Editing Kohen (section)

=== Torah instruction ===
{{Main|The Torah instruction of the Kohanim}}
[[File:צוות כהנים עוסקים בלימוד הלכות טומאה וטהרה.jpg|thumb|200px|A group of kohanim studying the [[Mishna]]yot laws of [[Keilim]] in anticipation of the rebuilding of the [[Beit Hamikdash]]]]

Numerous Biblical passages attest to the role of the priests in teaching [[Torah]] to the people and in issuing judgment. Later rabbinic statements elaborate on these roles. However, the priest's religious authority is not automatic: even a [[mamzer|bastard]] who is a scholar takes precedence over an ignorant [[High Priest of Israel|high priest]].<ref>[[Mishnah]] Horayot 3:8</ref>