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From: warren@pluto.UUCP (Warren Burstein)
Newsgroups: net.startrek
Subject: Re: Vulcan Hand Salute
Message-ID: <211@pluto.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 4-Dec-85 14:53:29 EST
Article-I.D.: pluto.211
Posted: Wed Dec  4 14:53:29 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 7-Dec-85 15:53:29 EST
References: <371@sesame>, <16000009@uiucdcsb> <116@ichaya.UUCP>
Organization: Industrial Automation Systems Inc., New York, N.Y.
Lines: 11


A Jewish "priest" is a descendent of Aaron, the first high priest.
They are known as "Cohanim" (sing. Cohen, most people with this
last name are such).  On major holidays (daily in Israel) the Cohanim
recite the same blessing that their ancestors used in the two Holy
Temples in Jerusalem.  One is not allowed to look because of the
sanctity of the ceremony although there are old-granfathers'-tales
that you will go blind if you look.  The manner in which they
hold their hands is no secret.  There is no prohibition against
doing it at any time.  (although some people just can't do it which
is very inconvenient for a Cohen).