כֹּהֵן
kohen
Religious / SynagogueFormsכֹּהֲנִים
Meaning1. In ancient times, a man who worked in the holy Temple in Jerusalem. He would help people give gifts to God.
2. Today, a person whose family comes from the ancient priests. They have special roles in some Jewish prayers.
3. A common family name.
HistoryThis word is very old and appears in the Bible. It describes the priests who served God in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. The first priest mentioned is Aaron, the brother of Moses. The meaning has stayed very similar for thousands of years.
Example
בבית הכנסת הכהן בירך את הקהל.
In the synagogue, the priest blessed the people.
