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SHOFAR-BLOWING CONTEST

Congregation Beth Shalom held its First Annual Shofar-Blowing Contest on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008 at 8 p.m. at the synagogue. The purpose of the event, run by spiritual leader Rabbi Yerachmiel Shapiro, was to raise awareness as Jews prepare for Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar – and just for fun.

“The wail of the shofar is a wake-up call to the soul. What better way to soften the heart than to hear the best shofar blowers in Monmouth County? Plus I want to see if there is anyone out there who can beat me!" said Rabbi Shapiro.

Traditionally, the shofar is made from the horn of an animal, such as a ram. This ancient wind instrument is the ancestor of modern bugles and trumpets. Today, it is used primarily in Jewish rituals, especially on Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the day of repentance), when hearing the shofar fulfills a commandment and raises individual consciousness. Historically, the shofar would have been used in ancient Israel to announce events of importance.

As you can see in the pictures, shofars and contestants each have their own unique style!

For information, call Rabbi Harrison or email him at rabbiharrison [at] gmail.com

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