no embroidery. They could be worn only once, new sets being made each year.

A priest would serve barefoot in the Temple, and would immerse in a [[mikvah]] before vesting, and wash his hands and his feet before performing any sacred act. The [[Talmud]] teaches that priests were only fit to perform their duties when wearing their priestly vestments,<ref>[https://www.sefaria.org/Zevachim.17b.6 Zevachim 17b]</ref> and that the vestments achieve [[Atonement in Judaism|atonement]] for [[sin]], just as [[korbanot|sacrifices]] do.<ref>[https://www.sefaria.org/Zevachim.88b.5 Zevachim 88b]</ref>

According to the [[Talmud]], the wearing of the [[Priestly golden head plate]] [[Atonement in Judaism|atoned]] for the [[sin]] of arrogance on the part of the [[Children of Israel]] ([[Babylonian Talmud|B]].[[Zevachim]] 88b) and she also symbolizes that the high priest bears the lack of all the offerings and gifts of the sons of Israel. And it must be constantly on his head for the good pleasure of God towards them ({{bibleverse||Exodus|28:38|HE}}).
*According to the Talmud, the wearing of the [[Priestly turban]] [[Atonement in Judaism|atoned]] for the [[sin]] of haughtiness on the part of the Children of Israel (B. [[Zevachim]] 88b).
*According to the Talmud, the wearing of the Priestly [[ephod]] [[atonement in Judaism|atoned]] for the [[thou shalt have no other gods before me|sin of idolatry]] on the part of the [[Israelites]].<ref>[[Babylonian Talmud]], ''[[Zevachim]]'' 88:B</ref>
*According to the [[Talmud]], the wearing of the Hoshen [[Atonement in Judaism|atoned]] for the [[sin]] of errors in judgment on the part of the [[Children of Israel]].<ref>B.[[Zevachim]] 88b</ref>
*According to the Talmud, the wearing of the [[Priestly sash]] [[Atonement in Judaism|atoned]] for "[[sin]]s of the heart" (impure thoughts) on the part of the Children of Israel.<ref>[[Zevachim]] 88b</ref>
*According to the Talmud, the wearing of the [[Priestly tunic]] and the rest of the priestly garments [[Atonement in Judaism|atoned]] for the [[sin]] of bloodshed on the part of the Children of Israel (B.[[Zevachim]] 88b).
*According to the Talmud, the [[Priestly undergarments]] [[Atonement in Judaism|atone]] for the [[sin]] of sexual transgressions on the part of the Children of Israel (B.Zevachim 88b).

=== Torah instruction ===
{{Main|The Torah instruction of the Kohanim}}
[[File:צוות כהנים עוסקים בלימוד הלכות טומאה וטהרה.jpg|thumb|200px|A group of kohanim studying the [[Mishna]]yot laws of [[Keilim]] in anticipation of the rebuilding of the [[Beit Hamikdash]]]]

Numerous Biblical passages attest to the role of the priests in teaching [[Torah]] to the people and in issuing judgment. Later rabbinic statements elaborate on these roles. However, the priest's religious authority is not automatic: even a [[mamzer|bastard]] who is a scholar takes precedence over an ignorant [[High Priest of Israel|high priest]].<ref>[[Mishnah]] Horayot 3:8</ref>

=== High Priest ===
{{Main|High Priest of Israel}}
In every generation when the Temple was standing, one kohen would be singled out to perform the functions of the High Priest (Hebrew ''kohen gadol''). His primary task was the [[Yom Kippur|Day of Atonement]] service. Another unique task of the high priest was the offering of a daily meal sacrifice; he also held the prerogative to supersede any priest and offer any offering he chose. Although the [[Torah]] retains a procedure to select a High Priest when needed, in the absence of the Temple in Jerusalem, there is no High Priest in Judaism today.

