"Leonard Nimoy [a.k.a., Mr. Spock] . . . devised the Vulcan Salute - a raised hand, palm forward with the fingers parted between the middle and ring finger - based on the traditional kohanic [priestly] blessing, which is performed with both hands, thumb to thumb in this position:
a position thought to represent the Hebrew letter shin ש. (This letter is often used as a symbol of God in Judaism, as it is an abbreviation for one of God's names, El Shaddai. This usage is seen, for example, on every mezuzah.) Nimoy says he derived the accompanying spoken blessing, 'Live long and prosper' from this source, as the last phrase of the blessing is 'May the Lord be forebearing unto you and give you peace' (Numbers 6:24-26)." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Nimoy#Stage_and_screen)
Who would have known that Vulcans are steeped in Jewish tradition?
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