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
(Go Israel, Go! Slap 'Em Down Hezbullies.)
King Solomon avoided the use of iron tools by using the shamir, a "worm" that exuded some sort of acidic substance.
While I'm certainly all for rebuilding the Temple, it must be done in full conformity with all the halakhot, which means (according to most authorities) that only Mashiach can rebuild the Temple and until then the vessels and paraphernalia of the Temple may not be copied.
How this is going to happen no one knows but G-d. But isn't that all that matters?
Hasn't stopped them from going to Israel before.
I wouldn't be so sure of that. Several world communities have claims to being Israelites of various tribes (and I'm not talking British Israelitism). Considering the traditions they hold and the context of their setting, I think they very well may be
on to something.
Levi was not counted in the division of the Land of Israel as their inheritance was the Temple. The Tribe of Joseph was counted twice as Ephraim and Menassah.
The tribes that returned after the Babylonian exile were Benjamin, Judah and Levi.
(Go Israel, Go! Slap 'Em Down Hezbullies.)
Benjamin and Judah made up the land of Judah didn't they?
(Go Israel, Go! Slap 'Em Down Hezbullies.)
By the way, you saw the thread the other day to send pizza to the IDF didn't you?
(Go Israel, Go! Slap 'Em Down Hezbullies.)
There are a number of non-Jews and non-priestly Jews who also have this genetic profile, due to Kohanim who intermarried over the ages, or engaged in a "forbidden marriage" (a Kohen is not allowed to marry a convert or a divorcee). It is not definite proof that one is fit to serve in the Temple.
Also, my daughters married Jews who are not Kohanim but they have passed the DNA to their children who take the father's tribal identity.
Is your family Kohanim?
And Benjamin.
Those claiming to be remnants of other tribes (notably Dan and Menashe) have also been making the news lately.
That would be the one :) Just sent 10 Israeli boys some pizza and soda pop!
Where are those claiming to be Danites from?
Oops, and/or girls :)
The "Beta Israel" of Ethiopia, most of whom have emigrated to Israel.
I think it's amazing. All those people for thousands of years who were told they were Kohens and passed the info down to their own sons! They were right! I love it.
You're setting the bar awefully high aren't you?
= = = =
It's that faith thing . . .
substance of things hoped for; evidence of things not seen . . .
God can likely break through to some sufficiently for some to learn something. I hope. Hope . . . that's another priceless . . . 'thing.'
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