The Shofar “The primary mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah is the shofar .” Mishnah, Rosh Hashanah 3:3
The central Rosh Hashanah observance is hearing the shofar blasts, which this year is only done on the second day of the holiday, Sunday, September 20. There are many laws governing the proper way to observe this mitzvah, which is why we make every effort to hear the shofar from someone who is well versed in these laws and who sounds the shofar properly. Jewish sages throughout the ages offered numerous insights into the import and deeper meaning of the shofar—all, of course, in addition to the underlying fact that this is G-d’s mitzvah and is thus the way to connect with Him on this sacred day. The following is a small sampling.
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Maimonides (1135–1204) writes: Although the sounding of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah is a G-dly decree, it also serves as an important wake-up call. The shofar’s sound is saying, “Wake up, you sleepy ones, from your slumber. Inspect your deeds, repent, and remember your Creator. Those who forget the truth devote their energies to vanity and emptiness that yield no benefit. Look to your souls. Improve your ways and your deeds. Abandon your evil path and thoughts.” (Mishneh Torah, Laws of Repentance 3:4)
