Posted on 07/24/2006 1:49:47 PM PDT by Blogger
Kohanim, Tribe of Levi to have 'family reunion'
Groundbreaking 'Gathering of the Tribe' will include leading researchers and rabbis. Conference is set to take place in Jerusalem in summer 2007 Ynetnews
Recent scientific research and DNA testing has shown that today’s descendents of the biblical priesthood known as Kohanim are genetically related.
Although the descendents of Aharon, the brother of Moses, have spread throughout the world over the past 3,300 years, the members of this extended family are being invited to participate in the first ‘family reunion’ held since the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE.
Participants from across the world will join tribe members for a stimulating and educational experience at the first ever international gathering of Kohanim and the Tribe of Levi, July 15-19, 2007 in Jerusalem. These dates coincide with the biblically noted date of Aharon the High Priest’s death, the first day of the Hebrew month of Av.
“We are excited by the interest seen so far. This is not only the first family reunion of the Jewish priestly dynasty in nearly 2000 years, it is an important conference which will inform, inspire, and motivate,” explains conference organizer Rabbi Yaakov Kleiman. “The research and information we will share will play an important role in appreciating and maintaining our unique and precious heritage.”
The “Kohanim and Tribe of Levi Conference” will address the importance of promoting and seeking peace among the Jewish nation. The program will thus include a wide-spectrum of speakers and activities in an effort to attract the interests and bridge gaps between Jews from all backgrounds.
Priestly family
Kohanim are the priestly family of the Jewish people. The Torah describes the anointment of Aharon, the brother of Moses, as the first High Priest. The books of Exodus and Leviticus describe the responsibilities of the Kohanim, which include the Temple service, blessing of the people and spiritual healing.
The Kohanim are a family of the Tribe of Levi, the tribe that was chosen for Holy service.
Molecular geneticists have recently discovered the “Cohen Modal Haplotype” which is a Y- chromosome DNA lineage signature shared by a majority of both Ashkenazi and Sefardi Kohanim.
This indicates a direct patrilineal descent of present day Kohanim from a single ancient ancestor, genetically dated to have lived approximately 3300 years ago, a time corresponding to the Exodus from Egypt
http://www.aish.com/societywork/sciencenature/the_cohanim_-_dna_connection.asp
...Calculations based on the high rate of genetic similarity of today's Cohanim resulted in the highest "paternity-certainty" rate ever recorded in population genetics studies -- a scientific testimony to family faithfulness.
Stated Dr. David Goldstein of Oxford University:
"For more than 90 percent of the Cohens to share the same genetic markers after such a period of time is a testament to the devotion of the wives of the Cohens over the years. Even a low rate of infidelity would have dramatically lowered the percentage."
[Science News, October 3, 1998]
Wider genetic studies of diverse present day Jewish communities show a remarkable genetic cohesiveness. Jews from Iran, Iraq, Yemen, North Africa and European Ashkenazim all cluster together with other Semitic groups, with their origin in the Middle East. A common geographical original can be seen for all mainstream Jewish groups studied.
This genetic research has clearly refuted the libel that the Ashkenazi Jews are not related to the ancient Hebrews, but are descendants of the Kuzar tribe -- a pre-10th century Turko-Asian empire which reportedly converted en masse to Judaism. Researchers compared the DNA signature of the Ashkenazi Jews against those of Turkish-derived people, and found no correspondence...
You think that Richard Cohen of the Washington Post, who recently said that Israel was a "mistake", will be welcome at such a reunion?
Seriously, this development most likely has prophetic impact on events unfolding, and events yet to take place.
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He's a comin'...
Why do they keep on saying that science and religion can not coexist? Seems like the two meshed quite well here!
Yep, sure is. Particularly considering the times.
"Tribe of Levi to have 'family reunion'"
Will they be holding it before or after the Tribe of Wrangler reunion ?
Had read some time ago of this.
YEA GOD!
Nice to read of yet again a Biblical scientific accuracy though it's not, per se, a science text.
LOL.
May those who are hostile to literal interpretations . . . well . . . learn something.
I'm sure Monica Lewinsky will attend.
You mean . . . as in the temple ceremonies in the newly rebuilt temple . . . yet to arise.
Recently, I read somewhere of a purported plan on the part of the Temple experts in Israel to erect the Temple off the Temple mount--the parts have been collected for years--and then when the opportunity exists, take it apart and put it back together again on the Temple Mount.
Supposedly, Solomon did the same thing to avoid the sound of hammer etc. on the sacred Temple Mount.
Should be interesting. Those hostile to the literalists are yet again being set up to look very foolish.
:D
You're setting the bar awefully high aren't you?
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Hey, F. L. Levin needs to attend too!
Should have been F. Lee Levin :)
Indeed. Although why such a gathering would want to include "a wide spectrum" is beyond me. Does that mean Kohanim who don't believe 'Aharon ever actually lived will be speaking?
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