High Priest of Israel

The High Priest of Israel (Hebrew: כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל, romanized: kohēn gaḏol, lit. 'great priest') was the head of the kohanim (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 priest in the Torah. 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. There is still a Samaritan High Priest, but in Judaism, the High Priesthood is defunct.