27 Aug
Rosh Hashanah Cards – Sounding the Shofar
Have you ever received a Rosh Hashanah cards with a picture of a shofar and wondered, “what’s the connection between Rosh Hashana and the sounding of the shofar?”
Good question.
In this article we will outline three of the key reasons the shofar plays a central role on Rosh Hashanah and why Jewish New Year Cards have chosen the shofar as one of it’s main symbols.
There are actually three different, unique shofar blasts sounded on this solemn day. These are referred to in Hebrew as tekiah, shevarim and teruah.
Each sound has it’s own “personality” and characterizes one of the major themes of the day.
Below are listed the three main motifs of the day and their selected blast.
1. Coronating the King – Tekiah: Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of creation. It is a time dedicated to recognizing and coronating the Creator of the world as our king.
In a traditional coronation ceremony it would be appropriate that horns be sounded to mark and celebrate so momentous an occasion.
So too, on this awesome day of Rosh Hashana, when we coronate the Lord as our king, we highlight the event by sounding the trumpets, which in our case is the shofar.
The sound chosen is the tekiah. It is a long, unwavering blast. It is a sign of honor and glory due the King, befitting this special day.
2. Judgment Day – Shevarim: A second major theme of Rosh Hashanah is that it is a time of judgment.
It’s common to find Rosh Hashana cards depicting the Lord, sitting upon His throne, with the Book of Life and the Book of Death open before Him, deciding each individual’s fate.
As such, it is only proper we use this time for repentance and prayer.
The sorrowful wail of the shofar represents the inner voice, the deepest cry, of the Jewish people, entreating the Lord for forgiveness and mercy.
The moaning like sigh sounded is the “shevarim”. These are three medium, mournful blasts.
It is the sobbing of a Jewish heart, regretting past misdeeds, longing to repent, and striving to draw closer to his Maker.
The shofar also serves as a reminder of the ram that was substituted as a sacrifice for Isaac, when the Lord told Abraham not to harm his son.
It also serves to remind us of the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai, when the sound of the shofar was heard in the background.
3. “Sleepers Arise From Your Slumber” – Teruah: According to the Rambam, one of the foremost Jewish sages, the blast of the shofar is a wake up call.
In his chapter on repentance he writes “look into your souls and improve your ways and your deeds”.
The sound of the shofar that best represents this call to action is the Teruah. It is a series of ten short staccato blasts in rapid succession.
One is reminded of the ringing of an alarm clock or revelry blown at an army boot camp. It is a signal to arouse oneself from his spiritual slumber and get to work on self improvement.
According to Rav Sa’adya Gaon the sounding of the shofar reminds us of the future ingathering of the dispersed exiles of Israel.
In addition, it reminds us of the resurrection of the dead.
And finally the teruah reminds us of the forthcoming great Day of Judgment, and the coming of the messianic era when peace and tranquility will reign.
The shofar then, reminds us of the history of the Jewish people and their journey through time.
From the beginning of creation, to receiving the Torah, to the final redemption, the shofar plays a central role.
On this auspicious day of Rosh Hashanah we should listen intently to the sound of the shofar and let it serve to uplift us and strengthen our relationship with ourselves, our fellowman and our Creator.
