Dear Friends,
When I was a kid attending shul during the High Holidays, the most exciting moment was hearing the shofar blast. We’d stand close, timing how long the sound lasted—the longer, the better! Back then, it was a fun competition with our watches, and the shofar was just a long, impressive horn.
Now, when I hear the shofar, it evokes something much deeper. It’s no longer playful but profound—a call to pause, reflect, and consider the year that’s passed. It stirs memories of past High Holidays and family gatherings, as well as moments from the previous year. The sound feels like a moment suspended in time, urging us to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
But what makes the shofar so special? The blast is central to Rosh Hashanah, also known by the biblical name “Yom Teru’ah”—the Day of the Blast. In our Jewish tradition the essence of the holiday is to hear the shofar, without it Rosh Hashanah is incomplete. Its sounds—Tekiah (a long, steady blast), Shevarim (three broken notes), and Teruah (nine quick blasts)—symbolize the different ways we respond to the call. Tekiah might be a bold proclamation of new resolutions, while Shevarim and Teruah might be cries for help or expressions of regret. The ancient rabbis even connected the shofar’s sound to the biblical story of Sisera’s mother, whose cry upon learning of her son’s death symbolizes the raw, unfiltered emotions we bring to God during this time.
The shofar also invites us into a silence—not just of words, but of emotion and self-reflection. It’s a wake-up call for our souls, urging us to consider what we want to change or preserve in the coming year. This past year has been one of great challenges, both individually and as a community. The shofar reminds us to listen carefully—not just to its sound, but to the voices of those around us. It calls us to be present for others, to stand up for those in need, and to express what is in our own hearts.
On Rosh Hashanah, each of us connects to the shofar’s sounds in our own way, finding the note that resonates most deeply. It calls us to speak from the heart, to raise our voices for those who are struggling, and to stand up in moments that matter. Whether we are seeking strength, offering support, or reflecting on our own growth, the shofar’s blast echoes our voices. It’s a reminder that we have something important to say, and that the world needs to hear it.
As we enter this new year, my hope is that we each find our voice, whether through words, actions, or meaningful connections, and that we make a positive difference in our lives and the world around us.
With a prayer for the release of the hostages and more peaceful days ahead –
Shabbat shalom and Shana Tova to you and your family,
Rabbi Moriah SimonHazani
Recent Comments