בִּרְכַּת כֹּהֲנִים

“The Priestly Blessing” in Hebrew is Birkat Kohanim (בִּרְכַּת כֹּהֲנִים), pronounced “bir-KAT ko-ha-NIM.” The literal translation is “Blessing of the priests.” The ancient three-verse blessing from Numbers 6:24-26, spoken by the priests (kohanim) over the people of Israel. Still recited in synagogues today.

Birkat Kohanim is pronounced “bir-KAT ko-ha-NIM.” The literal meaning is “Blessing of the priests.”

The three lines are: (1) 'Yevarekh'kha Adonai v'yishmerekha' — May the LORD bless you and keep you; (2) 'Ya'er Adonai panav elekha vichunekka' — May the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; (3) 'Yisa Adonai panav elekha v'yasem l'kha shalom' — May the LORD lift His countenance upon you and give you peace.

Leonard Nimoy, who was Jewish, created the Vulcan salute based on the hand gesture used by kohanim during the Priestly Blessing. The kohanim raise both hands with fingers split into pairs, forming the letter shin (ש) — the first letter of Shaddai (Almighty) and Shekhinah (God's presence). Nimoy adapted this into the single-hand Vulcan salute with 'Live long and prosper.'

Kohanim are Jews who trace their lineage to Aaron, Moses's brother, who was the first High Priest. They typically carry surnames like Cohen, Kohn, Katz, or Rappaport. Though the Temple no longer stands, kohanim still perform the Priestly Blessing in synagogues and have certain ritual privileges and restrictions in Jewish law.