Today the shofar is most commonly used on the Jewish New Year, called Rosh HaShanah (meaning “head of the year” in Hebrew). In fact, the shofar is such an important part of this holiday that another name for Rosh HaShanah is Yom Teruah, which means “day of the shofar blast” in Hebrew. The shofar is blown one hundred times on each of the two days of Rosh HaShanah. If one of the days of Rosh HaShanah falls on Shabbat, however, the shofar is not blown.
According to the famous Jewish philosopher Maimonides, the sound of the shofar on Rosh HaShanah is meant to wake up soul and turn its attention to the important task of repentance (teshuvah).
It is the eve of Rosh Hashanah, at sundown tonight, Jews all over the world have 10 days to make amends, reflect on the past year, and promise to be a better person. This is the time to ask for forgiveness and give forgiveness. This is the time to be thankful for all that you have and make an effort to help those who are in need.
Tonight we will celebrate with apples dipped in honey in hopes for a sweet year. Our Challah loaf will be round, symbolic of the cycle of life, a cycle that repeats itself generation after generation.
I wish for all my friends, no matter what their faith , that they have a sweet year, full of love and peace.
A blessed New Year to you and your family, Elena.
Thank you Emma 🙂
I’ve heard the shofar before, although this guy is really, really good. However, what I found very informative personally was the video right after the close of the posted one in which a rabbi from Skokie explains the Jewish prayer shaw. Never knew that stuff. Intriguing how many things go into a religious observance and you never even realize it until somebody explains the inside details. Now I know why they seem to be fooling around all the time with the knotted fringe on those shawls.