=== Twenty-four kohanic divisions ===
{{Main|Priestly divisions}}
According to {{bibleverse|1|Chronicles|24:3–5|HE}}, King [[David]] divided the priests into 24 [[priestly divisions]] (Heb. משמרות, ''mishmarot''). Each division would perform the Temple service for one week in a 24-week cycle, with all divisions eligible to serve on holidays. According to the [[Talmud]], this was an expansion of a previous division, by Moses, into 8 (or 16) divisions.<ref>Taanit 27a</ref>

Following the destruction of the [[Second Temple]], and the displacement to the [[Galilee]] of the bulk of the remaining Jewish population after the [[Bar Kokhba revolt]], Jewish tradition in the [[Talmud]] and poems from the period record that the descendants of each priestly watch established a separate residential seat in towns and villages of the Galilee, and maintained this residential pattern for at least several centuries in anticipation of the reconstruction of the Temple and reinstitution of the cycle of priestly courses. In subsequent years, there was a custom of publicly recalling every [[Shabbat]] in the synagogues the courses of the priests, a practice that reinforced the prestige of the priests' lineage.<ref>[[Robert Bonfil]], ''Jews in Byzantium: Dialectics of Minority and Majority Cultures'', Brill: Leiden 2012, p. 42 {{ISBN|9789004203556}}</ref> Following this destruction, it seems that most of them joined the [[Synagogal Judaism|Synagogal Jewish movement]]; before being gradually converted towards [[Rabbinic Judaism]] and [[Christianity]].<ref name=":5" />

=== Qualifications and disqualifications ===
{{Main|Kohanic disqualifications}}
Although kohanim may assume their duties once they reached physical maturity, the fraternity of kohanim generally would not allow young kohanim to begin service until they reached the age of twenty<ref>Talmud Bavli [[Hullin]] [https://www.sefaria.org/Chullin.24b.5 24b], [[Mishneh Torah]], Hilchoth Klei HaMiqdash 5:15</ref> or thirty.<ref>{{Alhatorah|Deuteronomy|18:8|Chizkuni}}; similar to [[Levites]] who began working at age 30 ({{bibleverse|Numbers|4:3,30|HE}})</ref> There was no mandatory retirement age. Only when a kohen became physically infirm could he no longer serve.<ref>[[Mishneh Torah]], Hilchoth Biath HaMiqdash 7:12, and Hilchoth Klei HaMiqdash 3:8 (Chullin 24b mentions no disqualification due to age)</ref>

A kohen may become disqualified from performing his service for a host of reasons, including [[Tumah|ritual impurity]],<ref>{{Bibleverse|Leviticus|22:3-9|HE}}</ref> prohibited marriages, and certain physical blemishes.<ref>{{Bibleverse|Leviticus|21:17-23|HE}}</ref> The kohen is never permanently disqualified from service, but may return to his normal duties once the disqualification ceases.

== Modern practice ==
Since the [[destruction of the Second Temple]] in 70 CE, Jewish priests have not performed sacrificial services. However, they have retained a formal and public ceremonial role in synagogue prayer services, along with certain unique religious duties and privileges. Following the [[First Jewish–Roman War]], the priestly class relocated to [[Galilee]] and various [[Jewish diaspora|diaspora]] communities, with their new places of residence recorded in inscriptions from the period.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=Archaeology of the land of the Bible. Volume 3. Alexander to Constantine |date=2012 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-20583-1 |editor-last=Chancey |editor-first=Mark A. |series=The Anchor Yale Bible reference library |location=New Haven, CT London |pages=164 |editor-last2=Meyers |editor-first2=Eric M.}}</ref> Drawing on their knowledge of the Torah and Temple worship, they contributed to the development of [[Jewish liturgy|synagogue liturgy]] and may have played a role in the preparation of biblical translations.<ref name=":0" />

These special roles have been maintained in [[Orthodox Judaism]], and sometimes in [[Conservative Judaism]]. [[Reform Judaism]] does not afford any special status or recognition to kohanim.
*In Jerusalem is "[[Temple Institute]]" whose mission is to prepare the Jewish People and the non jewish nations of the world for the [[Third Temple]] which will take the place of the first two destroyed Jewish Temples. Even the Anti-Zionist [[Toldos Aharon]] chassidic movement ''has established a specialized study program for Jewish priests (kohanim) to prepare for Temple service.''<ref>[https://israel365news.com/410099/anti-zionist-haredi-group-prepares-for-third-temple-establishes-study-program-for-third-temple/|title=Israel 365 News|access-date=September 30,2025|Archive-date=June 30, 2025|author=Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz]</ref>

=== Synagogue ''aliyah'' ===
{{Main|Aliyah (Torah)#Kohen and Levi aliyot}}
When the [[Torah reading]] is performed in synagogue, it is divided into a number of sections. Traditionally, a kohen (if one is present) is called for the first section (''aliyah''), a Levite for the second reading, and an "Israelite" (non-kohen, non-levite) for all succeeding portions. If no Levite is present, the kohen is called for the second aliyah as well. The [[Maftir]] portion may be given to someone from any of the three groups.

