Ezra contends that the personality traits of the priest, given to him by God, are superior to those of the rest of the nation of Israel. Hence, the power to administer the priestly blessing and to be successful at prayer rests with the Kohen, thereby justifying preferential treatment from amongst the nation. The Talmud understands "you shall make holy" to refer to sanctifying the Kohen in all matters of Kedushah: The school of Rabbi Yishmael taught: "you shall make holy" refers to all matters of holiness: to open first (at addressing a gathering), to bless first (at Birchat HaMazon), and to take a fine portion first. Addressing a crowd As part of the school of Rabbi Yismael's explanation, the Mitzvah includes sanctifying the Kohen with the first slot in delivering Torah instruction from amongst other Jews who are on the/a panel of speakers. Rabbinic authorities explain that this sanctification is only applicable in the event where the Kohen is greater or equal in Torah knowledge to the other Jews present. In the event that he is not greater in Torah knowledge, this first slot is afforded the Rabbi who is superior. The kohen giving grace after meal The Kohen is given the honor to initiate grace after the meal provided three adult male Jews have dined together. The Kohen may allow a non-Kohen to initiate the blessing instead, but his permission must be explicit. Rashi interprets the requirement to sanctify the kohen at mealtime as affording him the initiation of making the Bracha of HaMotzi at the start of the meal. Priority to the choicest portion With two honors being interpreted by the school of Rabbi Yishmael to mean spiritual forms of honor, the third is interpreted as a physical one; here, the requirement is to give the Kohen the first choice when choosing portions of equal size and value. The first Aliyah When the Torah reading is performed in synagogue, it is customary to honor the kohen for the first reading (aliyah), and a Levite for the second reading (if a kohen and Levite are present in synagogue). The third reading, and any later readings (on Shabbat and holidays), are given to individuals who are not kohanim or Levites. If a kohen is present but a Levite is not, the same kohen who was called up for the first aliyah repeats the blessings for the second. If a kohen