The shofar is a fascinating ritual object. It is a throwback to a different time. A time when rams horns were used for communication. Some blows from the rams horn would signify the start of something, other blast would signal warning of some impending danger. However, today that sound serves a very different purpose. Today the sound of the shofar serves as a way to bridge the gap between us and "the other".
What do I mean by the other? The other can be many things. It can be God, it can be history, it can even be other people. The sound the shofar makes is meant to facilitate a certain type of communication. A type of communication that is beyond words. A type of communication that uses sounds to transmit feelings.
When we hear the shofar blast we are allowing something deep within us to be expressed. Something that is bigger than us and bigger than any words we might try to use. It is a sound that is meant to stir our souls and express the inexpressible. No word can describe what I am feeling this year as the chagim approach. However, when I hear the shofar next week, the power of that blast of sound, help connect me to "the other". I wish you all a Shanah Tovah and Shabbat Shalom and look forward to spending this first holiday season together with you.
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, shehecheyanu, v'kiy'manu, v'higianu laz'man hazeh.
Our praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of all: for giving us life, sustaining us, and enabling us to reach this season.
