Priest

:This article is about religious workers. For other uses of the word, see priest (disambiguation).

In Judaism

In Judaism, the Kohanim (singular Kohan or Kohen, whence the family name Cohen) are hereditary priests through paternal descent. These families are from the tribe of the Levi'im (Levites) (whence the family name Levy), and are traditionally accepted as the descendants of Aaron.

Related Topics:
Judaism - Kohan - Levi'im (Levites) - Aaron

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During the times of the two Jewish Temples in Jerusalem, they were responsible for daily and special Jewish holiday offerings and sacrifices within the temples known as the korbanot. Since the demise of the Second Temple, it has been the rabbis who became the most important members of the Jewish clergy.

Related Topics:
Temples in Jerusalem - Jewish holiday - Korbanot - Second Temple - Rabbi

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However, the role of the Kohen is still extant, although much less important than in Biblical times. In Israel, the Kohanim bless their congregations on the sabbath and festivals. In Jerusalem, they give their blessing every day as part of the morning prayer service. Outside of Israel, especially in the Ashkenazi orthodox tradition, they only do so in the synagogues during morning prayers on the Jewish holidays.

Related Topics:
Kohen - Israel - Prayer - Ashkenazi - Synagogue - Jewish holiday

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