Marriage to Levite?

[Blake]

I was wondering if in Judaism if it is an acceptable pratcice for a Jewish man (a son of Judah) to marry a Kohen or Levite woman or would they be encouraged to marry inside their tribe?

I was wondering because in my studies I've found that a common explanation for the conflicting genaeologies in the gospels was because one is for Maryam and another for Yosef. This would make Maryam a Yehudite, but she was a causin of Elizabeth who was I assume a Levite because her husband was a Kohen. Perhaps I'm wrong in this assumption as well.

[R' Y'hoshua Moshe]

I do not recall any prohibition...any other thoughts?

[Blake]

I know it would be legal by standards, I just was wondering if there was a societal taboo.

[Chizuk Emunah]

There are none that I'm aware of.

[messimom]

I found this reference in The Temple; its Ministry and Services by A. Edersheim. Maybe its more of what you were referring to?

The 15th of Ab was observed as a popular and joyous festival. On this occasion (as on the Day of Atonement) the maidens went dressed in white, to dance and sing in the vineyards around Jerusalem, when an opportunity was offerred to young men to select their companions for life. We may venture on a suggestion to account for this curious practice. According to the Talmud, the 15th of Ab was the day on which the prohibition was removed which prevented heiresses from marrying out of their own tribes. If there is any historical foundation for this, it would be very significant, that when all Israel, without any distinction of tribes or families, appeared to make their offerings at Jerusalem, they should be at liberty similarly to select their partners in life without the usual restrictions.

So, I guess the Talmud is where you could continue your search in this area. Hope it helped.

Shabbat Shalom

Messimom