In conjunction with the Jewish new year today, and Islamic new year, here’s an interesting trivia in relation to Star Trek, which may come as a surprise to you.
I am sure many of you already know about how the late Star Trek actor, Leonard Nimoy, derived the famous Vulcan salute, “Live Long and Prosper.”
He first saw the gesture ss a child at a synagogue service in Boston. He learned it was derived from the Hebrew alphabetical letter “Shin.” So, he borrowed it as Spock.
The letter “Shin” corresponds to the Arabic letter “Shin.” The font is the same in both languages (three upward strokes) though with a slight variation in writing style.
The connotations of the letter have a different meaning for both faiths. But the central key message is the same – it’s godly.
So, Star Trek fans, the next time you make the sign, remember, you’re making a sign in Hebrew and Arabic. Interesting, isn’t it?
You can learn more here about Shin as the late actor Leonard Nimoy has explained how the letter inspired him to use it in as a Vulcan gesture. https://www.nytimes.com/video/obituaries/100000003536154/nimoy-explains-origin-of-vulcan-greeting.html
