He lived long and prospered

The internet is full of tributes to Leonard Nimoy, who died Friday at the age of 83.  A fine actor, a philanthropist, a supporter of science.  Every geek's favorite grandfather.

I am a science fiction fan, I love Star Trek.  A show for science fiction fans who think, it explored topics such as racism, gender identification and inequality, ecology/climate change, war, violence, rebellion, brotherhood...

And, of course, I found Spock fascinating.  The ultimate science geek.  No wonder some of the loudest tributes come from astronauts, engineers, scientists.

One thing that always fascinated me -- the origin of the Vulcan greeting.  A bit of trivia that speaks to me.

The kohenim are the hereditary priests of the Jewish people.  The designation is passed down from father to son.    I am a bat Kohen, the daughter of a Kohen.

In ancient times the Kohenim were the priests in the Temple in Jerusalem.  In modern times they play a role in various ceremonies in the synagogue.  They give the priestly blessing to the congregation.  There is a special way each Kohen holds his hands while giving the blessing:




"Grave Rabbi Meschullam Kohn" by Alexander Mayer - Alexander Mayer. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grave_Rabbi_Meschullam_Kohn.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Grave_Rabbi_Meschullam_Kohn.jpg

Nimoy, as everyone knows, was Jewish.  I love is explanation of how he came up with the Vulcan salute;




Yes, every time you give the Vulcan salute, you are using an ancient Hebrew blessing.

May G-d bless you, Mr. Nimoy, for all the good works you have done here on earth, all the pleasure your work has given us. #LLAP

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