Comments on: Whither the Tribe of Levi

By: David Werdiger

David Werdiger — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:02:38 +0000

Mandi,

1. The Levi’im had a much more active role in the times of the Temple, while many of the honours bestowed on Kohanim are still practiced today.

2. In earlier times, the tribe of Levi were designated as teachers, and unlike the other tribes, had their own cities spread all over Israel instead of a contiguous region. I wonder if there is a link to the decline in respect for the profession of teaching (although that’s probably relatively recent).

By: Mandi Katz

Mandi Katz — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:54:45 +0000

thanks gentlemen.
David – one more reflection on this – a few years ago our daughter’s Jewish studies teacher was asked and didn’t know why Vayikrah was called Leviticus in English, and asked the kids to find out for homework. In fairness said teacher was like “oh, of course” when our daughter offered what we thought the answer, was but maybe even to someone who does have a good knowledge of Tanakh – and I think this teacher was a lovely Tanakh teacher – the role of Levi’im doesn’t loom large in modern Jewish consciousness, and yet the role of the Kohan still does.or maybe the teacher never just connected the word Leviticus to Levi’im…just a reflection.

By: AccidentialKorach

AccidentialKorach — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 05:00:45 +0000

The traditional answer to the question of status is that it follows the father – see Babylonaian Talmud Kiddushin 3:12 “Wherever there is betrothal and no sin, the child goes after the male. What case is this? This is a Priestly woman, a Levitess, or an (ordinary) Jewess who married a Priest, a Levite or an (ordinary) Jew.”

By: Perry Zamek

Perry Zamek — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:58:42 +0000

Mandi – adoption has no bearing on Kohen/Levi status – the status depends on the child’s biological father (assuming he was Jewish), and not on the adoptive father. This, of course, raises issues for adoptive parents as far as personal status is concerned in Halacha (and in Israel, this means when dealing with marriage at the Rabbinate) – e.g., can the adopted son of a Kohen marry a divorcee?

Gedalia – I would suggest that you seek guidance from an Orthodox rabbi, since the question would arise regarding the types of proofs of your descent from those Levi’im.

By: Akiva

Akiva — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:48:58 +0000

As far as I know – and I am by no means an authority – the conservative movement accepts both men and women as kohanim, although the descent remains patrilineal (I think). Women may be called up as kohen etc although in the Conservative stream, there is no requirement to call a kohen first, although shuls are free to follow a more traditional practice, if they wish.

Aside from this, the Conservative leadership, after inclining to this for a few decades has suspended the associated rules and strictures in their entirety (but not the identification itself) and the children of prohibited marriages retain kohen status, with both father and children continuing to perform priestly functions.

I think that within this general Conservative approach, there is some room for variation either way. But as I say – am not an authority, and feel free to correct me.

By: ariel

ariel — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 23:53:55 +0000

“The Olympics is really my favorite sporting event. Although, I think I have a problem with that silver medal. Because when you think about it,you win the gold – you feel good, you win the bronze – you think, “Well, at least I got something”. But when you win that silver it’s like, “Congratulations, you *almost* won. Of all the losers *you* came in first of that group. You’re the number one *loser*. No one lost ahead of you!” ”
– Jerry Seinfeld

By: gedalia

gedalia — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:31:35 +0000

Great post.

I’ve been researching my family tree and have discovered on my paternal line 4 generations back and onwards that my family were levvim. I’ve begun to wonder through a combination of research, genetic testing etc whether or not I might be able to reclaim the Levi lineage. Would be a great Bar Mitzvah accomplishment for my son if that could happen. I’m not sure of any halachic discussion on matters such as this.

By: Mandi Katz

Mandi Katz — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:46:55 +0000

would also be interested to know the halachik position for adopted sons of Kohanim and Levi’im – might provide insight into the characterisation of the inheritance – patriarchal (sociological) vs patrilinial (biological)

By: Mandi Katz

Mandi Katz — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:08:08 +0000

David this rings true – our boys will be barmitzvah in a few months and thinking about who who we would like to see called up on the shabbat- we had to go beyond our closest circle to find a Levi – but not so to find a Cohen (mind you my mother was a Cohen, and my father is a Katz so we’re over represented that way)but you’re right , its always the way…

one of the many reason I chose not to change my name when I married was that I didn’t want to give up the Cohen heritage – no mind that as a woman it means nothing and can’t be passed to my sons or daughter.

you can be Jewish by choice but you can only be a Cohen or Levi by birth (and I suppose maleness)
(its a little like candidacy for the US presidency-probably the only thing left in the US determined by your birth rather than citizenship?)

How does the conservative movement treat this?anyone know?

By: Ari

Ari — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 10:22:19 +0000

Perhaps a possible reason for the descrepancy lies in the words of Ezra8:15. This perhaps shows a lack of desire on behalf of the Levi’im to leave Bavel for Eretz Yisrael. Perhaps in Iraqi Jewish communities the numbers are different?
Regardless, I don’t think one can simply infer birth rates and assume that they remain the same. Many things have happened to the Jews and many historical events could have affected different groups differently.