Saturday, June 8, 2024

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman Installation, Sept 11, 1992

My installation took place on Sept 11, 1992.  You can watch the four-part video (including a priceless performance by our choirs) and then, below that, see the program for the service, which featured "offerings" of new prayerbooks made by representatives of different demographic segments of the congregation.  See the lineup below.  It was quite a memorable evening!  At the end, you can find the original text of my remarks given that evening, including some key advice I was given by Rabbi Mark Golub (who was also terrific at the oneg).  The video contains the voices and images of so many no longer with us, including the unmistakable voice of Alan Kalter, who was chair and inspiration for the whole event, and who is sorely missed by so many, especially me.  

And then, at the very, very end, you'll see one of the many notes I received, this one from a TBE teen, which I treasure as much now as I did then.  

The only downer is that the date of Sept. 11 would come to have an entirely different meaning a decade later.  As we prepare for my final service in the coming days, let's hope the date of June 21 continues to be synonymous with the warmth and endless light of summer solstice.  I know that on that evening, warmth will be in abundance inside our sanctuary as well.





The Program:












Here are my remarks given that night, followed by a congratulatory note received from a TBE teen, Jody Siegartel.







No comments: