What is the Meaning Behind the Blowing of the Shofar?

The distinctive sound of a shofar ushers in the Jewish new year at Rosh Hoshanah.

A raspy wail breaks out over celebrations of the Jewish High Holy Days each fall: This distinctive sound is the traditional instrument called the shofar. Today, the ritual sounding of the shofar ushers in the new year (Rosh Hoshanah) and calls for atonement (Yom Kippur), but in earlier days it blew over Hebrew armies in battle and local agricultural rituals.

Source

The curving horn of a ram is widely considered the ideal material for a shofar.

A shofar is usually made from the horn of a ram, though other kosher animals are acceptable, such as the kudu antelope used by Jews of Yemen. Whatever the material, the horn must be naturally hollow. The ram is preferred because it evokes the sacrifice Abraham made in place of his son, Isaac (Bereshit/Genesis 22). The only kosher animal that may not be used is the cow, because it is said to remind God of the golden calf idol the Israelites made at Sinai (Shemot/Exodus 32).

History

The Torah records many instances of blowing the shofar.

The shofar had wide significance in the past, blown to mark any number of occasions, such as the new moon or the signing of a peace treaty; it was blown to mark Moses' receiving of the Ten Commandments . Ancient Hebrew armies blew shofars as war horns, and it was shofars--not modern trumpets--whose blast blew down the walls of Jericho before Joshua's conquering forces.

Symbolism

The pure call of a shofar calls Jews to lead pure lives.

This seemingly simple instrument has many levels of symbolism. The ram of Abraham--source of the horn--is the most obvious. The horn's bent shape reminds listeners to bend before the lord, demonstrating contrition. The rousing sound, produced by human breath, reminds listeners that God breathed life into human beings, and its pure sound calls Jews to lead lives that are likewise pure and natural. The clear, loud blast is a message from people to God, accepting his reign.

Rosh Hoshanah

The shofar is an integral part of the observance of Rosh Hashanah.

The shofar signals the new year as part of the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hoshanah, the first two days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei; it takes place in September or October. Hearing the shofar blown during Rosh Hoshanah is a commandment, required of observant Jews. A designated person sounds the shofar during synagogue services.

Yom Kippur

The shofar sounds to end the Yom Kippur fast.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the 10th day of the month of Tishrei, and thus the 10th day of the Jewish new year. It is among the most sacred of Jewish holidays, and observant Jews honor this spiritually cleansing occasion with a day-long fast. The shofar marks the end of the fast and, along with it, the end of the "Days of Awe" that begin with Rosh Hashanah.

References

• Judaica-Guide.com: Shofar
• Jewish Virtual Library: The Torah
• Iowa State University: Musica Antiqua: Shofar
• Jewish Virtual Library: Shofar

Resources

• Anticipation and Consummation: A Perspective on the Shofar (PDF)