‘Live Long and Prosper’: Spock’s legacy honors Jewish leaders for fighting hate

A foundation dedicated to the legacy of Leonard Nimoy, the Jewish actor best known for portraying Mr. Spock in Star Trek, has announced the recipients of this year’s “Live Long and Prosper” Tribute Award. The honorees, Rabbi Shlomo Rothstein, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, and Darren Reisberg, vice chancellor for operations and the campus network at Vanderbilt University, will be recognized for their efforts in combating hatred, supporting Jewish life, and fostering unity among diverse groups. The ceremony will take place on September 18 at the Vanderbilt Chabad House. The Nimoy-Knight Foundation, founded by Nimoy’s daughter Julie Nimoy and filmmaker David Knight, selects annual recipients for the LLAP award based on their embodiment of compassion, wisdom, courage, service, and dedication to human dignity. Past honorees have included prominent figures such as Whoopi Goldberg, Billie Jean King, Neil deGrasse Tyson, George Takei, LeVar Burton, and Mayim Bialik. This year’s selection marks the first time the award has been given to individuals associated with a university, highlighting the institution’s role in promoting inclusivity and countering antisemitism on campus. Leonard Nimoy, born in 1931 to Yiddish-speaking Jewish immigrants in Boston, spent over seven decades in the entertainment industry. His portrayal of Spock in the original Star Trek series, which debuted in 1966, became one of the most influential roles in television history. The franchise expanded into a vast media empire encompassing films, video games, comics, and multiple television adaptations. Nimoy’s iconic Vulcan salute, a raised right hand with fingers splayed, was inspired by the Priestly Blessing performed by Jewish Kohanim during synagogue services. He often credited this gesture with shaping Spock’s famous greeting, “Live long and prosper.” Beyond his acting career, Nimoy remained deeply connected to his Jewish heritage. He narrated the documentary A Life Apart: Hasidism in America in 1997 and supported various Jewish causes throughout his life. Diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) around 2014, Nimoy passed away in 2015. His contributions to both entertainment and Jewish community life continue to resonate through the foundation he helped inspire. At the upcoming ceremony, Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier expressed admiration for how Nimoy’s legacy continues to influence modern society. In remarks prepared for the event, Diermeier noted that the phrase “Live long and prosper” has transcended its origins in Star Trek to become a universal symbol of hope and cooperation. He emphasized that the values represented by the phrase, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and collective progress, are particularly vital in today’s climate of increasing divisiveness and prejudice. Rabbi Shlomo Rothstein, director of the Rohr Chabad House and Lubeck Center for Jewish Life at Vanderbilt, has led initiatives aimed at enhancing Jewish presence and engagement on campus. His work includes organizing cultural and educational programs that bring students of different backgrounds together. Darren Reisberg, vice chancellor for operations and the campus network, has spearheaded efforts to create inclusive environments that support diversity and combat discrimination. Together, the trio has worked to ensure that Vanderbilt remains a safe and welcoming space for all students, faculty, and staff. The recognition of these three individuals underscores the growing importance of addressing antisemitism and other forms of bigotry in academic settings. Universities across the United States have increasingly faced challenges related to rising incidents of hate speech and violence targeting Jewish students. By honoring those who actively fight against such trends, the Nimoy-Knight Foundation aims to encourage similar efforts elsewhere. The award ceremony will feature speeches, performances, and reflections on the significance of Nimoy’s contributions to both pop culture and the Jewish community. The event will conclude with a formal presentation of the awards, followed by a reception open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the honorees and learn more about the ongoing mission of the Nimoy-Knight Foundation. As the date approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a meaningful celebration of resilience, unity, and the enduring power of shared values.