An Israeli rabbi is making the case the Hebrew priesthood can be re-established through genetics, making it time to rebuild the Temple.
“Genetics connects modern Judaism to the Bible, confirming 3,000 years of Jewish tradition,” explained Rabbi Yaakov Kleiman to Breaking Israel News. “This is an amazing testament to God’s covenant and the Jewish people. Despite more than 2,000 years of exile, we have maintained our religion, our customs, our Torah and our genetic identity.”
Kleiman opened the Center for Kohanim in Jerusalem nine years ago as a practical endeavor, and has authored a book on DNA evidence of the priesthood. Kohanim, or priests, are Jewish men believed to be descendants of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. Only kohanim are permitted to conduct Temple services, according to the Bible.
The tools he is using only became available in recent years, when genetic researchers in Haifa discovered a Y chromosome, a genetic marker passed from father to son, which indicated a common ancestry for Jewish men whose family traditions hold that they are descended from the biblical priestly class.
“According to prophecy, there will be a Third Temple, and when there is, we will need to identify the priests,” Kleiman said. “Kohanim are the manpower of the Temple. Without them, it is an empty building.”
He cites Ezekiel 44:15 as the authority.
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