[[File:Birkhat cohanim 1.JPG|250px|thumb|Large crowds congregate on [[Passover]] at the [[Western Wall]] to receive the priestly blessing]]
[[File:Grave Rabbi Meschullam Kohn.jpg|thumb|Blessing gesture depicted on the gravestone of Rabbi Meschullam Kohn (1739–1819), who was a kohen]]

=== Priestly blessing ===
{{Main|Priestly blessing}}
The kohanim participating in an Orthodox and some other styles of traditional Jewish prayer service also deliver the priestly blessing during the repetition of the [[Amidah]] prayer.<ref>The text of this blessing is found in {{bibleverse||Numbers|6:23–27|HE}}</ref> They perform this service by standing and facing the crowd in the front of the congregation, with their arms held outwards and their hands and fingers in a specific formation, with a Jewish prayer shawl or [[Talit]] covering their heads and outstretched hands so that their fingers cannot be seen. Kohanim living in Israel and many Sephardic Jews living in areas outside Israel deliver the priestly blessing daily; Ashkenazi Jews living outside Israel deliver it only on major Jewish holidays.

=== Pidyon haben (redemption of the firstborn) ===
{{Main|Pidyon haben}}
Outside the synagogue, the kohen leads the ''pidyon haben'' ceremony. This redemption of the first born son is based on the Torah commandment, "all the first-born of man among thy sons shalt thou redeem".<ref>{{bibleverse||Exodus|13:13|HE}}</ref>

=== Marital restrictions ===
{{Bibleverse|Leviticus|21:7|HE}} prohibits marriage between a kohen and certain classes of women. According to [[halakhah|rabbinic law]], these classes include divorcees, non-Jews, converts (who were previously non-Jews), and women who have previously engaged in certain forbidden sexual relationships (even if involuntary, i. e., rape).<ref>[[Sefer Hachinuch]], 266-268</ref> If a kohen did have relations with any of these women, the offspring are described as "profaned" (male: ''challal'', female: ''challalah''); their status is nearly identical to a normal Jew, while the ''challalah'' herself is one of the categories which a kohen may not marry.<ref>Yishma'el Tanuji Ha-Kohen, ''Sefer Ha-zikaron'', London 1974 (Hebrew)</ref>

Rape poses an especially poignant problem. The pain experienced by the families of kohanim who were required to divorce their wives as the result of the rapes accompanying the capture of Jerusalem is alluded to in this Mishnah:
<blockquote>If a woman were imprisoned by non-Jews concerning money affairs, she is permitted to her husband, but if for some capital offense, she is forbidden to her husband. If a town were overcome by besieging troops, all women of priestly stock found in it are ineligible [to be married to priests or to remain married to priests], but if they had witnesses, even a male or female slave, these may be believed. But no man may be believed for himself. Rabbi Zechariah ben Hakatsab said, "By this Temple, her hand did not stir from my hand from the time the non-Jews entered Jerusalem until they went out." They said to him: No man may give evidence of himself.<ref>[[Mishnah]] [[Ketubot]] 2:9</ref></blockquote>

[[Orthodox Judaism]] recognizes these rules as still binding, and Orthodox rabbis will not perform a marriage between a kohen and a divorced woman.<ref name=civil/> This is the attitude of the [[Israeli rabbinate]], with the result that a kohen cannot legally marry a divorced or converted woman in the [[State of Israel]]. (However, if such a marriage were performed outside Israel, it would be recognized as a valid marriage by the Israeli state.<ref name=civil>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111104030003/http://www.myjewishlearning.com/israel/Contemporary_Life/Society_and_Religious_Issues/Freedom_of_Religion/civil_marriage_in_israel.shtml Civil Marriage in Israel]</ref>)

[[Conservative Judaism]] has issued an emergency ''takanah'' (rabbinical edict) temporarily suspending the application of the rules in their entirety, on the grounds that the high intermarriage rate threatens the survival of Judaism, and, hence, that any marriage between Jews is welcomed.<ref name=ra/> The ''takanah'' declares that the offspring of such marriages are to be regarded as kohanim.<ref name=ra>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/teshuvot/docs/19912000/goodman_marriageconvert.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127130257/http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/teshuvot/docs/19912000/goodman_marriageconvert.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Arnold Goodman, "Solemnizing the Marriage between a Kohen and a Convert"|archive-date=November 27, 2010}}; {{Cite web|url=http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/teshuvot/docs/19912000/goodman_marriagedivorcee.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127130736/http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/teshuvot/docs/19912000/goodman_marriagedivorcee.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Goodman, "Solemnizing the Marriage between a Kohen and a Divorcee"|archive-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref>

