Cohen by any other name
None
Question:
Can a kohen (member of the priestly class) give up the name “Cohen” in order to marry a divorcee? -- Golan David, Central Israel
Answer:
The prohibition is unrelated to the name “Cohen”; the point is that he’s a kohen. His priestly status cannot be waived, and therefore, he’s not permitted to marry a divorcee.
All the best to you.
(Rabbi Shmuel Slotki)