The priestly blessing is traditionally recited in the synagogue by the kohanim (priests, descendants of Aaron) or at home, on the eve of Shabbat and festivals, by the parents with their hands placed over a child's head. Before giving the blessing priests have their hands washed and then raise them in the split-fingered gesture depicted in the photograph.

Drawing from his childhood memories of synagogue services, the actor and photographer Leonard Nimoy (1931-2015), best known for creating the role of Spock in the Star Trek series, suggested using this gesture from the Vulcan gretting: "Live long and prosper."

The Nimoy photograph was purchased for a 2008 exhibition, where it was paired with the 18th century Russian basin and laver (68.43 a-b) used for the ritual washing before the priestly blessing.

Classification	PHOTOGRAPHS
Artist/Creator	Mr. Leonard Nimoy
Creation Place	United States
Date Created	1999 - 1999
Physical Description	black and white silver gelatin print of palms (hands) in priestly blessing gesture - one hand is half out of the composition
Medium	silver gelatin photograph
Credit Line	Museum Purchase