The Shofar Sounds On Rosh Hashanah the shofar is blown with three distinct sounds. Tekiah is one long burst. Shevarim consists of three short blasts. Teruah is the set of nine sharp sounds. The Talmud teaches the shevarim and the teruah, both broken sets of sounds, are “…uttering short piercing cries.” The sounds are meant to evoke pain and sadness. Contrast that with the tekiah, the continual sound which represents triumph and happiness. The shofar blasts are conflicting sounds of happiness and sadness so that we will remember the presence of God during both times in our lives. When we are happy and content, we should remember it was God who helped us to succeed. Similarly, at times of pain and sadness, we should remember God has not abandoned us. We conclude with tekiah gedolah (the long and powerful single blast), representing great optimism that God is near and with God’s help we return to a state of happiness and contentment. Enjoy the [...]

In the machzor, there is liturgy unique to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This week Rabbi Woznica will select a few prayers and readings and share his insights. Uv’chein tein pachd’cha…“Therefore, Adonai our God, place Your awe and fear upon all those You created, and may all Your works revere You…” These words advance the ideal of a time when reverence for (indeed, fear of) God will penetrate the soul not only of the Jewish People but all peoples. It is the dream of a universal acceptance of nations that we are all the children of one Creator—and of the recognition of the Jewish People’s unique role in bringing God, and God’s universal moral ideals, to humanity. — Rabbi David Woznica

In the machzor, there is liturgy unique to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This week Rabbi Woznica will select a few prayers and readings and share his insights. Uv’shofar gadol yitaka… “The Great Shofar is sounded, the still small voice is heard; The angels, quaking with fear and trembling, declare: The Day of Judgement is here…” Included in the Unetaneh Tokef, these words, repeated on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, set the tone for the High High Holy Days. They reflect the contrast between the loud, jarring blast of the shofar and the “still small voice” — our quiet inner voice. The shofar should stir us to the magnitude of the day. It is the Day of Judgement. We are on trial. The shofar, however, is external. To achieve repentance, the external sound of the shofar should stir the internal sound of our inner voice—helping us to recognize who we are and what [...]

In the machzor, there is liturgy unique to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This week Rabbi Woznica will select a few prayers and readings and share his insights. Zochreinu l’chayim… “Remember us for life, Sovereign who delights in life. And inscribe us in the Book of Life for Your sake, O living God.” This addition to the Amidah is to be recited throughout the Ten Days of Repentance. The Book of Life is found in the Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16a) where we envision God reading the record which contains the names of three types of people; the completely righteous, the completely evil, and everyone else. Those deemed righteous are immediately inscribed for life: the evil are designated for punishment and demise. Everyone else’s fate is held in suspension between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The Talmud suggests that in doing so, God is giving us the opportunity to shape our future [...]