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.

Is a left-handed Cohen disqualified?
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 26 Tevet 5766

Cohanim marriage and cemetery
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Adar 20, 5770





