This is the second topic presented to the Ethiopian youth of Asdod:

I used to think that all the L’vi’im (Levites) were priest ¹, but I was wrong! Only a few were: Moshe (Moses), Aharon (Aaron) and his sons (B’midbar ² 3:10, B’midbar 3:38). All the other L’vi’im were their assistants (B’midbar 1:49-51, B’midbar 3:5-9).

Through the use of DNA, they’ve discovered strong cohen genes / cohen genetic signatures among the Ethiopian Jews and the Buba clan of the Lemba tribe (Northern South Africa and Zimbabwe³). Undeniable, irrefutable proof that these are truly cohens, direct descendants of the priesthood.

In my opinion there are a whole lot of impostors floating around claming to be cohens! Being a cohen is a very important and prestigious position…attracting the want-to-be. Just because one's last name is Cohen doesn’t make him one. DNA separates the Cohen from the Levite and the Levites from the others.

As a whole, Ethiopians are very dark complected, meaning those under the law (such as the Orthodox Jews) would have to cater to these people of color. In spite of DNA results, I don’t think that would likely ever happen.

We showed the group where in the Bible it mentions that Moshe had two wives, one a Midianite (Sh’mot ⁴ 2:15-21) and the other an Ethiopian (B’midbar 12:1).

In summery I jokingly told them that they may be more Jewish than anybody else! We left them with some food for thought (since all this DNA stuff was new to them), edified, and with smiles on their faces.

P.S. But you and I know that Jesus has made all who believe in Him priests/cohens (1 Peter 2:5, 9).

Edwin Beckford
November 2003

1.Both the KJV and the NIV use the word ‘priest’, but the Hebrew word for priest is ‘cohen’ (Strongs OT:3547, OT:3548). In other words (or I should say…”In the right words”) Moses, Aaron and his sons were cohens (cohenim).
2. B’midbar: the book of Numbers
3. ‘Journey to the Vanished City’ (Phonix, London) by Dr. Tudor Parfit
4. Sh’mot: the book of Exodos