nonKohanim

Nonkohanim refers to individuals in Judaism who are not Kohanim. Kohanim, meaning priests, are descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and traditionally held specific roles and responsibilities within the ancient Israelite Temple in Jerusalem. These roles included performing sacrifices and other sacred duties. The lineage of Kohanim is passed down through the paternal line.

In contemporary Judaism, the distinction between Kohanim and non-Kohanim remains significant, particularly in synagogue rituals and observances. For example, in Orthodox and Conservative Judaism, Kohanim are called upon to recite certain blessings before others during Torah readings and are given the first opportunity to do so. They are also often the first to be called to the Torah, a practice known as being "aliyah." This distinction is a remnant of the ancient priestly order, even though the Temple no longer stands and many of the original priestly functions are not currently performed.

The term "nonkohen" or "israel" (meaning lay Israelite) is used to identify anyone who is not a Kohen or a Levi (descendants of the tribe of Levi, who also had specific roles in the Temple). While Kohanim have specific privileges and responsibilities, nonkohanim form the vast majority of the Jewish people and participate in all other aspects of Jewish religious life and practice. The distinctions are primarily ritualistic and do not imply any inherent superiority or inferiority, but rather a specific inherited status within the religious framework.