A Cohen-Levi Family Affair [internat'l gathering 7/15-19/ 2007]

The Cohen-Levi Family Heritage ^ | 9/15/2006 | uncredited

[hlmencken3]

Recent scientific research and DNA testing have 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 C.E.

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 d 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 2,000 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 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 the gaps among Jews from all backgrounds.

Kohanim are the priestly family of the Jewish people. The Torah describes the anointment of Aharon 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 Sephardi Kohanim.

This indicates a direct patrilineal descent of present day Kohanim from a single ancient ancestor, genetically dated to have lived approximately 3,300 years ago, a time corresponding to the Exodus from Egypt. Ynetnews.com

[kittymyrib]

New York will be an empty place during this reunion. Wall St. and several law firms may have to close....

[MeanWestTexan]

I participated in this study (Sephardi — not as many of us around, so they were hunting us out) — and, indeed, have the haplotype in question.

[Claud]

Question..does this haplotype only occur in Cohen/Levi, or is just a question of degree...i.e. common in Cohen/Levi but rare elsewhere?

[MeanWestTexan]

From what I recall, there are actually 6 basic haplotypes, each with varying statistical signifigance (e.g, 20% X 5% x 3% etc until a very small number is reached) and then something like 20 that indicate semetic origin.

When combined, it makes the odds very, very low to be something else.

That said, there are several surprising, or not so surprising, non-Jewish populations with lots of people who show up with this ancestor — notably lots of Italians.

Of course, lots of Jews were taken back to Rome, and undoubtedly left some kiddos behind.

It was more significiant in my case because my surname (with varying spellin’s over the years) was “Kohenzidac.”