Shekhina

by Leonard Nimoy, Donald B. Kuspit

First-ever monograph by Leonard Nimoy revealing his intrigue with scriptural mythology and ancient spirituality.

Genres: Nonfiction, Photography, Religion, Art

96 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

Jewish-American actor, film director, poet, musician and photographer.

He was best known for playing the character of Spock on Star Trek, an American television series that ran for three seasons from 1966 to 1969, in addition to several movie sequels.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Nimoy's first published book of photographs. Having studied Jewish culture and history, I was familiar with the idea of Shekhina. I think this may have given me an extra layer of appreciation for what Nimoy was trying to accomplish here. Despite a good introduction, I wondered if the impact would be felt as much by those unfamiliar with the story.

Overall, many of the pictures are lovely. Quite a few others seem to miss the mark. He uses some techniques such as soft focus and imperfections on the photos than occasionally enhance but often overly distract. I felt a power and magic, derived from his emotions about women and his religion. He did capture something that resonated within my feelings about the myth, again imperfectly and somewhat awkwardly.

It's an interesting book. Perhaps not a keeper, but I would easily recommend at least borrowing it from the library or going through it with a cup of tea or coffee at your local book store. Although it may take a photography buff or an artist a while to absorb, for most it will be a short session, but well worth it. If only to satisfy your curiosity about what his work will be like! That's why I got it, after all. I heard him mention his photography books during interviews for the Star Trek movie release this spring.

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Put me down as "unimpressed."

This is apparently Leonard Nimoy's attempt to understand and capture the nature of the Shekhina, the female manifestation of God (according to the Kabbalah). Naturally, it's a bunch of gauzy black and white pictures of naked women occasionally wrapped in a prayer shawl. Mostly it's just tits. Generally pretty tasteful tits, but still. Tits.
Donald Kuspit's essay at the end suggests that "Nimoy's fascination with the female body involves an element of temptation as well as transcendence."

YOU DON'T SAY.

"It is Nimoy's ability to convey woman's many-sidedness--Shekhina and succubus at once--that makes his photographs profound," Kuspit says. That's not many-sided, Donald. Shekhina (1), and succubus (2). That's two, the same virgin-whore dichotomy that's been fucking women over for just about all of recorded time.

The photographs are pretty, though, however unsuccessful their attempts to attain spiritual transcendence or whatever are. Men, stop looking for God in tits.

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures, but it is definitely not kid friendly.

[Jasher]

This is the visceral view of the original temptation to birth. The inevitable dance of the Cheribim or pre- birthed spirits, albeit of a Jewish mein or dignity. This is the pictograph of the written poetry. That is the infallible sentiment of this book. It’s quizzicalness. Whether beset by the sin of succibi lust or ordained into the Shekhina womb temple. It’s unfocus only reinforces the partial sight of the cherubic dance. Is it alluring? Fatalistic. It’s form and finality. The will to birth and the elusive, heavenly or manipulative demonic need to flesh oneself. This is Shekhina.

[Emily]

You can tell that Nimoy loved women, as a man and as an artist.

[Alle C. Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shekhinagate:: What the Fracas over Leonard Nimoy's New Book Is Really About.

Two weeks ago, Leonard Nimoy put the Spock pinch on the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. In a controversy reported as far away as England and parodied on Saturday Night Live, Nimoy canceled ,,,,
....
More at:
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/sh...

(Originally appeared in "The Stranger," Nov. 7-13, 2002 issue.

[Melinda Tate]

Its a picture book. UM.....just know that.