Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/3/84; site sesame.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!harvard!talcott!sesame!slerner
From: slerner@sesame.UUCP (Simcha-Yitzchak Lerner)
Newsgroups: net.startrek
Subject: Re: Re: vulcan triva question
Message-ID: <389@sesame.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 29-Oct-85 13:37:45 EST
Article-I.D.: sesame.389
Posted: Tue Oct 29 13:37:45 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 31-Oct-85 09:11:17 EST
References: <371@sesame.UUCP> <95300013@haddock.UUCP> <541@utflis.UUCP>
Organization: Lotus Development Corp
Lines: 31


> >> Who knows the origin of the vulcan's spread-finger salute?
> >According to Leonard Nimoy, it is derived from the way a rabbi
> >blesses the congregation when their backs are turned to him,
> >which is part of the ceremony.  Nimoy, as a curious little boy with
> >his parents at services, turned and watched the rabbi, even when
> >this was not permitted.  This had a lasting effect on him,
> >and during the shooting of "Amok Time", he suggested that this
> >same hand configuration be used as a greeting on Vulcan.
> >				Jim Campbell
> 
> I agree.  Nimoy asked Celia Lovsky (T'Pau) if she could 'do this' when
> they were discussing how to greet each other and since she could (Shatner
> had to tie his fingers together in Search for Spock), they devised the
> bit of business on the spot.

Essentialy correct, except it isn't a Rabbi but a member of the
priestly tribe (Kohanim) who blesses.  I have hear rumor that
Leonard himself is a Kohain.


-- 
Opinions expressed are public domain, and do not belong to Lotus
Development Corp.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Simcha-Yitzchak Lerner

              {genrad|ihnp4|ima}!wjh12!talcott!sesame!slerner
                      {cbosgd|harvard}!talcott!sesame!slerner
                       talcott!sesame!slerner@harvard.ARPA