Aaronide

Aaronide refers to a priestly lineage within Judaism that traces its ancestry back to Aaron, the brother of Moses. According to the Hebrew Bible, Aaron was chosen by God to be the first High Priest, and his descendants were ordained to serve in the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. The role of the High Priest, in particular, was hereditary and passed down through the male line of the Aaronide family.

The biblical account in the book of Numbers details the consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing their perpetual right to the priesthood. This lineage was considered sacred, with specific laws and rituals governing their conduct and responsibilities. The Aaronides were responsible for performing sacrifices, offering incense, and maintaining the sanctity of the holy places.

Throughout the periods of the First and Second Temples, the Aaronide lineage remained central to the religious and social structure of ancient Israel. However, the political upheavals and conquests of various empires led to periods of disruption and varying degrees of authority for the High Priesthood. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, the formal priesthood ceased to exist, though the concept of the Aaronide lineage has continued to be recognized within Jewish tradition. Some contemporary Jewish communities maintain genealogical records, and individuals who can demonstrate descent from Aaron may be accorded certain honors or roles in synagogue services.