Ask Rabbi Dan
by Rabbi Dan S. Wiko PhD
Stan Asks:
When a male converts to Judaism and marries a Levi or Cohen,
does he become a Levi or Cohen. e.g. does he become part of the tribe with the
same priestly duties? If he does not then all Levites are direct male
descendants of Levi, Jacob, Isaac and Abraham. And all Cohainu are all of these
as well as direct descendants of Moses brother Aaron and thus direct descendants
of Moses father. Also , can a Cohen substitute for a Levi when blessing the
Torah since Cohens are also Levis? I never noticed this because when I was
present there was always at least one Levi, me.
Thank you
Dear Stan,
Regardless of who marries a woman of Kohanic or Levic descent, born Jewish or
convert, he does not become a Kohain or a Levi. The priestly tribe is by virtue
of descent from the father and is not transferable.
A Kohain can be called in place of a Levi, but it is usually the other way
around. In the absence of a Kohain, a Levi or any Yisroel can be called in his
place. You are not a Levi. You are a Yisroel and should clear that up with the
Gabi...he might want to give the Levi aliyah to a Levi or, even, to anyone else
who is in shul.
Shalom,
Rabbi Dan
