עברית
Halachot and Customs
Marriage of a Kohen to a Convert
Question
Honored Rabbi, shalom. I am a believing Jew like all Jews, and the various definitions of "secular," "religious," and "traditional" have no meaning for me.
(A person’s outward appearance is not a measure of his depth and spiritual greatness, especially in our time.) Today I am 30 years old and am thinking about establishing a Jewish home in Israel, with Hashem's help.
My question concerns the issue of a Kohen marrying a convert. It so happened, baruch Hashem, that I met a good girl, and for two years we had a relationship. Right from the beginning of the relationship it became clear to me that she was a gentile (with Jewish roots on her father’s side; she came to the Land in the immigration wave of the 1990s), but she appealed to me and vice versa, and we decided to clarify the essence of our relationship in depth before making decisions. It turned out that the love was great (after the initial infatuation faded).
But the religious issue creates a tremendous barrier, which has led to a separation for now, because it became clear that even if she converts, she is not fit for a Kohen according to the Chief Rabbinate, and that I must give up the Kohen status so that it will be possible for us to establish a Jewish home, which, as I understand, is not kosher one hundred percent. It is clear to me with complete faith that just as there is a Creator of the worlds, so too there is a solution to this matter according to the holy Torah. What should I do? (Beyond prayer and strengthening faith, what work am I required to do in order to prove my desire?)
The generic religious answer that a Kohen cannot marry a convert does not add honor to Judaism and even causes great harm and injustice, all the more so since it does not suit our time, in which it is a great mitzvah to draw near the gentiles, since it is known to every reasonable person what the role of the Jewish people is, ישר-אל. I also know of the flexible approach of the great and holy kabbalistic sages of Israel regarding conversion and drawing near the gentiles, which does not accord with the view of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Another point is that this prohibition is not from the Torah but rabbinic, which adds great difficulty, since interpretation is in the eye of the beholder, and it is known that every rule has an exception.
(State laws) I would appreciate an enlightening and truthful answer on this matter. I would also like to know whether I may meet with Rabbi Zamir and/or Rabbi Pnagar to discuss the matter with them in person? I would appreciate your prompt reply. May we merit, with Hashem's help, the coming of the redemption speedily in our days, amen, may it be His will.
Thank you in advance.
Answer
Shalom and blessings.
With your permission, I will correct a few things that were mistakenly inserted into the question.
A. Indeed, there is no difference in the definitions of the groups within Judaism. All members of the Jewish people are commanded, in addition to belief in the Thirteen Principles [which state, among other things, that this Torah will never be replaced, nor will it be subject to changes throughout the various periods], to fulfill practical mitzvot and to refrain from negative commandments.
B. There is no such concept as giving up the priesthood. A Kohen remains a Kohen forever. And there is no way to nullify the priesthood in order to permit the prohibitions of the priesthood.
C. The prohibition of a Kohen marrying a convert is a prohibition from the Torah.
D. The tribe of the priesthood, which rises in sanctity above all the groups that make up Judaism, as those who serve Hashem in the Beit HaMikdash that will be built speedily, and as those who bless the people with the Priestly Blessing even now, is warned by the Torah to marry only those who are born Jewish. With all due respect and love, as we are commanded to love converts, we must preserve the supreme sanctity belonging to the priestly group. Marriage with converts is to be done by the other groups that make up Judaism, such as the tribes of Levi and Yisrael.
E. There is no difference between the outlook of Kabbalah and the outlook of halacha in anything. Regarding the specific matter of marriage between a female convert and a Kohen, the teachings of Kabbalah greatly extol the sanctity of the Kohen, and that he must guard his sanctity with every possible care, lest he suffer from the curse of Aharon the first Kohen, concerning any of his descendants who would profane that special sanctity.
Success to you, and may you merit to find your kosher match soon.
Menashe Yisrael
With your permission, I will correct a few things that were mistakenly inserted into the question.
A. Indeed, there is no difference in the definitions of the groups within Judaism. All members of the Jewish people are commanded, in addition to belief in the Thirteen Principles [which state, among other things, that this Torah will never be replaced, nor will it be subject to changes throughout the various periods], to fulfill practical mitzvot and to refrain from negative commandments.
B. There is no such concept as giving up the priesthood. A Kohen remains a Kohen forever. And there is no way to nullify the priesthood in order to permit the prohibitions of the priesthood.
C. The prohibition of a Kohen marrying a convert is a prohibition from the Torah.
D. The tribe of the priesthood, which rises in sanctity above all the groups that make up Judaism, as those who serve Hashem in the Beit HaMikdash that will be built speedily, and as those who bless the people with the Priestly Blessing even now, is warned by the Torah to marry only those who are born Jewish. With all due respect and love, as we are commanded to love converts, we must preserve the supreme sanctity belonging to the priestly group. Marriage with converts is to be done by the other groups that make up Judaism, such as the tribes of Levi and Yisrael.
E. There is no difference between the outlook of Kabbalah and the outlook of halacha in anything. Regarding the specific matter of marriage between a female convert and a Kohen, the teachings of Kabbalah greatly extol the sanctity of the Kohen, and that he must guard his sanctity with every possible care, lest he suffer from the curse of Aharon the first Kohen, concerning any of his descendants who would profane that special sanctity.
Success to you, and may you merit to find your kosher match soon.
Menashe Yisrael
