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Rabbinic Reflections: An Ode to Installation
September 2006
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Photo by
Chris Gaines |
So where are you going to"install" me?
I was thinking about the wall right over there.
Anyone bring a screwdriver?
Rabbi Glenn Ettman was formally installed as CBI's Assistant Rabbi on September 16. The following is the text of his presentation, written, as is his style, in prose poetry form.
This is truly awesome.
I am truly humbled.
Honored.
In awe.
And down right happy.
Here I am, standing
with all of you,
celebrating this fantastic moment.
Rabbi Citrin.
Cantor Bernstein.
My parents.
Each one of you smiling at me
and me smiling at you…
One of my most treasured and profound mentors,
Rabbi Levy,
from whom I hope I have been able to glean at least one nugget of wisdom and compassion.
And I just simply say, "Wow!"
This is truly wonderful…
But I have one question.
Where are you going to put me?
I mean, this is my installation.
So, where are you going to "install" me?
I was thinking about the wall right over there.
Anyone bring a screwdriver…?
But what does it fully mean to be "installed?"
The dictionary definition explains
that it is "to set something up for service or use."
To install is to become a fixture.
To install is to become a steady piece
in the temporality of our lives…
In the performative realm...
Avant garde theatre theorist, Allan Kaprow, explained that an installation through art and theatre impacts our senses and forces us to see where we are in relation to where we want to go.
But what is the metaphor of being installed really all about?
When you think of it...
What are some things that you install?
Lightbulbs.
Pictures.
Pieces of art.
Computer software…
And what do these all have in common?
They are elements that enhance
and further the purpose of the original entity.
A new lightbulb sheds a clearer vision
on an otherwise flickering idea.
A picture hanging on the wall
enhances and adds an element of newness to an otherwise bland and potentially pareve space…
And no matter how fast or how spectacular a computer is,
without software, it won't work…
And so too perhaps, while none of us are objects,
We all represent this metaphor of installation.
Because we each have an ability to enhance
the world in which we live.
And moreover, this is really how I understand
what this moment is all about.
This past week we read from Parashat Nitzavim which,
in addition to reminding us to choose life,
also sets forth a mission.
Moses posits to the people a reminder of where they came from,
what they are called on to do,
and how they are to do it once they enter into
the new world they are about to inherit.
Like us right now.
I hope to help us shine a new light on our vision
as a congregation.
Remembering where we have been by learning and gleaning
wonderful wisdom from each of you who has helped to grow this spectacular congregation…
And to help us grow and continue to flourish
in the eyes of the world and in the presence of God.
I pray that each picture of a connection we hang together in this mikdash, this holy space, adds a feeling of newness to our lives…
And I hope that each moment I get to spend with each one of you is filled with warmth.
Compassion.
And most importantly, connection.
To me, my rabbinate can be summed up
in one concept which I explain as
"smiles of connection."
That smile of connection when we learn something together.
That smile when we have fun at a youth group event.
Or are sharing stories of excitement in the courtyard.
And those smiles of compassion when we sit and cry
over life's speed bumps and challenges.
That smile that I have with all of you right now.
The world on the outside of us may be overwrought with misunderstanding.
Miscommunication.
And missed signals…
But our world here is replete with compassion.
Hope and faith.
The presence of God is the permanent installation
in our holy community.
We are here and empowered to enhance it and
to help make a new light shine over us.
So, I ask again, where are you going to put me?…
That, I hope, is with you.
As I embark on this journey with you all,
I hope to continue to become part of each your lives.
To counsel.
To laugh.
To cry.
To love.
And to listen.
To help lead us forward…
My vision, upon this incredible moment for us
as a congregational family.
Is this…
That we all become fixtures in each other's lives.
And that we install hope and faith in each other's beings.
And that we continue to journey together…
Armed in partnership.
Guided by love,
Laughter,
And most importantly, life.
Wow…so now what…
I for one can hardly wait to journey with you…
Ufros alienu sukkat shelomecha.
May the sheltering canopy
of God's love guide us and be with us as we continue
on this long, strange trip together…
Always,
Rabbi Glenn Ettman
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