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From: buchbind@agrigene.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.startrek
Subject: Re: Re: vulcan triva question
Message-ID: <240@agrigene.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 15-Nov-85 18:55:11 EST
Article-I.D.: agrigene.240
Posted: Fri Nov 15 18:55:11 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 17-Nov-85 07:30:25 EST
References: <371@sesame.UUCP> <95300013@haddock.UUCP> <541@utflis.UUCP> <2486@sunybcs.UUCP>
Organization: Agrigenetics Madison,Wi.
Lines: 20

> > In article <95300013@haddock.UUCP> jimc@haddock.UUCP writes:
> > >> 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
	It's derived from the way a Jewish *priest*, not rabbi, blesses
the congregation.  Also, the congregation is forbidden to watch the
priests while the blessing is being done;  they are not required to turn
their backs to the priests, though many do.
	The joke is told of a grandfather teaching a child to not watch.
"If you look once you'll go blind;  if you look a second time you'll die!"
-- 
    Barry Buchbinder			    (608)221-5000
Agrigenetics Corp.; 5649 E. Buckeye Rd.; Madison WI 53716 USA
    {seismo!uwvax!|decvax|ihnp4}!nicmad!agrigene!buchbind