Who blows the shofar on Rosh Hashanah?

Answer 1

We blow the shofar because God commanded us to (Numbers 29:1). Symbolically, it is a declaration the God is King, just as people blow trumpets when the king appears. It is also a reminder that the day of shofar-blowing (Rosh Hashanah) is a day of judgment.

Answer 2

Because on Sabbath, it is forbidden to create something. By blowing the shofar you are creating a form of music.

Answer:

The above answer is incorrect. It's a mitzvah (command) to hear the call of the shofar (Leviticus ch.23), so it would be okay in principle to create something that's been specifically commanded. Rather, we don't blow shofar on the sabbath, in order to prevent an unlearned Jew from violating the sabbath prohibition of carrying the shofar outside to another domain (to bring it to the synagogue; or to be instructed in its use, since blowing the shofar properly is not easy). Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 29b.

Answer 3

Who is Qualified to Sound the Shofar?

The Shulchan Aruch begins its exploration of fitness by citing excluded classes of people:

1. An unfit Baal Tekiah can perform this mitzvah, if no one else is available who is qualified.

2. The mitzvah is not valid if done by a deaf mute, moron (lacks the capacity) or a child (lacks the adult status). Women are exempt because the mitzvah is time-bound. However, if a female Baala Tekiya has already intoned the Shofar for other women, it is valid. However, women should not make a blessing.

3. Only a freeman (not a slave) can be a Baal Tekiya. (Shulchan Aruch 590:1-5)

Generally, a person fit to sound the Shofar publicly is a male adult who is obligated to perform the mitzvah of sounding the Shofar. (Shulchan Aruch 589:1)

Being a Baal Tekiya (Shofar Sounder) is an honor.

The one who blows the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah . . . should likewise be learned in the Torah and shall be God-fearing; the best man available. Nevertheless, every Jew is eligible for any sacred office, providing he is acceptable to the congregation. If, however, he sees that his choice will cause disruption, he should withdraw his candidacy, even if an improper person will be chosen. Shulchan Aruch 3:72.

Moreover, the Baal Tekiya shall abstain from anything that may cause ritual contamination for three days prior to Rosh Hashanah. Shulchan Aruch 3:73

If a blind shofar-blower was dismissed, but the community did not find someone as proficient, he should be accepted. The issue is proficiency, not disability. (Radbaz)

See Arthur L. Finkle, Easy Guide to Shofar Sounding, Torah Aura, LA, 2002

Answer 4

The talmud (a book of Jewish law) states that the shofar blown on Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) should be made of a ram's horn to recall the Sacrifice of Isaac. Commentators explain that this is so that G-d will remember the merit of Abraham who was willing to sacrifice his son, and Isaac who was willing to be sacrificed. In turn G-d will grant his people with a good year because of the merit of their forefathers.