What is a 'kohen' and why are converts to Judaism not allowed to date them?

G

guy

Member
I have searched the answer this question on Google, but was unable to find any clear answer.

Who is 'allowed' to date and marry a 'kohen'? Are converts not considered to be 'equally' Jewish?
 
C

CherwashereJPA

New member
Note: <Smoke>'s answer is a lie commonly stated by those who don't know Judaism. Converts are most certainly considered equal.

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They can date them. However, if they marry the Cohen loses his status as Cohen.

Converts are equal. For the priests in ancient times it was a form of making extra sure there wasn't a bad influence. So it's like making sure there isn't a rogue person among the good converts -- similar to how being a nationalized US citizen gives you full rights except one. You can't hold office of President because it's such a crucial office, it's an extra safeguard from foreign influence, even though we don't consider nationalized citizens risks of foreign influence when we consider whether they are full citizens or not.

It's a hold over from ancient times & kept among Orthodox because of expectations that someday the messiah will come, the Temple will be rebuilt, & this tribe will run the Temple again... so keeping track matters (sort of - it's also believed the messiah will know who's what & be able to place Kohans in their jobs, Jews as Jews & Genitles in their valuable place as gentiles.) (Side note: when the messiah comes in Judaism is NOT believed that all people will be Jewish but that genitles will stay gentile & contribute valuably as such.)

Other potential influences on Kohens that are ruled out are marrying a divorced woman, or touching a dead body & a few other things.
 
D

DesireEcstacy

New member
THE BOOK OF JACOB
THE BROTHER OF NEPHI
CHAPTER 3
The pure in heart receive the pleasing word of God—Lamanite righteousness exceeds that of Nephites—Jacob warns against fornication, lasciviousness, and every sin. Between 544 and 421 B.C.
1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.
3 But, wo, wo, unto you that are not pure in heart, that are filthy this day before God; for except ye repent the land is cursed for your sakes; and the Lamanites, which are not filthy like unto you, nevertheless they are cursed with a sore cursing, shall scourge you even unto destruction.
 
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DAravah

New member
answer: Yes, converts are considered absolutely equal with those born Jewish

Kohens are the ancient priest class. If the Temple is restored, they would be called into service again.

Ancient Jewish law - Kohens are not allowed to marry a convert, a divorced woman or a non-Jew, no be in the same room as a corpse or touch one. That's Jewish law. It is one area where it appears to be discriminatory to outsiders. It isn't.
 
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EddieJ1

Member
The first part -- they are considered part of the priestly class. But it's not relevant to Reform Jews who are the majority of Jews today.

http://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/365016/jewish/A-Priestly-Class.htm
 
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