===Other laws===
To this day, kohanim keep the prohibition ({{Bibleverse|Leviticus|21:1-4|HE}}) against becoming [[Tumah and taharah|ritually impure]] through proximity to a corpse (within the same room, at a cemetery, and elsewhere), except when the deceased is his immediate family member. Some Jewish cemeteries have special facilities to permit kohanim to participate in funerals or visit graves without becoming impure.<ref>[https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/885633/jewish/The-Kohens-Purity.htm The Kohen's Purity]</ref>

The [[presumption of priestly descent]] is used to help identify kohanim.

Other Jews are commanded to [[The mitzvah of sanctifying the Kohen|respect the priesthood]] in certain ways. One of these ways is that priests (and in their absence, occasionally Levites) are the first offered the opportunity to lead [[Birkat Hamazon]]. Unlike the general rule for aliyot, this offer - which is only a requirement according to some Rabbinic opinions - may be declined. There are other rules regarding the honoring of kohanim, even in the absence of the Temple, but generally these are waived (if they are even offered) by the kohen.

== Bat kohen ==
{{Main|Bat-Kohen}}
''Kohen'' is a status that traditionally refers to men, passed from father to son. However, a ''bat kohen'' (the daughter of a priest) holds a special status in the [[Hebrew Bible]] and [[rabbinical literature|rabbinical texts]]. She is entitled to a number of rights and is encouraged to abide by specified requirements, for example, entitlement to consume some of the [[Twenty-four priestly gifts|priestly gifts]], and an increased value for her [[ketubah]].

In modern times, Orthodox and many Conservative rabbis maintain the position that only a man can act as a kohen, and that a daughter of a kohen is recognized as a ''bat kohen'' only in those limited ways that have been identified in the past. Accordingly, in Orthodox Judaism only men can perform the [[Priestly Blessing]] and receive the first ''aliyah'' during the public Torah reading.

However, some Conservative rabbis give the kohen's daughter equal priestly status to a (male) kohen. As a result, some Conservative synagogues permit a kohen's daughter to perform the Priestly Blessing and the Pidyon HaBen ceremony, and to receive the first ''aliyah'' during the Torah reading.

Because most [[Reform Judaism|Reform]] and [[Reconstructionist Judaism|Reconstructionist]] temples have abolished traditional tribal distinctions, roles, and identities on grounds of egalitarianism, a special status for a ''bat kohen'' has very little significance in these movements.

== Genetics ==
{{Main|Y-chromosomal Aaron}}<!-- Please don't add results from your favorite pet study, in either direction. All studies are discussed at the main page -->
Since the [[Y chromosome]] is inherited only from one's father (biological females have no Y chromosome), all direct male lineages share a common [[haplotype]]. Thus, if ''kohanim'' share a direct male lineage to Aaron, one would expect to see a high level of commonality among their [[Y chromosome]]s.

Since 1997, a number of genetic studies have been done on this topic, using testing data from across sectors of the Jewish and non-Jewish populations. The results of these studies have been interpreted by various parties as either confirming or disproving the traditions of uniform descent.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}

== Surnames ==
{{Main|Cohen (surname)}}
{{See also|Jewish surname}}
As both kohen status and (in many societies) last names are patrilineal, there is often a relationship between the two. But this is not always the case: although descendants of kohanim often bear surnames that reflect their genealogy, many families with the surname Cohen (or a variation) are not kohanim, nor even Jewish. Conversely, many kohanim do not have Cohen as a surname.<ref>[https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/5061756/jewish/What-Does-the-Jewish-Last-Name-Cohen-Mean.htm What Does the Jewish Last Name Cohen Mean?]</ref>

