In the average Ashkenazic synagogue,
the % of kohanim is around 1% to 3%.
In the average Syrian synagogue,
the % of Kohanim is around 30% to 35%.
Since the Torah prohibits Kohanim from marrying
converts [gerim], is it wise to permit converts in
a community where 30% of the men are Kohanim?
Additionally, some poskim [whose names I unfortunately
cannot remember] have written that Kohanim who are
Syrian and/or Sephardic have a greater [or better]
mesorah of kehunah than Ashkenazic Kohanim,
which makes the prohibition against Kohanim
marrying converts even greater for Kohanim
who are Syrian and/or Sephardic.
For example: When a Syrian Kohen performs a
Pidyon HaBen, he NEVER gives the money back,
because the Syrian Rabbis hold that there is
no doubt [safek] on the identity of their Kohanim.
Compare this to Ashkenazic Kohanim, who return
the Pidyon HaBen money, because they fear
a doubt [safek] on their identity of their Kohanim.
Is it wise to permit converts in a community
where 30% of men are Kohanim, who have
no safek on their yichus as Kohanim?
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