Blast from the Past

SOUND THE HORN After the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash shofars and trumpets were rarely used in Jewish public life — except of course during the month of Elul and on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. But horn blasts continued to be used in other cultures

“If the shofar is sounded in the city will the people not tremble?” The navi Amos might have asked that question almost 3000 years ago but it’s as true today as it was then. There’s something about the shofar’s blasts that penetrate to the very core of our being.

But while the shofar remains the ultimate “wake-up call” of the Jewish people other peoples have also used horns of different shapes and sizes to wake up the populace whether it was to summon troops to battle or announce the entrance of royalty. And in more recent times horns are being used to do something ancient musicians and tony classical composers once thought impossible: Make music.

Sound the Shofar

Take a walk throughJerusalem’s Jewish Quarter during the weeks leading up to Rosh Hashanah and chances are you’ll hear someone making a few tentative blasts on one of the shofars on sale at the many tourist shops that line the streets. Those blasts might be applauded with a hearty yasher koach or greeted with giggles but one thing is certain: They won’t send people running for cover.