Names often associated with kohanim include:
* [[Cohen (surname)|Cohen]], also spelled [[Kahn]]
* [[Katz (surname)|Katz]] ([[Hebrew abbreviations|Hebrew abbreviation]] of Kohen Tzedeq, "priest of justice"/"authentic priest")
* [[:he:מזא"ה|Maze]], Mazo, Mazer (acronym of the Hebrew phrase ''mi zera Aharon hakohen,'' meaning "from the seed of Aaron the priest")
* [[Azoulay]] (acronym of the Hebrew phrase ''ishah zonah ve'challelah lo yikachu,'' meaning "a foreign [non-Israelite woman] or divorced [Israelite woman] shall not he take": a prohibition binding on kohanim, {{Bibleverse|Leviticus|21:7|HE}})
* [[Kahane]] (Aramaic for ''kohen''<ref>[https://www.sefaria.org/Jastrow%2C_כָּהֵן.1 כָּהֵן, כָּהֵין, כַּהֲנָא]</ref>)

In contemporary Israel, "Moshe Cohen" is the equivalent of "John Smith" in English-speaking countries – i.e., proverbially the most common of names.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

== Outside Judaism ==
According to [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], either "literal descendants of Aaron", or worthy [[Priesthood of Melchizedek|Melchizedek priesthood]] holders have the legal right to constitute the [[Presiding Bishop (LDS Church)|Presiding Bishopric]] under the authority of the [[First Presidency (LDS Church)|First Presidency]] ({{sourcetext|source=The Doctrine and Covenants|book=Section 68|verse=16|range=–20}}). To date, all men who have served on the Presiding Bishopric have been Melchizedek priesthood holders, and none have been publicly identified as descendants of Aaron. See also [[Mormonism and Judaism]].

== In popular culture ==
The positioning of the kohen's hands during the [[Priestly Blessing]] was [[Leonard Nimoy]]'s inspiration for [[Spock|Mr. Spock's]] [[Vulcan salute]] in the [[Star Trek: The Original Series|original ''Star Trek'' television series]]. Nimoy, raised an Orthodox Jew (but not a kohen), used the salute when saying, "Live long and prosper."

The Priestly Blessing was used by [[Leonard Cohen]] in his farewell blessing during "Whither Thou Goest", the closing song on his concerts. Leonard Cohen himself was from a kohen family. He also used the drawing of the Priestly Blessing as one of his logos.

== See also ==
{{Columnslist|colwidth=30em|
* [[Descent from antiquity]]
* ''[[Sayyid]]'', a similar title for descendants of Mohammad in [[Islam]]
* [[Wicked Priest]]
}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
* [[Isaac Klein]] ''A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice'', p.&nbsp;387–388. ([[Conservative Judaism|Conservative]] view prior to ''[[takkanah]]'' on kohen marriages.)
* [[Isaac Klein]] ''Responsa and Halakhic Studies'', p.&nbsp;22–26. ([[Conservative Judaism|Conservative]] view prior to ''takkanah'' on kohen marriages.)
* ''Proceedings of the [[Committee on Jewish Law and Standards|CJLS]]: 1927–1970'', volume III, United Synagogue Book Service. ([[Conservative Judaism|Conservative]])
* ''Mishnayoth:Seder Nashim.'' Translated and Annotated by Philip Blackman. Judaica Press Ltd., 2000. pp.&nbsp;134–135

==External links==
{{Wiktionary}}
{{Commons category|Priesthood (Judaism)}}
*[http://kehuna.org/ Kehuna.org, the kohen's contemporary online resource]
*[http://www.cambridgedna.com/y-chromosomal-aaron-and-the-cohen-model-haplotype.php Genetic Genealogy: Aaron and the Cohen Model Haplotype]
*[http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=261104 The Laws of Birchat Kohanim – the Priestly Blessing] [[Chabad.org]]
*[http://www.chabad.org/parshah/article.asp?AID=278051 Holy Matrimony? All about the kohen or Jewish priest's prohibitions in marriage.]
*[http://cohen-levi.org/ The Cohen-Levi Family Heritage]
*[http://www.templeinstitute.org/beged/priestly_garments-7.htm High priest's official apparel depicted] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515191256/http://www.templeinstitute.org/beged/priestly_garments-7.htm |date=2010-05-15 }}
*[https://kohamineu.wordpress.com/ Kohanim center and network Europe]

{{Jewish priesthood}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Priesthood (Judaism)| ]]
[[Category:Aaron]]
[[Category:Descent from antiquity]]
[[Category:Jewish religious occupations]]
[[Category:Jewish sacrificial law]]
[[Category:Kohenitic surnames]]
[[Category:Levites]]
[[Category:Jews]]