Cohen

The word “Cohen” means in Judaism, a member of the hereditary priestly class said to descend directly from Aaron, brother of Moses. In plain terms, a Jewish priestly title, and also a very common Jewish surname derived from it.

“Cohen” is pronounced KOH-uhn (/ˈkoʊən/ in IPA).

Here is “Cohen” used in a sentence: “As a cohen, he was called first to read from the Torah.”

“Cohen” is a noun.

The word “Cohen” comes from Hebrew. From Hebrew כֹּהֵן (kohen), meaning "priest." It later became one of the most common Jewish surnames.

“Cohen” is a fairly common word in modern English.

A Cohen (Hebrew kohen) is a member of Judaism's hereditary priestly class, traditionally said to descend directly from Aaron, brother of Moses. A rabbi is an ordained teacher and religious leader whose role is earned through study rather than inherited, and a rabbi does not need to be a Cohen.

In Jewish religious usage the Hebrew plural kohanim is standard, as in "the kohanim bless the congregation." In everyday English, Cohens is also used, especially when talking about people with the surname.

The surname Cohen traditionally signals descent from Judaism's hereditary priestly class, and many bearers trace their line that way. However, carrying the surname does not guarantee priestly status, and many recognized kohanim have entirely different surnames.

In traditional communities, kohanim retain distinct ceremonial roles, such as delivering the priestly blessing and being called first to the Torah reading. How far these customs are observed varies widely between communities and denominations.