Community Corner
The Sound of the Shofar
The Shofar is made of the hollowed horn of an animal, usually a ram.
There are things that are so important to us, that when we speak about them, we speak with passion, meaning and depth—our words flow, bursting with emotion.
And then there is that which shakes us to our core -- unable to wait for the mind’s permission to express or for the right words to be formulated, an uncontrollable cry that emanates from within.
The sound of the Shofar is compared to this powerful cry. A Shofar (pronounced SHOW-far) is perhaps the oldest wind instrument known to man. The Shofar is made of the hollowed horn of an animal, usually a ram.
On the Jewish New Year Holiday of Rosh Hashana (this year September 4-6), the Shofar plays an important part. The Shofar is sounded on the two days of Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew for beginning of the year and on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement - this year September 13 -14), Judaism's most sacred day.
Find out what's happening in Malibuwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Why the horn of an animal? Because the animals simplicity of primal expression the mind can neither fathom nor hold back and this expression is similar to the simple but uncontrollable cry when our very inner beings are expressed.
The narrow mouthpiece and wider opening of the Shofar, resembles a birth canal. The shofar can thus be seen as “the Midwife of the New Year.” The tool that assists us in our personal and collective breakthrough and “rebirth.”
Find out what's happening in Malibuwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
During the time of the Shofars piercing cry, we figuratively squeeze all our heartfelt prayers, all our tears from the past twelve months, the very deepest part of our souls into that moment in time. When our inner being resonates with the sound of the Shofar, a new portal, a new beginning opens up for all that are listening — the cosmic womb gives birth.
As we prepare for the sound of renewal, indeed a new energy for the universe, we pray that the simple sound we make on Rosh Hashana, be filled with the simple sound of love so that it reach all of humanity at the highest level of our collective consciousness. Surely this simple sound within us carries the possibility of true peace on earth we all pray for.
You are welcome to join us at Chabad to hear the sound of the Shofar. For more information regarding the High Holidays please visit us online. May you and yours be blessed for a year of health, wealth and true contentment.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
