Kohen/Levi: Frequently Asked Questions
Tribal status has important halachic (Jewish Law) implications, the details of
which are beyond the scope of this project. Suffice to say that knowledge of a Jew's
status as a Kohen or Levi has real, practical applications in the life of a religious
Jew. The implications of being a Kohen or Levi are best discussed with a competent
Rabbinic authority.
Q: How do I know if my ancestor is a Kohen or Levi?
A: There are many ways to know, of varying certainty.
- The ancestor's gravestone notes the tribe as text or symbols (hands for Kohen, water pitcher for Levi).Q: How is the tribe membership passed on?
- The ancestor's memorial plaque or gravestone usually notes the tribe.
- It was handed down father to son to my ancestor.
A: It is a patri-lineal inheritance, i.e., passed from Jewish father to son.
- If one ancestor is confirmed to be a specific tribe member, then it is assumed that all males in that lineage are members of the tribe.Q: Are there other ways to know if my ancestor was a member of the Kohen or Levi tribe?
- An exception to this rule is the offspring of a Kohen who entered into a marriage forbidden by Torah Law.
A: There are practices in the synagogue which distinguish members who are of these tribes, such as:
- Kohanim receive the first 'aliya', i.e. they are the first to be called to the Torah reading in the synagogue. They are usually only called for the first, rarely for the subsequent blessings.Q: Can one determine tribal status from genealogical data?
- On religious holidays Kohanim perform the 'duchening' service, or blessing of the remainder of the congregation. Only Kohanim do this service in the synagogue.
- A Kohen doesn't usually go into a cemetery or stay in a building where there may be a dead body.
- A Kohen is involved in a 'Pidyon Haben', the redemption of a newborn son.
- Kohanim have restrictions on marriage to a divorcee or convert.
- Leviim receive the second 'aliya', i.e., they are the second to be called to the Torah reading in the synagogue. They are usually only called for the second, rarely for any other of the blessings.
- On holidays the Leviim assist the Kohanim in preparation for the 'duchening' service, or blessing of the congregation, by washing their hands. Only Leviim do this service in the synagogue.
A: If the genealogic data is reliable, then tribal status is probably accurate.
- If the male ancestor is a direct descendant of a famous Rabbinic line known to be Kohanim or Leviim, then that ancestor's tribal status is confirmed. You should provide references to this Rabbinic line when submitting your data.Q: How can I use this information?
A: If you are certain your ancestor was a member of the Kohen or Levi tribe and is found on this database you will have the opportunity to network with the individual who contributed the data and possibly find a connection.
- Tribefinder permits you to search for all Kohanim or all Leviim from a specific shtetl. You can then use this information to infer possible common family origins.Q: What if I am uncertain about tribe membership, can I still submit it?
A: Yes, but ...
- The data is of little use if not accompanied by a source reference. The source can be "Hearsay", "Tradition", or "Documentation".Q: Can I purchase or publish this data on my website?
- "Hearsay" is the weakest source, and we strongly discourage data submission based on hearsay.
- "Tradition" is a stronger source based on traditional practices such as 'duchening' (by Kohanim) or 'washing' (by Leviim).
- "Documentation" is the most reliable source, based on tombstone inscriptions, books etc. Ideally, all data should be based on documentation.
A: No. This data is Copyright.
