(7) A man takes priority over a woman in regards to saving life and returning a lost object. A woman takes priority over a man in regard to clothing her and freeing her from captivity. If they both stand to be disgraced, the man takes priority over the woman.

(8) A priest takes priority over a Levite, a Levite takes priority over an Israelite, an Israelite takes priority over a mamzer (product of a forbidden relation), a mamzer takes priority over a Natin [member of a caste of Temple servants, historically descended from the Gibeonites], a Natin takes priority over a convert, and a convert takes priority over a freed slave.

When? When they are all equal. But if the mamzer is a Sage and the high priest is an Am Ha'Aretz [one who is lax in observing tithes and purity laws], the product of a forbidden relation who is a sage supersedes the high priest who is am Am Ha'Aretz.

GEMARA. Our Rabbis taught: If a man and his father and his teacher were in captivity he takes precedence overhis teacher and his teacher takes precedence over his father, while his mother takes precedence over all of them. A scholar takes precedence over a king of Israel, for if a scholar dies there is none to replace him while if a king of Israel dies, all Israel are eligible for kingship. A king takes precedence over a High Priest, for it is said, And the king said unto them: Take with you the servants of your lord etc. A High Priest takes precedence over a prophet, for it is said, And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there, Zadok being mentioned before Nathan; and furthermore it is stated, Hear now, O Joshua the High Priest, thou and thy fellows etc.; lest it be assumed that these were common people it was expressly stated, For they are men that are a sign, and the expression 'sign' cannot but refer to a prophet as it is stated, And he give thee a sign or a wonder. A High Priest anointed with the anointing oil takes precedence over one who is only dedicated by the additional garments. He who is dedicated by the additional garments takes precedence over an anointed High Priest who has retired from office owing to a mishap. An anointed High Priest who has retired from office on account of a mishap takes precedence over one who has retired on account of his blemish. He who has retired on account of his blemish takes precedence over him who was anointed for war purposes only. He who was anointed for war takes precedence over the Deputy High Priest. The Deputy High Priest takes precedence over the amarkal. [What is amarkal? — R. Hisda replied: He who commands all.] The amarkal takes precedence over the Temple treasurer. The Temple treasurer takes precedence over the chief of the watch The chief of the guard takes precedence over the chief of the men of the daily watch. The chief of the daily watch takes precedence over an ordinary priest.

GEMARA. A PRIEST TAKES PRECEDENCE OVER A LEVITE for it is stated The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron wins separated that he should be sanctified as most holy. A LEVITE takes precedence OVER AN ISRAELITE for it is stated, At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi etc. AN ISRAELITE takes precedence OVER A MAMZER for the one is of legitimate birth and the other is not. A MAMZER takes precedence OVER A NATHIN for the one comes from an eligible origin and the other from a non-eligible origin. A NATHIN takes precedence OVER A PROSELYTE for the one was brought up with us in holiness and the other was not brought up with us in holiness. A PROSELYTE takes precedence OVER AN EMANCIPATED SLAVE for the one was included in the curse and the other was not included in the curse.

THIS ORDER OF PRECEDENCE APPLIES ONLY WHEN ALL THESE WERE IN OTHER RESPECTS EQUAL etc. Where do they learn this from? — R. Aha son of R. Hanina replied: From Tanakh which states, “She is more precious than rubies,” i.e., more precious than the High Priest who enters into the innermost sanctuary.

It was taught, R. Simeon b. Yohai said: It stands to reason that an emancipated slave should take precedence over a proselyte, for the one was brought up with us in holiness and the other was not; but the former was included in the curse while the latter was not.

(Exodus 22:24) "If you lend my people money, even the poor with you..."

My people and a non-Jew, my people have precedence;

a poor person and a rich one, the poor have precedence;

your poor and the poor of your city, your poor have precedence;

the poor of your city and the poor of another city, the poor of your city have precedence.

The Master said: '[If the choice lies between] my people and a non-Jew — "my people" has preference.' But is it not obvious? — R. Nahman answered: Huna told me it means that even if [money is lent] to the non-Jew on interest, and to the Israelite without [the Jew should take precedence].