Some facts about some of the items we use for the mitzvos, customs, and simanim of Rosh HaShanah
Shofar: The alternate name for Rosh HaShanah is Yom HaTeruah — the day of the shofar blowing.
Shofars can be made from the horns of any kosher animal apart from cows since the cow reminds us of the Cheit HaEgel. Most Ashkenazic shofars are made from a ram’s horn Spanish and Portuguese Jews prefer an antelope’s horn while Yemenite shofars are usually made from the horn of an African kudu which has very long curvy horns. A shofar can even be made from an animal that is treif — as the horn is inedible the animal doesn’t have to be slaughtered according to halachah. The shofar has to first be hollowed out before it can be used — this is done by softening it and pulling out the cartilage (firm and flexible tissue) inside.
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