As far as rabbinic evidence goes the Rechabites are noted (pesikta derav kahana) to be descended from jethro, Moses' father in law, and in chronicles they are noted be kenites-- and the tosefta in bikurim notes kenites have the status of converts but even so they can recite the recitation of the jewish land owning farmer who brings his first fruits to the Temple. Furthermore it is noted that the family will never cease and when the Messiah comes they will be the first to announce him and they will be the first to go up to the temple and offer sacrifices-- and it is further noted rabbi yose bar halafta the reputed author of seder olam was descended from them (according to a genealogical table that had been found). there is a strange passage in tractate shabbat 118 (?) to the effect that rabbi yose went with the priests when invited to bless the people in the synagogue-- the fact he only did it when invited suggests his status was in doubt or something else which was an anomoly. in some passages it is noted that rechabites will be the first to offer sacrifices in the Messianic age temple when a humungus temple descends from heaven and covers 4 mountains. Anyways-- I have no idea what any of this means-- just that such things exist. but I do not know any certain evidence they are priests-- offering sacrifices simply might mean they have a priest offer the sacrifices. theirs will be offered first-- however it might really mean they themselves will act as priests-- I cannot be certain what any of this really tells us but it seems unlikely the clan acted as priests-- if there is a talmudic passage that is clear on the matter I would like to know where it is-- I certainly know of none. herb basser [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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