Guide
Priestly Roles and Rules in Early Texts
1st–3rd Centuries
Restricted
By Carol Bakhos
Jewish priests traced their lineage to Aaron, the brother of Moses. While the Temple stood, they were presided over by the high priest, whose most notable ritual role was performing the sacrificial rites of Yom Kippur, when he alone would enter the holy of holies to purify it (see Leviticus 16). Priests were held in esteem in Jewish society and continued to hold a privileged position even after the Temple was destroyed and they no longer had a cultic role.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
The High Priest as Priest of the World
On the Special Laws 1.97
There is also a third truth symbolized by the holy vesture which must not be passed over in silence. Among the other nations the priests are accustomed to offer prayers and sacrifices for their…
Primary Source
The Priestly Rotations and Duties
Against Apion 2.108, 193–194
For even if there were four tribes of priests and each of these tribes had more than five thousand men, they would observe their offices, nevertheless, at specifically assigned times for a…
Primary Source
The Priestly Vestments
The Jewish War 5.228–236
Those of priestly descent who could not officiate because of some physical defect were still allowed within the parapet along with their unblemished colleagues, and received the benefits to which they…
Primary Source
The Nobility of Priestly Lineage
Life of Josephus 1–2, 9
Now my lineage is not an obscure one, having descended from the priests since the beginning, and just as nobility of birth has a different foundation for each people, among us, membership in the…
Primary Source
Priestly Status and Privilege
m. Horayot 3:8
In m. Horayot 3:8, the rabbis redefined authority after the Temple’s fall, elevating Torah study over priestly lineage and transforming Jewish leadership.
Primary Source
The Priestly Watches and Stations
m. Ta‘anit 4:2
These are the ma‘amadot, as it says: Command the Israelite people and say to them: “My sacrifice, My bread” (Numbers 28:2). How is a person’s sacrifice brought without him standing over it? The first…