The surnames of many cohanim (e.g., Cohen, Cowen, Kahn, etc.) indicate their status. Cohanim are granted first preference in the synagogue in the reading of the Torah and pronounce the priestly blessing over the congregation on festivals. They also officiate at the ritual whereby a father redeems his firstborn son with an offering of five silver coins (usually returned as a gift to the child). A cohen must also preserve his ritual purity by avoiding contact with the dead and hence may not attend funerals, except those of close relatives. Meaning of Cone Last Name - Surname - Family Name Cone

Meaning of Cone Last Name - Surname - Family Name Conen Old Testament times the Hebrew high priest (kohen gadol) headed a priestly hierarchy in Jerusalem. He had many privileges but was also bound by numerous restrictions. Until the time of King Josiah (7th century bc), the high priest was anointed with oil before assuming office, and he alone could enter the Holy of Holies once a year to offer sacrifice on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).

Of lesser rank were his deputy and the military chaplain, who accompanied troops into battle. Other priests had charge of Temple finances or assumed administrative functions connected with the Temple, such as assigning duties to the lowest rank of priests (the cohanim), who, divided into 24 http://www.britannica.com/topic/cohenhttp://www.britannica.com/topic/cohen