Last Wednesday evening at Christie’s in New York, a 1986 sculpture by Jeff Koons, “The Rabbit,” sold for $91 million. A playful, stainless steel, faceless rabbit, just over three feet tall, which has not been publicly exhibited for more than 30 years, became the most expensive work by a living artist ever to sell at auction. Christie’s had described the sculpture as “…one of the most iconic works of 20th-century art… crisp and cool in its appearance, yet it taps into the visual language of childhood.”

Even though I know this is an investment and, hopefully, as long as it keeps its mystique, it will accrue value for the new owner. Still, that’s a lot of money spent on perception. The auction house preview says “Its lack of facial features renders it inscrutable, yet its form evokes fun and frivolity.”

From the Torah perspective, it’s interesting that one of the most “recognizable” features of an idol was its face. “The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; they have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them shall be like them; yea, every one that trusts in them.” (Psalm 135:16-18).

“Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding, that have eyes, and see not, that have ears, and hear not.” (Jeremiah 5:21). When in life do we become like those idols that we worship, that prevent us from seeing what is right in front of us?

In this case, is it better for “The Rabbit” not to have a face?  Is the point to open up endless possibilities? Is this why it has accrued such value? Are we able to see ourselves or anyone else in it?  What is its real “face” value?

It’s hard to believe and trust in a God when you can’t see His face. It’s easier to trust in material idols with “facial features” that we can see and touch that bring security and comfort now.

We are fast approaching Shavuot and the reenactment of receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai, the experience that brought humanity (especially one human) the closest to seeing God’s face. As the people were drawn closer to learning to trust the God they could not see, they were still seeking the comfort of a golden idol. Yet in their fear to move forward, they reverted to what was known back in Egypt. Even though they thought they were giving their gold only to recreate the familiar, they were paying with their freedom. Was this a wise investment?

Please join me for Tikkun Leil Shavuot study on Saturday evening, June 8, at 7:30. May you invest wisely this summer on the North Fork.

—Rabbi Gadi Capela