I'm sure that one of the talmidei chachamim [torah scholars] on the list can
provide the citation, but I believe that the Talmud says that a mamzer [a
Jew born of a prohibited union] who is a scholar is greater than a Kohen
Gadol [high priest] who is an ignoramous.
Also, it should be pointed out that when a Kohen isn't present, the first
aliya goes to a Levi or Yisroel.
In the times of the Beit HaMikdash, the Kohanim had a large sacerdotal
function (i.e. they ran the avodah [service] and performed the sacrifices)
with the assistance of the Levites. What limited role that Kohanim have in
the synagogue today (1st aliyah, the Aharonic blessing) is an artifact of
that earlier role.
Those who posted on the fact that HaShem has different roles for us reminded
me of the incident in the Torah where Moshe was challenged as to why he and
Aaron should have such a large role when the entire nation was holy.
Ronnie Schreiber "Because my dreams are made of iron and steel
ronnies@ix.netcom.com with a big bouquet of roses all around
Registered Contrarian from the heavens to the ground" - Bob Dylan