Background
He was considered by Samaritans to be a direct descendant of Aaron and the 132nd High Priest to hold the office since the time of Moses.
He was considered by Samaritans to be a direct descendant of Aaron and the 132nd High Priest to hold the office since the time of Moses.
He had inherited the office upon the death of Elazar ben Tsedaka ben Yitzhaq as the eldest priest of the family of priests. Ab-Chisda and other priests, regulate daily life in a number of ways. They ensure the strict rules of religious observance are preserved.
This includes traditions such as the full keeping of Sabbath and other Levitical laws.
They also serve as arbitrators and judges, as well as set the calendar. This is called Ishban Kashta, which translates from Arabic as "truth calculation".
One of High Priest Aharon ben Ab-Chisda"s main duties is to preside over the Passah (Passover) ritual. He did so for the first time in 2010 at the age of 83.
Less than 750 of the faithful, the total community, attended the rite.
During the performance of the Passover ritual, Ab-Chisda wore a green silken robe. lieutenant was secured with a broad cloth, carefully tied. He wore a tallit, draped over his head
