How shofars became the spiritual soundtrack of Rosh Hashanah
This article explores the historical and spiritual significance of the shofar, an animal horn blown like a trumpet, in the Jewish New Year holiday of Rosh Hashanah. It details its biblical origins, its role in calling people to attention and marking significant events, and its codification in rabbinic law.
Why it matters
This piece provides cultural and religious context for a major Jewish holiday, helping readers understand the traditions and their deep historical roots, and the enduring role of ancient practices in modern faith.
(RNS and NPR) It can be the small, curved horn of a ram or the dramatic spiral of an African antelope. The sound it creates is unmistakable.
Creating that sound is not difficult, but it does take some practice, said Rabbi Alicia Jo Rabins , a musician based in Portland, Oregon.
You take a deep breath and purse your lips, like you are playing a brass instrument.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, begins at sunset Friday. Across the world, Jews will spend the two-day holiday in prayer, reflection and celebration. And for many, a highlight will be hearing the shofar: an animal's horn blown like a trumpet.
How did this primal instrument become a holiday's spiritual soundtrack?
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