High Priest of Israel

In Judaism, the High Priest of Israel (כהן גדול; ) was the head of the Israelite priesthood. He played a unique role in the worship conducted in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem, as well as in some non-ritual matters. Like all priests, he was required to be descended from Aaron (the first biblical priest). But unlike other priests, the high priest followed more restrictive laws, wore unique priestly garments, and was the only priest allowed to perform certain ceremonies. The high priest is referred to by a number of titles in the Hebrew Bible; the title kohen gadol did not become dominant until well into the Second Temple period. In addition to the title of "great priest" (kohen gadol) which later became the standard Hebrew title, the term "head priest" (kohen harosh) was used, as was "anointed priest" (kohen mashiach). The Torah sometimes uses longer descriptions: "the great priest, who was anointed with the holy oil", "the priest who was anointed and invested to serve in place of his father" "the priest who is greater than his brothers, whom oil was poured on his head and who was invested to wear the garments", and "the priest in place of him [=Aaron] from his sons, who will come to the Tent of Meeting for the holy service". Some verses refer by name to a specific individual who is understood to be "the" priest, i.e. the high priest at that moment. List of High Priests of Israel The first high priest was Aaron himself, the ancestor of all priests; he was appointed to this role by God. Other notable high priests in the Bible include Aaron's son Eleazar, Eleazar's son Phinehas, Eli, and Zadok. After the Babylonian Exile, the first high priest was Joshua the High Priest, who is mentioned as a prominent leader alongside the political ruler Zerubavel. Joshua was a son of Zadok, in accordance with Ezekiel's prophecy. It was presumed that the high priest's son would succeed him, but this did not always happen. The role eventually passed from Phinehas (or his descendants) to Eli, who was descended from Ithamar (brother of Eleazar).