Decoding the Priesthood
from the Jerusalem Report, May 1999 |
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Last week's report, Genetic Memory Part I, provided a major step in explaining how DNA could give us a better understanding of our heritage. The Perdomo's are working on Genetic Memory Part II.
We will continue to keep you posted on the progress of the program that will not only allow Ephraimites to take a DNA test to see if they have the markers exhibited by a majority of the 165,000 people who took the test and felt that they were Jewish; but will also provide data to develop an Ephraimite database.
This database would be of those who feel they are of Ephraim, the other house of Israel. The goal will be to see if common markers are exhibited by the majority claiming Ephraimite heritage. Hopefully, the database would grow to the point where it could be possible to identify markers associated with each of Israel's tribes.
This current report Decoding the Priesthood discusses the research that was involved in the development of a genetic basis for the tradition of the Jewish priesthood that they have a common single ancestor - possiblily Aaron.
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| Decoding the Priesthood
 The following article appeared in the May 10, 1999 issue, of a magazine called The Jerusalem Report. It was the cover story in the "Jewish World" section. It's about "Levi and his genes." And we were greatly encouraged when we read it, because, it doesn't talk about "denim pants," folks. Instead, in many ways it confirms certain Scriptural truths that we have been teaching.
For years now, we have taught that tribal descent is determined "patrilineally," and that "Israelites are forever Israelites." This article affirms these important points and more. You will be especially encouraged when you read the account at the end about "Christians" and "Jewish Genealogy."
(Remember, the following article is from a Jewish magazine, and thus some statements will not be in accord with House of David teachings.)
DECODING THE PRIESTHOOD
New genetic research shows the vast majority of 'kohanim,' the Jewish priestly class, to be descended from a single ancestor - scientific confirmation of an oral tradition passed down through 3,000 years.
Remarkably, the priestly 'gene' has also been found in high incidence among the Lemba, a Black southern African tribe that has long claimed a Jewish heritage.
PASSOVER 5759:
Tens of thousands of Jews fill the wide Western Wall plaza. Close to the ancient stones, the crush of worshippers is suffocating. Men carry Torah scrolls aloft. The rasping, pained, voice of an elderly rabbi, leading prayers, echoes through a loudspeaker.
Suddenly, the rows of men closest to the wall lift their prayer shawls over their heads, creating a billowing canopy. These are the kohanim, descendants of the ancient priestly class. They're here to recite birkat hakohanim - "May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you" - the words that, according to Numbers 6, the priests must use to bless the Jewish people. The benediction, recited by countless kohanim, is a highpoint of holiday worship at the Wall. It's also one of the last remnants of the multitude of tasks performed in the Temple by men who, according to the chain of tradition, were their fathers' fathers' fathers.
A few minutes later, in a corner of the plaza, about 150 meters from the Wall, that tradition is being put to the test of science. In what looks like an oral hygiene course, a group of men - young and old, Ashkenazi and Sephardi, all Orthodox or ultra-Orthodox - are gathered around a table rubbing the insides of their mouths with long swabs. When they finish, a researcher snaps off the soggy tip and puts it in a small capsule with a transparent solution.
The samples being collected are part of a worldwide project using cutting-edge genetic technology to study the ancient linage of the Jewish priesthood. If tradition is accurate, all the men reciting the priestly blessing and their counterparts across the Jewish world are direct descendants of Aaron, anointed the first high priest by his brother Moses at least 3,000 years ago.
Under religious law, kohen status is obtained through patrilineal inheritance. Since the Y chromosome is passed from father to son..Now, using the cells these men have scraped from the inside of their cheeks, along with those of kohanim in the U.S. and Britain, scientists are able to peer into their chromosomes. What they are seeing is staggering: At least 70 percent of kohanim, themselves about a twentieth of Jewish men, have a common set of markers on their Y chromosome, the chromosome every male receives almost unchanged from his father - and, in effect, from his father, and father's father before him.
The researchers' conclusion: The tradition of the Jewish priesthood, or kehunah, has a genetic basis that does point to a single ancestor - possibly Aaron. What's more, this priestly genetic marker may also be a signature of the ancient Hebrew population, preserved in the kehunah because it is a closed club: You can convert to Judaism, but you can't convert into the priesthood. The gene trail, in other words, may lead past Aaron to his great-great-grand-father, Jacob, a.k.a. Israel.
The ability to peek into this once shuttered past through the window of DNA research may vastly expand what we know about the communal history of Jacob's children. But that's only half the story. And the second half is potentially even more spectacular.
To read the full article go to DECODING THE PRIESTHOOD
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Your thoughts and comments.
This is a team effort and we would like to hear your thoughts and comments. To share them go to ZechariahsPatrol.com. This report will be shown. Click on the title of the report you would like to comment on, then go to the end of the report. There you can post your comments, and review comments made by others |
We are engaged in a War of Words
Be sure that you are well armed! |
| For Ephraim to once a again become a mighty man ready for YHVH's Whistle to return to the land and join with his brother Judah, and together defeat their enemies, he must increase his numbers (Zech 10:7-12). This requires that lost sheep become found sheep. This transformation under the guidance of the Ruach Ha Kodesh can best be accomplished by providing appropriate verbal and written information, and fellowship to lost sheep.  Twenty thousand copies Ephraim and Judah - Israel Revealed which have been distributed in the past have been a key factor in turning lost sheep into found sheep. It has proven to be an excellent initial word weapon. However, Batya's classic "handout book" Ephraim and Judah - Israel Revealed, is now out of print in paper, but it is available as a free eBook. Click here to download. Several people have asked for the eBook on a CD. So we have made it available on a CD which is available at Key of David Marketplace $4 (to cover shipping and handling costs).
The good news is that we will soon have a new and improved version of this classic book. It will be titled, Who Is Israel - Redeemed Israel - A Primer.
This exciting new overview will make an excellent and inexpensive handout book. It can now be pre-ordered at a very special price at Key of David Marketplace and is now due for delivery in late November or early December. For more information see the Challenges of Being A Watchman |
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I Am YHVH We encourage you to listen to a new song, written by Batya and recorded by our friend, Will Spires. The song is titled "I AM YHVH" and it is truly inspiring. You might want to listen to it before you pray. The song is about the Father's heart cry for His chosen people: Judah and Ephraim. You can hear it as you enter the Zachariah's Patrol website or Key of David Marketplace, and it can be downloaded for free at Key of David Marketplace.Several people have asked for the song on a cd so they can play it in their cars. So we have made available at Key of David Marketplace. a CD that has seven renditions of the song for $4 (to cover shipping and handling costs).
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Upcoming Events
The Messianic Israel Alliance Feast of Dedication will be held in Watertown, Tennessee, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 3-5, 2010.
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For more information go to Upcoming Events |
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Websites to visit:
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