About the Project

Our Purpose

Thus You Shall Bless is envisioned as a comprehensive digital repository and community resource dedicated to the Jewish priestly lineage—the Kohanim.

For over three millennia, the Kohanim have maintained a distinct identity, carrying forward a legacy that began with Aaron, the first High Priest. This platform is being built to document that history, explain the ongoing halachic (legal) and spiritual responsibilities, and provide a point of connection for those of the lineage today.

What We Are Building

Currently in its foundational stage, this site will eventually host:

  • Educational Articles: Deep dives into the Temple service, the laws of purity, and the structure of the Birkat Kohanim.
  • Genealogical Resources: Guidance on understanding DNA testing as it relates to the Cohen Modal Haplotype, alongside traditional family records.
  • Halachic Guides: Practical information regarding modern observances, restrictions, and honors afforded to a Kohen in the synagogue.

A Living Tradition

The role of the Kohen is not merely historical. Even without the physical Temple in Jerusalem, the Kohanim continue to bless the congregation with love, serving as a vital link in the unbroken chain of Jewish tradition.