Jewish Fund-Raiser Drops Nimoy Over Nude Book Photos

Organization Says Actor Contracted Talk Of His 'Jewish Journey'

Actor and photographer Leonard Nimoy says he's "shocked" over being dropped from a Jewish fund-raiser because of his book that features naked and near-naked women with Jewish artifacts.

The star of the original "Star Trek" told the Seattle Times that the book "Shekhina" is "reverential," and is about the "feminine presence of God." He added that "this is not some figure that is a foggy mist in a cloud somewhere. I have depicted her as being a flesh-and-blood woman."

But Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle's director Barry Goren said the organization got complaints about the photos, which led to the cancellation in an interview with the Times.

The Times described the book's cover, which shows a woman with a nipple visible through a translucent garment. She also has phylacteries -- a traditional Jewish prayer accessory -- wrapped around one arm.

Goren added that the federation "invited Leonard Nimoy because he's a well-known Jewish person that would be a draw for our donors." He claimed he contracted Nimoy in July "not to talk about his book, but to talk about his 'Jewish journey,' a speech he has given in Jewish organizations before."

According to the Times, Nimoy's publicist nor the Jewish Federation would release a copy of the contract.

Nimoy learned he was being replaced during an "unpleasant" conversation with Goren. He told the Times the cancellation "may be an anomaly. I hope it is. We have not had this kind of reaction anyplace else."

Former "Saturday Night Live" actor and political satirist Al Franken replaced Nimoy at the event, scheduled for Oct. 23.

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