(no subject)

[desh]

In Judaism, all first-born sons of their mothers (subject to certain restrictions) are promised to the priesthood. But the son's father can, and in fact is obligated to, buy the kid back at an age of at least one month, at the price of five silver coins or an equivalent amount of silver. This ritual is known as pidyon haBen.

I didn't know until yesterday, but this ritual actually needs a kohein (descendant of the ancient line of priests) present. And I'm a kohein.

So this morning, I went to synagogue, attended morning services, and then sold a kid back to his parents.

It's a very strange ritual. I don't know how I feel about participating in it in the future. I generally have problems with most ritual things that are assigned to kohanim nowadays, because we're no different than anyone else since the Temple was destroyed over 1900 years ago, and I'm not a big fan of the idea of it being rebuilt. But so it goes. I did it, it felt weird, but I think it was kind of fun for all involved. Archaic things sometimes are.

Comments

[rustnroses.livejournal.com]

So this morning, I went to synagogue, attended morning services, and then sold a kid back to his parents.

*dies*

That statement just made my morning.

[sleepsong.livejournal.com]

So this morning, I went to synagogue, attended morning services, and then sold a kid back to his parents.

::hugs you for making her laugh:: You make it sound so... wonderful...

[bloomable.livejournal.com]

I am going to have to start a journal devoted to your quotes :P

[jdcohen.livejournal.com]

You think you'd feel uncomfortable if the temple were rebuilt? Deshie, Deshie, Deshie... I'm the one with the bacon-eating habits... how do you think I would feel if the temple were rebuilt and we were both forced to be roommates once again, doing work for the Jewish priesthood? I would definitely be the black sheep of the Beit HaMikdash.

And, yes, I know exactly what you're talking about. Hell, I've never been too comfortable with Birkat HaKohanim, because I don't believe in being treated differently simply because I was born different (in this case, preferential treatment, but who's counting?). So, stop selling kids, Desh! It's not right!

--Jeff

[desh]

Oh, man, that's right.

Any other Cohens out there want to be my roommate? I can't live with him again.

Hmm....

[dorchadas]

The farthest I could get would be...what, the outer courtyard?

[jdcohen.livejournal.com]

I'm sure there are a couple...

--Jeff

[benjifus.livejournal.com]

I hear whata you guys are saying on pidyon haben and birkat kohanim -- yet it's very interesting to hear that this motzei yom kippur -- which is *extremely* cohen focussed. no, not cohanim taking a special role in services (although that happens too) but the day is a reminder/reenactment of a day basically all about the kohanim and high priest, and I'm not sure what to think of it. hadar was awesome though.

[desh]

I want to go to Hadar for Y"K next year. Either that or the Leader Minyan...

[myq.livejournal.com]

am i a kohein?

oh by the way, i got a free yarmulke that says "proud to be a jewish gator" on it.

[desh]

Nope, but your mom is.

Ha, nice!