The Aaronic Benediction: "Live Long And Prosper!"

This was the blessing gesture that was the inspiration for the Vulcan salute: "Live Long and Prosper!", from the old Star Trek episodes features actor Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, performing a Vulcan salute, his four fingers forming a "V" and pronouncing a "blessing" of sorts as he bids us farewell. In Nimoy's autobiography I Am Not Spock, the actor states where he got this idea: from a Jewish synagogue, of all places. Nimoy (who is Jewish), recalls the time his grandfather took him to an Orthodox service, and there the rabbi pronounced, with fingers separated into what would later morph into the Star Trek Vulcan salute, the Aaronic Benediction, performed since ancient times by the Kohanim: the priestly descendants of Aaron: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace." This Thursday night we look more closely at the meaning and relevance of this "Aaronic Benediction". Tune in and take notes! Your host: Rev. Rick Anderson, on "Jewish Roots", each Thursday at 9:30-10:30 pm. ["On Demand" episode. Pre-recorded. Do not call in tonight.]