3,923. The Order of Priority Among Kohanim

Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 4:19

A Kohein Gadol who was anointed takes priority over one who was installed simply by donning the uniform of the Kohein Gadol. A Kohein Gadol who was installed by wearing the garments alone but who is ready to serve takes priority over a Kohein Gadol who was anointed but who is unable to serve because of a seminal emission. One who is unable to serve because of a seminal emission takes priority over one who is unable to serve because of a physical blemish. One who is unable to serve because of a physical blemish takes priority over the kohein who was anointed to deliver the charge to the army. The kohein who was anointed to deliver the charge to the army takes priority over the Deputy Kohein Gadol. The Deputy Kohein Gadol takes priority over the officers, who take priority over the supervisors, who take priority over the treasurers, who take priority over the heads of the watches, who take priority over the heads of the families, who take priority over regular kohanim. We see that there are eight levels of kohanim.

Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 4:20

If the king, the Kohein Gadol or any other official dies, we appoint his son or another heir in his place. Those who have higher priority in inheritance take priority in matters of succession, assuming that they are equal to the deceased in wisdom, or at least in reverence for God. Regarding the king, Deuteronomy 17:20 teaches, “He and his sons among Israel,” indicating that the monarchy is inherited; this is true of any office among Israel. One who acquires such a position acquires it for himself and for his descendants after him.