Lineage: How Do I Know I'm a Kohen?
Question
Dear Rabbi, I am a kohen about a hundred years ago my great grandparents Burt their documents in order to avoid force removal, now I want my last name back and I don’t care about citizenship I just want a recognition from synagogue, now what should I do
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question!
It seems from your question that you have not been performing the duties of a Kohen which is why you might be having trouble establishing yourself as a Kohen. I will remind you that a Kohen is a direct descendant of Aaron, father to son.
In ancient times, Jewish people kept documents that proved their Jewishness and lineage. Rashi, the famous commentator, tells us that people would use such documents to prove their status and even bring along witnesses at the same time!
This is somewhat similar to the other well-known documents Jews carefully guard nowadays, such as the Ketuba, marriage document, and Get, divorce document. Such documents are vital for confirming one’s status in the Jewish community.
Nowadays, we don’t have any “lineage” documents or any other document to prove such things, nor anything to prove that one is a “Kohen” or “Levi,” and the like. Rather, the community accepts people as Kohanim or Leviim simply by such people assuming their roles. For example, one who automatically ascends to bless the Jewish people when the Birkat Kohanim is performed is assumed to be a Kohen. So too, one who washes the hands of the Kohen before the blessing will be assumed to be a Levi. Such people will also be given the aliyot to the Torah reserved for Kohanim and Leviim.
Since the destruction of the second Temple in Jerusalem lineage documentation has been lost. There are no documents or witnesses to prove this anymore, it is all based on “chazaka” or “assumption.”
You should seek out the guidance and assistance of the local orthodox rabbi where you live. In your case, an orthodox rabbi will often be able to help you to determine if you are indeed a Kohen by examining family records and tombstones of your ancestors. I encourage you to reach out.
Best of luck!