Question
I keep meeting people in Israel with the name Aviatar. Who was Aviatar in Jewish history? everytime I search the internet I get information about the new movie Avatar.
Answer
Evyatar (or Abiathar in English) was the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) in the time of King David. He was the son of Achimelech, the High Priest before him. His father was also known as Achiyah.
Evyatar served King David and protected him from his rebellious son Avshalom (Absalom)
After King David died, Evyatar sided with Adoniyah to be the new king, so King Solomon sent him away from being Kohen Gadol and replaced him with Tzadok. However, he remained in service as a regular Kohen afterward.
The name means “My Father is pre-eminent”, referring to G-d.
All the best,
Rabbi Kolakowski