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The notes of the Shofar blasts

Friday, August 31st, 2012 11:20 am by admin
 
 
The Shofar is an ancient tool; a horn that is used like an alarm or announcement. Its usually made out of a ram’s horn but can also be made from the horns of a goat, sheep, antelope and gazelle. There are three basical musical sounds of the shofar blasts. They are:
 
Te-ki-YA: A long drawn out blast sounds like a call to conscience. "Wake up!"
 
She-va-RIM: Three short blasts. Some say these "broken" notes symbolize the realization that we have strayed from the right path.
 

Te-ru-AH: Nine short staccato blasts. These may symbolize the sounds of weeping and short breaths expressing remorse and regret.

A Shofar Blower’s Intention: The special act of Rosh Hashanah is the blowing of the shofar. The emphasis – the purpose of the sacred act is to perfect our listening – listening to this peculiar, haunting sound. The blessing that is reserved for this occasion is all about the act of listening. It is not a blessing for a successful act of making sound or for the success of the shofar blower: " We bless the Creator who makes us holy by instructing us to hear the sound of the shofar." When I make this blessing before blowing the shofar, as I’ve been doing for many years, I feel honored and privileged. With the horn in my hands I feel tremendous responsibility. Months of rehearsing still don’t allay my terror of spoiling the moment by a weak or worse set of calls. I want, more than anything, for the sound of the shofar to vibrate in souls. And when the sounds are clear and strong, I feel worthy, up to the task, proud of my service, honored by my role. As the people listen to the shofar, I listen to them. And when the congregation, as one, exhales afterwards, I know I am competent, and I feel our shared prayer, as we each listen to each other breath in and out, as loud and as silent as a shofar. May we be blessed to deeply listen to each other, always. Rabbi David Kline  (my dad and teacher)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To hear the world’s most popular children’s shofar song, visit Peter and Ellen Allard’s site and check out "Shofar Blast!"

2 Responses to “The notes of the Shofar blasts”

  1. Shira Kline Jewish Music for Kids says:

    [...] Tekiah – one medium length blast Shevarim- three short blasts Teruah- nine very short staccato blasts Tekiah G’dolah – one single blast that is held for long as you can possibly hold it! [...]

  2. Shira Kline Jewish Music for Kids says:

    [...] Tekiah – one medium length blast Shevarim- three short blasts Teruah- nine very short staccato blasts Tekiah G’dolah – one single blast that is held for long as you can possibly hold it! [...]

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Posted in Hebrew Vocabulary, Holidays, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur