A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO THE JEWISH SHOFAR (HORN)

What is it?

It is a musical instrument made from a ram, kudu, or other animal horn and blown like a trumpet. In the Jewish tradition, blowing it is a commandment. To be considered an instrument, a shofar must be in its natural form, naturally hollow. The sound is produced by human breath, symbolizing the original breath which God breathes into human beings.

How is it Made?

It is made from a hollow horn, which is thoroughly processed to separate the horn’s covering from its bone. If there are any cracks or fractures, it is disqualified. The next stage is sterilization, and then the mouthpiece is prepared.  

The Origins of The Shofar

it has first mentioned in the bible on the very day the Jewish people received the bible; The verse is found in Exodus 19:13, 16, and 19: “Then the shofar sounded from heaven amid thunders and lightning; Moses spoke, and God answered him with a voice.” In fact, the bible mentions the Shofar 72 times and is regarded with such high importance so that no one other than the priests and Levites blew it. 

It sounds were heard during many historical events in the bible: to announce a new moon, call upon different species of animals and plants into the ark, mark a new year, proclaim salvation, and more.

It’s said that the Israeli people even won wars as they concurred Israel’s land with unconventional weapons. The item was used to gather the people, call the soldiers to battle, and proclaim a new king’s anointing. Until today, the Israeli people sound it at the swearing of a new president as a non-religious tradition.

The Sound of it

It produces four sounds: tekiah, shevarim, teruah, and tekiah gedolah. It can produce sobbing, sustained sounds in pre-determined sequences that vary according to the ritual and essentially echo like a crying voice.

The Different Meanings of The Shofar Sound

The sound’s most known meaning is calling for us to look inward and repent for our sins. When it is blown, it’s a time to reflect and ask for forgiveness. Jewish tradition also holds that the sounds of the Shofar will announce the arrival of the messiah.

When and Where is the Shofar Being Used?

The most common place to hear is in a synagogue: It will be heard during the high holidays, every day during Elul (the Hebrew month that precedes Rosh Hashanah), and on Yom Kippur. If you live near a large Jewish community, you might hear the Shofar blown in public spots.

It’s said that the Shofar is blown on Rosh Hashana to mark the beginning of a new year, and mark the sentence of the past year, judging good deeds versus sins. It is being blown to call for a spiritual reawakening on Rosh Hashana, yet on Yom Kippur, the ut is being blown as a repentance call reckoning/soul searching.  

Is Blowing it Hard?

Like any other musical instrument, there is a learning curve for blowing it. There are a few different skill levels, and HalleluYAH includes a Shofar Blowing Guide in every Shofar. To learn how to blow the Shofar, you can follow the instructions in the guide, go to a class at your local synagogue, or even take a course online.

Where to Buy a Shofar

Many online stores offer Shofars for sale, yet you must make sure you purchase a certified, Kosher shofar. HalleluYAH offers a wide variety of it for sale from Israel. Choose from HalleluYAH’s Kosher certified finishes: polished, semi-polished, natural shofar horn for sell finish, and pick your own adornment, decoration, size, and style. If you need any assistance in selecting the ideal for sale, reach out to a specialist for help.

how to chose

If you’re serious about learning to blow it, it is essential to select it with great care and attention to detail. The size and appearance of the Shofar horn shouldn’t be factors in your choice; find a Shofar for sale that sits comfortably on your lips.

Final Thoughts

It is a holy instrument embedded deeply in the Jewish people’s culture, traditions, and rituals. It symbolizes the Jewish people’s past and history and signifies the Jewish people’s future and redemption. This instrument produces unique sounds that fill the heart and open the mind to true feelings of remorse, empathy, and soul searching. The magnificent Shofar is not just a contraption; it should be a symbol in every house and displayed proudly as a heritage.

If you want to reconnect with God and experience the magnificent sounds of the Shofar, Check out the HalleluYAH collection of Kosher shofars. These shofars will help you connect with God and strengthen your spiritual belief in the holy lands.