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"Aaron was separated, to be sanctified as most holy, he and his sons forever, to burn incense before the Lord, to serve Him, and to bless in His name forever".1
Any Jew who is a direct descendant, son after son, from Aaron the Priest (Moses' brother), is a Kohen.
"Kohen" is a term of distinction which translates as "servant" or "nobleman." When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, and prior to that when the Tabernacle was in existence, the Kohen served as the representative of all the Jews, serving G-d by offering the sacrifices and performing all the Temple duties.
Originally all firstborn sons were eligible to be Kohanim and offer sacrifices. Yes, that's why Jacob willingly paid Esau the exorbitantly high price of a bowl of lentil soup for his birthright...
After the sin of the Golden Calf, G-d designated the tribe of Levi, the only tribe which remained faithful throughout the ordeal, to be His ministers as well as the teachers and mentors of the Israelites.
From amongst the Tribe of Levi G-d chose Aaron (Moses' brother) and his male paterilineal descendants to be the sole Kohanim. The rest of the Levites formed the Temple choir and orchestra, served as Temple watchmen and gatekeepers, and were the spiritual leaders of their Jewish brethren.
"You shall sanctify him, for he offers up the food offering of your God; he shall be holy to you."2 This verse instructs us to honor the Kohen whenever possible. For example, if a Kohen is present at a meal it is proper to serve him first and to honor him with leading the Grace After Meals. In the synagogue, if a Kohen is present he receives the first Aliyah to the Torah.
Footnotes
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HistoryHistory » The Holy TemplesJewish Identity » Kohains and Levites » The Holy Tribe