live long and prosper

I have been advised that the priestly benediction was done, for many years, with two hands over the person with the fingers spaced with two fingers on one side and the other three (which includes the thumb) on the other side.

An orthodox Jew, by the name Leonard Nimoy, made the hand display well known to Jews and non-Jews alike by using it in original Star Trek. He then added the line LIVE LONG AND PROSPER as a vulcan salutation.

Was the salutation that much different from the intent and purpose of the priestly benediction? I think not. But, I am not a Rabbi, nor do I profess to have the knowledge and expertise of a Rabbi. Obviously, the "Vulcan" hand sign together with the saying "live long and prosper" has taken on its own life and longevity.

But, if we think about the "Vulcan" saying, it may have a value to Jews as we enter the New Year.

Live long certainly can imply that we are being inscribed in the book of life for another year and, hopefully, for many more. And to prosper should mean that we are good Jews and that whatever we do, we must pursue our hopes and dreams and at the same we must try and help others to live long and prosper.

Over the weekend (after going to visit a terminally ill cancer patient in NYC), we had the honor of per chance meeting with Leonard Nimoy a/k/a SPOCK on the street. He was very nice and it was, without doubt, a pleasure to meet him and briefly talk to him.

As we start the New Year we did a mitzvah of visiting a patient at Mt Sinai who is very ill. That mitzvah was apparently rewarded by the kismet visit with Leonard Nimoy.

To all of my FHC family, Star Trek fans, and others in general I wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year, and I wish you to Live long and Prosper.

Shalom.

Jeremy