With Rosh HaShanah just a little more than two weeks away - we anticipate already the 100 blasts that will be blown on the day(s) itself. For Ashkenazi Jews, the Shofar is already blown every morning during the month of Elul at the end of the Shacharit prayer.
We are familiar with its look - either a creme or black (and creme) colour. It's curved, and it usually looks well polished! How is it made though? The first fascinating video takes us through a short tour of what is involved. The second video teaches us more about the different types of Shofar we can use.
It is amazing - in the Jewish way of life - we use everything to sanctify Hashem. Indeed - everything we use is made in the most beautiful way too! We make use of all of creation in order to uplift creation. Here, the horn of a ram will be used to break through the heavens - and the hearts of the Jewish people. A thing of war - but also a thing of protection (for both the animal and ourselves).
We use the feather of a turkey to create the quill with which to write Sifrei Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzot. We use the wool of sheep to keep warm so that we can do what we need to to serve Hashem in the world in the cold winter months.
We use wool for our Tzitzit strings and garment! We use the hide of the animal (even a dead kosher animal which was not killed for this reason at all) to produce the boxes and straps of the Tefillin. We use this hide to produce the parchment upon which to write the Sifrei Torah, the Tefillin and the Mezuzot. We use the citron, the myrtle, the palm branch and willow branches on the festival of Sukkot. We wave them during the festival associated with water as we pray for the Land to be blessed with an abundance of blessed rain in the winter season.
All of creation is used by the Jew in uplifting life itself. All of creation is uplifted in the life of a Jew.
