When is the Ceremony Over?
Ceremony protocol stipulates that the director approach the podium, smile and start speaking.
Ceremony protocol stipulates that the director greet the audience, thank the distinguished guests and express appreciation for the efforts of the organizers. Ceremony protocol stipulates also that the director, before leaving the podium, deliver some brief and learned remarks, preferably including a quote from rabbinic literature or the Western philosophical canon. The main thing is that he should sound scholarly and not speak at length. If his remarks happen also to be thought-provoking,then that is praiseworthy (as the Sages of Blessed memory would say). This is also the place to note that these opening remarks are inspired by Dan Sperber’s (1985) article, “Anthropology and psychology: Towards an epidemiology of representations.” Man, (20)1, 73-89. According to ceremony protocol, and provided that he received prior approval in advance from the event's organizer, the director may not only thank and impress, but also relate a story or ask a question. A few weeks ago, I was in New York on a business trip. After a meeting on the Upper East Side, I passed by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and came upon an interesting ceremony. I pulled out my cell phone and recorded it. Unfortunately, I judged incorrectly when the ceremony was over. So, when you reach the end of the clip below, the ceremony is not yet over. So, I leave you with the question: “What happened next?” Or in other words, “When is the ceremony over?” And thereby, I bring the director's greeting ceremony to a close.
Opening remarks from a study event examining the educational role of ceremonies in the Israel Defense Forces. The event was titled, "When is the Ceremony Over."
