Illuminating the Essence of the Yomim Noraim The Call of the Shofar - The Call of Shabbos (5781)
Sep 26, 2021
A discussion of why shofar blowing is prohibited on Shabbos and the rabbinic reasoning behind that rule. Reflections on the spiritual weight of losing tekiah and its connection to judgment and mercy. Comparisons between tekiah’s sanctity and Shabbos’s royal presence. Encouragement to make Shabbos a deeply sacred, tekiah-like experience.
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Why Shofar Is Not Blown On Shabbos
- Chazal forbade blowing the shofar on Shabbos to prevent carrying a horn to learn from an expert and thereby violating Shabbos laws.
- The prohibition is a preventive decree, not because tekiah itself is a Torah-level Shabbos violation.
Shofar As The Trigger For Divine Mercy
- The shofar functions as a spiritual trigger that can move God from strict judgment to mercy by evoking memory and the Akedah.
- Losing the shofar feels like losing the primary tool for awakening repentance on Rosh Hashanah.
Tekiah Like The Kohen Gadol's Entry
- Rav Yisrael Salanter compares the moment of tekiah to the Kohen Gadol entering the Kodesh Kedoshim, a unique, intense encounter with the Shechinah.
- Because tekiah is a 'kivun de-sikaron' it demands purity of imagery and avoids reminders like the Eigel Hazahav.
