Ask the Rabbi
- Halacha
- Cohanim
- General Questions
Question
Can a DNA test proove that I am a cohen?
Answer
Demonstrating that one has the “Cohen gene” does not prove that someone is a Cohen, since numerous non-genetic factors may disqualify someone from being a Cohen. If the families were fully Halachically observant, and have a family tradition that they were Cohanim, one can assume that one is a Cohen. This means, that the observant antecedents received the first Aliyah to the Torah or performed Nesiat Kapayim (duchening).
If not, one should not assume that one is.

Pidyon Haben
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 17 Cheshvan 5766

Giving up rights to be a Cohen
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 11 Tammuz 5763

The Cohanim lineage
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Sivan 12, 5768




