Kohen Living With a Non-Jewish Woman
Question
After decades of going to a reformed temple for high holy day services, I am going to an orthodox synagogue this year. The orthodox synagogue does Birkat Cohanim. I went to an orthodox synagogue growing up. I am a Cohen and participated in it. As of today, I have lived with my gentile partner for almost 40 years, but never officially married her. She and I raised two kids together who are now fully grown. If this is the case, do I qualify to participate in the Birkat Cohanim ritual?
Answers
According to Jewish Law, a Kohen who is living with a non-Jewish woman cannot bless the congregation and he cannot receive an Aliyah. This is so, regardless of whether the couple are married or not.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team