Inside the Training Program for Kohanim with Yehoshua Landau

Could the Temple service actually be renewed—and are the Kohanim prepared to carry it out?Franny Waisman speaks with Yehoshua Landau, founder of Mamlechet Kohanim, about transforming the laws of the Temple from theoretical study into practical preparation. Landau explains how Kohanim are learning the procedures, garments, and responsibilities needed for avodah—and why he believes the greatest obstacle to renewing the service is not practicality, but national will.Yehoshua Landau shares how growing up as a Kohen in Brooklyn, moving to Israel, and living in Jerusalem’s Old City led him to establish Mamlechet Kohanim. Inspired by the Chafetz Chaim’s emphasis on preparing Kohanim for redemption, Landau created a practical training program to teach areas of Temple service that are rarely studied in a hands-on way.At a desert farm near Mitzpe Yericho, participants train with a full-size mizbeach and learn about priestly garments, washing the hands and feet, handling offerings, blood procedures, ketoret, and other elements of the avodah. The program uses substitutes rather than animals, and graduates receive certification upon completion.Landau argues that national offerings could potentially resume on an altar on the Temple Mount even before the Temple is rebuilt. He estimates that at least 120 trained Kohanim would be required to begin the daily service. He also discusses Jericho’s historic connection to the Temple, Mamlechet Kohanim’s Shavuot reenactments of the Shtei HaLechem offering, and his belief that the primary barrier is a lack of collective desire rather than a lack of practical ability.About the GuestYehoshua Landau is the founder of Mamlechet Kohanim, an initiative dedicated to preparing Kohanim for the practical responsibilities of the Temple service. Originally from Brooklyn, he moved to Israel 12 years ago and lived in Jerusalem’s Old City. His work combines traditional Torah study with hands-on training intended to preserve and restore practical knowledge of the avodah.Ready to discover how Kohanim are preparing for the possible renewal of the Temple service?Tune in to the full episode to explore the practical training, Torah sources, and national vision behind Mamlechet Kohanim.