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 sounds of the shofar. While this year we’ll be watching on a screen and hearing through a speaker, the sounds can still enter our heart.
As we enter 5781, I wish you all Shana Tovah. May it be a year filled with blessings.
— Rabbi David Woznica