How to be a priest

Published on May 9, 2012

Leviticus is the biblical book rabbis do not want you to read. Saturated with sacrificial minutiae and unsettling descriptions of ritual impurity, its countless sheep and goat offerings seem a more effective salve for insomnia than any woe that pains the heart. After all, what do wave offerings or incense recipes have in common with more substantive things, like wireless Internet or the smell of freshly brewed java in the morning?

Researcher tracing Jewish genes meets the Kohanim of Africa [VIDEO]

Published on August 20, 2008

Dr. David B. Goldstein from Duke's Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy talks about tracking the genetic history of the ancient Jewish priesthood (kohanim) and the Lost Tribe of Israel, the focus of his new book, "Jacob's Legacy".

At first Kohen-Levi parley in 2,000 years, participants plan for Third Holy Temple

By Brenda Gazzar
Published on July 19, 2007

Just days before the holiday commemorating the destruction of the Holy Temples, Tisha B'Av, a group of Jewish priests and Levites hurried across the centuries-worn cobblestones of this holy city to prepare to bless the people of Israel.

Bimah Me Up, Scotty!

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on December 4, 2003

When Leonard Nimoy was creating the Mr. Spock character for "Star Trek" in 1966, he remembered a thrilling moment from his childhood Orthodox synagogue. It was Yom Kippur, and the Kohanim, representatives of the priestly tribe, swayed on the bimah, their long tallitot draped over their heads, their fingers spread in a V-shape.