Word Smith: Shofar
In an article in the New York Times about the decades of attempts by Jewish families to recover art and memorabilia lost due to war, theft and genocide, there was a reference to a sequestored shofar. Not sure what it was and why it would be a cherished heirloom, it was time for an internet search.
According to Google, shofar is an ancient ritual musical instrument, typically a hollowed-out ram’s horn, used in Judaism for important religious occasions, especially during the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The sound of the horn symbolizes a spiritual alarm clock to call for introspection and repentance. The horn blower produces distinct sounds such as the long Tekiah, broken Shevarim, and rapid Truah. The horn is made from kosher, cloven-hooved animals, and requires skillful breath control for pitch. The sound of the horn is deeply rooted in biblical tradition as a signal for war, new moons, and Sabbath.
Key Aspects of the Shofar, as outlined by Chat GPT:
- Material: Most commonly a ram’s horn, but also kudu or other kosher animals.
- Purpose: A spiritual call to wake up the soul, announce new moons, call to prayer, and mark significant events, including a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah in Christian traditions.
- When it’s blown: During the month of Elul (leading to Rosh Hashanah), on Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), and at the conclusion of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
- Sounds:
- Tekiah: A single, long, clear blast.
- Shevarim: Three short, broken sounds.
- Truah: A series of nine or more staccato (rapid) blasts.
- Tekiah Gedolah: A final, very long Tekiah.
- How it’s played: Like a bugle, pitch is controlled by the player’s embouchure (mouth position), not valves.
Symbolism:
- A Call to Repentance: Its piercing sounds serve as a spiritual alarm clock, urging listeners to reflect and turn back to God.
- Biblical Significance: Mentioned in the Torah for events like the binding of Isaac (ram caught in thicket) and the revelation at Sinai.
Henry E. Hooper 