The Shofar
You may not have seen this instrument before, but it’s one of the oldest musical horns in the world.
The shofar is typically made from a ram’s horn and has a special meaning in Judaism. One holiday where it’s used is Yom Kippur.
“On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the shofar has a very special meaning for Jewish people. It’s a wake up call, it’s a spiritual alarm clock to Jewish people. It’s telling us that on this high holy day season, this is the time to ask for forgiveness, to change our ways, to become better people, and God will grant us atonement,” said Bernie Newman, past president of Congregation Beth Shalom.
Yom Kippur
Although there are different tones when using the shofar, one long blast is blown on Yom Kippur.
This holiday is a time to ask for forgiveness and change for the better. At the service, the long blast signifies the ending of Yom Kippur.
After the service, friends and family go home for dinner to break their 25-hour fast.
Naperville News 17’s Aysha Ashley Househ reports.
