In the days of the Second Temple, religious practices took place in the temple, where they were directed by the priests. The priesthood was a unique sector holding mighty power over the Jewish population. This status was passed down from generation to generation � from father to son. The priests were grouped according to families divided into 24 courses (shifts), each serving two annual one-week terms in the temple. Josephus names five priestly families that formed the Jewish oligarchy from the time of Herod until the outstart of the Great (first) Jewish Revolt. Four of these families figure in the Talmud: the house of Boethus, the house of Hanin, the house of Kathros and the house of Phabi (The Babylonian Talmud, Pesahim 57a); the fifth family is that of Kimhit.

During their terms of temple service, the priests were obligated to purity. Their day would begin at dawn through a 24 hour shift, day and night. Since the priests received no payment for their work, they were exempt from paying taxes, but also entitled to portions of the sacrifices and donations, thus freeing them from financial concern for their families' welfare, and enabling them to concentrate on their important work.