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.

Cohen Working on a Cadaver
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 20 Adar 5766

Cohen and a divorced woman
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 14 Iyyar 5763

Aliyah for Onen
Various Rabbis | 6 Shevat 5764





