The shofar is a horn, traditionally that of a ram, blown as a call to worship. It's symbolism is based in the story of Abraham and Isaac, in which a ram is sacrificed to G-d. Today, it is used mainly during the high holy days.
The first person to blow the shofar was Moses in 10 BCE
Blowing the Shofar is a form of musical instrument, and playing musical instruments is generally prohibited on Shabbat to honor the day's rest. However, there are exceptions to this rule, like during the High Holidays when it is allowed to blow the Shofar.
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Orthodox and Conservative Jews do not blow the shofar on Rosh Hashannah when Rosh Hashannah falls on a Saturday. This is to honor the Sabbath. However, both celebrate Rosh Hashannah as a two-day festival, so they blow the other day of the festival. Many Reform Jews only celebrate Rosh Hashannah as a one-day festival, but they aren't stringent about prohibited work on the Sabbath, so they blow the Shofar on Saturday.
When blowing the shofar, it is customary to say a blessing beforehand. The traditional blessing includes thanking God for commanding the sounding of the shofar. After the shofar is blown, some may also recite specific prayers or proclamations, such as "Hayom harat olam," emphasizing the significance of the day, especially on Rosh Hashanah. The act symbolizes awakening, repentance, and the call to spiritual renewal.
A special horn that has six letters and is not one you blow is a "shofar." The shofar is a musical instrument made from a ram's horn and is used in Jewish religious ceremonies, particularly during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Its sound is meant to call people to repentance and spiritual awakening.
The basic 'mitzvah' (commandment) concerning the shofar on Rosh Hashana is the commandment to hear it. For that reason, it's common for one who is able to competently render the various sounds to take the shofar to shut-ins on Rosh Hashana afternoons, and give them the opportunity to recite the blessing and hear the sounds. If no men were qualified, available, or willing to do this, a woman might perform this kindness, especially for other women who had not been able to attend the synagogue service. For the shofar service itself in the synagogue ... on the morning of Rosh Hashana or any morning service during the month before ... especially in an Orthodox synagogue, a woman would not be the individual selected to blow the shofar.
No, you should not use hydrochloric acid to deodorize a shofar. Hydrochloric acid is a strong and corrosive chemical that can damage the material of the shofar, which is typically made from animal horn. Instead, it’s advisable to clean a shofar with mild soap and water or consult a professional who specializes in shofar maintenance. Proper care ensures the integrity and longevity of the shofar.
Shofar of Freedom Award was created in 1990.
Reform Jews outside Israel generally celebrate Rosh Hashanah for only one day, while all other Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah for two days. Reform Jews blow the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah even if it falls on Shabbat (the Sabbath), while others refrain from blowing the shofar on Shabbat.
The correct spelling is shofar. The plural is shofarot (or shofaros according to the traditional Ashkenazi spelling).
The shofar is an ancient communication instrument. It's origins are unknown.