According to the Jewish calendar, the month of Elul falls at the turn of August and September. Throughout this month, the shofar is blown in synagogues worldwide at the conclusion of the morning prayer service, Shacharit.
The month of Elul is a special time of preparation for the most significant days of the year: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It offers every Jewish person an opportunity to pause, reflect on the past year, and contemplate their actions and spiritual path.
As our Exhibit of the Month, we present an ancient Jewish ritual wind instrument – the shofar. Our museum preserves two shofars, one Sephardic and one Ashkenazi, both dating back to the 19th century.
The shofar is considered one of the oldest musical instruments on Earth. Originally, it served primarily as a military signal or as a way to summon the community for important announcements. For example, according to the Book of Joshua, the Israelites used the shofar during the siege of Jericho. It was the sound of the shofars that brought down the impenetrable walls of the pagan city standing in the way of the Jewish people. In the Middle Ages, the custom arose to blow the shofar following the morning service throughout the month of Elul.
As a rule, the shofar is made from a ram’s horn. A ram’s horn is considered the most fitting choice, as the animal is associated with the Binding of Isaac and sacrificial offerings. Traditionally, there are two main varieties: Ashkenazi and Sephardic. The Ashkenazi shofar is treated both inside and out and shaped into a crescent curve. Sephardic shofars are longer and twisted.
The sound of the shofar holds profound importance in Jewish tradition. The practice of blowing it during Elul traces back to the aftermath of the sin of the Golden Calf. When Moses ascended Mount Sinai a second time to receive the second Tablets of the Covenant, the blast of the shofar accompanied this period of spiritual return and repentance. Year after year, its sound serves as a reminder that we can mend our ways, strengthen our bond with The Al-mighty, and embark on a new chapter of life.
The shofar is far more than just a seasonal symbol. Its call awakens the soul and reminds us of our connection to the Creator. It is neither a melody nor a conventional musical tone: the raw, resonant voice of the shofar helps one reflect on the past year and spiritually prepare for Rosh Hashanah.
May the month of Elul be a time of inner renewal, worthy resolutions, and drawing closer to The Al-mighty.