Kohanim

Kohanim, singular Kohen, denotes the priestly class in ancient Israel believed to be descended from Aaron, the brother of Moses. They are described as a hereditary subgroup within the tribe of Levi, set apart for certain religious functions in the Temple in Jerusalem.

In biblical times Kohanim performed primary liturgical and sacrificial duties in the Temple, including offerings and other rites conducted by the priestly service. They also held the prerogative and responsibility to bless the people during public worship and certain ceremonial occasions. The status of being a Kohen was transmitted from father to son and recognized in Jewish law.

With the destruction of the Second Temple, the central sacrificial duties ceased. In modern Judaism, Kohanim retain certain ritual roles and status. In many communities, they may perform the Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim) during specific portions of the service when a eligible Kohen is present; if no Kohanim participate, the blessing may be omitted. Kohanim are traditionally subject to purity-related restrictions, including limits on contact with the dead except for close relatives, and traditional marriage restrictions, generally prohibiting a Kohen from marrying a divorcee or a convert in Orthodox practice.

Identification as a Kohen remains patrilineal in traditional Jewish law, and many families identify with the surname Cohen, Cohn, or a variation. The concept of Kohanim persists as a historical and ceremonial designation within contemporary Jewish communities, even as it no longer entails the direct temple service of ancient times.