Echoes of Empathy: The Shofar’s Message for a Divided World

By Rabbi Roy Feldman

A Society Divided

Division in our society is causing a severe breakdown in civil discourse and social interactions, leading to a concerning proliferation of Sinat Chinam, baseless animosity, and hatred. A “Perception Gap,” or the inability to truly understand and relate to those with differing perspectives, fueling animosity and discord, has only intensified over time. Social psychologists have identified this Perception Gap as a significant obstacle to constructive dialogue and understanding.

A poignant consequence of this growing disconnect is the decline of empathy in our society. Scholars, like Jamil Zaki from Stanford University, have observed a disturbing trend of reduced empathy in an increasingly divided world. Our modern lifestyle, characterized by digital bubbles and reduced face-to-face interactions, has contributed to this decline in kindness and understanding.

Empathy, a vital aspect of human connection, can be measured by various psychological assessments. Disturbingly, data collected over the years indicates a noticeable decrease in empathy levels. In 2009, the average person exhibited less empathy than 75% of individuals in 1979, and one can only speculate that this trend intensified since the 2009 study.

As a society built upon interpersonal connections, we must earnestly consider whether this state of affairs is inevitable. Can we break free from the shackles of polarization and cultivate greater empathy? The message of the Shofar has one suggestion.

The Mitzvah of Shofar: Hearing or Sounding?

Gathered in anticipation, the congregation on Rosh Hashanah awaits the evocative sound of the shofar. A moment of profound significance, the shofar’s call marks the commencement of introspection and spiritual renewal. Before the shofar’s voice resounds, a blessing is uttered that ignites a long-standing debate about the essence of this mitzvah. Is the mitzvah of the shofar to hear it, or to sound it?

On one hand, some sages suggest that the mitzvah lies in the act of listening to the shofar’s sound. Maimonides is of this opinion, and passages in tractate Rosh Hashanah further reinforce this notion, emphasizing that if someone sounds the shofar without hearing its sound, they have not fulfilled the mitzvah. The act of hearing the shofar’s sound thus serves as the fulfillment of the commandment.

On the other hand, a formidable faction contends that the mitzvah lies in the act of sounding the shofar. This perspective is consistent with the blessing we recite, “Blessed are You, God, who commanded us to sound the shofar.” The fact that there are a myriad of rules and regulations regarding the qualifications of the shofar blower and the specific sounds and sequences required point to this perspective as well.

Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik, the 19th-century founder of the Brisker school of Talmud, expounded on a profound concept regarding the nature of commandments in Jewish tradition. According to Reb Chaim’s teachings, every commandment is comprised of two integral components: the “ma’aseh” (action) and the “kiyum” (essential fulfillment or essence) of the mitzvah.

In most cases, the action of the mitzvah and its essence are synonymous. For instance, when shaking a Lulav, the physical act itself serves as the essence of that particular mitzvah. However, in certain instances, the two components diverge, as exemplified by the act of prayer. While the action involves verbally reciting the words of prayer, the essence lies in developing a deep understanding within our hearts, recognizing that we are standing before the Almighty and engaging in a profound conversation with Him. Shakespeare put it best in Hamlet: After praying, Claudius remarks, “Words without thoughts never to heaven go.”

Rabbi Chaim extended this principle to the observance of the Shofar. He suggested that both the sounding of the instrument and the act of listening to it constitute the mitzvah. The sounding serves as the ma’aseh, with numerous rules and regulations determining who may perform the act, how it should be done, the type of shofar used, and so forth. Nevertheless, the essence, the kiyum, is found in the attentive listening to the shofar’s sound and the appropriate response it evokes.

As Maimonides articulated, the shofar’s sound serves as a call to awaken from spiritual slumber, prompting introspection, repentance, and remembrance of our Creator. The essence of the shofar is internal, residing within our hearts and minds, as we respond to its spiritual message. The shofar must be sounded, but the essence is the listening.

Sounding in Order to Hear

Through Reb Chaim’s interpretation, we unearth an illuminating revelation that transcends the confines of ritualistic practice. The mitzvah of the shofar holds profound potential for healing our fragmented world, which lacks compassion, empathy, and genuine dialogue among people. The shofar’s essence lies in the act of listening, symbolizing the formula for fostering greater compassion and empathy in our interactions with one another.

Studies indicate that only a meager 10 percent of individuals listen effectively, primarily due to technological distractions, overwhelming to-do lists, and preoccupying thoughts. As a consequence, we often listen with the intent to respond rather than to understand, hindering meaningful dialogue.

Listening, as the keystone of conversation, plays a pivotal role in the cultivation of empathy and compassion. While speaking is necessary, it represents the

action (the ma’aseh) which should be guided and regulated, much like the act of sounding the shofar. Being considerate of what we say, how we say it, and when we say it is essential, as not all thoughts warrant expression, and hasty words can lead to insensitivity, offense, or unhelpful interactions.

Research has shown that combining active listening with thoughtful speaking fosters understanding and strengthens relationships, generating trust and reducing conflicts. Such communication promotes empathy and compassion, as sharing and listening to one another’s stories prompt us to enter another person’s world, establishing genuine connections.

Incorporating the essence of the shofar’s mitzvah into our interactions with one another, we embark on a transformative journey of healing and understanding. By asking open-ended questions and approaching conversations with compassionate hearts, we bridge the chasm that separates us and create a space for genuine connection. As we endeavor to listen, truly listen, we gain insights into the struggles and triumphs of our fellow humans, kindling a newfound sense of Ahavat Yisrael - love and kinship among our people.

Imagine a world where empathy guides our interactions, where conversations are fueled by a sincere desire to understand, not just to reply.

Inspired by the shofar’s mystique, we have the capacity to unleash the potential for compassion, healing, and unity.

As we approach this Rosh Hashanah, let us heed the timeless call of the shofar, beckoning us to embrace the mitzvah of empathetic listening and careful speaking. Through this profound act, we unlock the gateway to a world where divisions crumble, animosity recedes, and love flourishes.