Kohanim and Israelites

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  1. Kohanim and Israel

    Prof. Jonathan Grossman

    This article discusses the status of an Israelite in relation to the work performed by the kohanim, based on the duality of Parashat Vayikra and Parashat Tzav.

  2. Short Thoughts on Parshat Emor - Special Warnings for Kohanim

    Rabbi Ezra Bick | 5 minutes

    In Parashat Emor, the Kohanim are enjoined not to to shave their beards or strip their hair or making cuts in their skin. But all of these laws were prohibited to non-Kohanim as well. Why is this mentioned specifically about Kohanim?

    Respect for Kohanim is to come from their actions, not from cuts on their skin or head.

  3. Erev Shabbat Parshat Tzav - Encouraging Aharon about Korbanot

    Rabbi Ezra Bick | 13 minutes

    Why is it necessary to command Aharon with such apparent urgency? Could this be a form of special encouragement  to encourage people to bring korbanot? But if so, why would it be directed at the Kohamim?

    Delving into this question about offering allows us to appreciate the monetary challenges of bringing an offering. But is that, something that seems to be more of a challenge for non-Kohanim, really what’s going on here? Or is it about  a very different type of challenge for Aharon?

  4. Emor - Perplexing Limits on Different Types of Kohanim

    Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell

    תאריך פרסום: תשס"ט | | 15 minutes

    Not knowing the answers doesn’t mean we should shy away from the questions. What do we do when the value system by which we live doesn’t see to correspond to a value that seemingly appears in the Torah?

    Kohanim with disabilities are not to serve in the Beit Hamikdash. They are Kohanim who are not allowed to sacrifice offernings, but they are allowed to partake in the eating which is exclusive to Kohanim. What does this mean, and why are these partial limitations in place?

    As we grapple with the question, we examine the role of kohanim and gain insight into the roles and significance of priesthood, prophecy, and monarchy, all of which are somewhat arbitrary and not available options to the majority of people. The Kohanim function as the vessels for the sacrifices of the nation. This paradigm may help us to better understand the limitations of the priesthood.