Rosh Hashanah  Tishrei 1-2

        Rosh Hashanah, literally head of the year, also called Yom Teru'ah (Feast of Trumpets) is the first and second day of Tishrei.  Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of a ten day period of "teshuvah", self-examination and repentence, which culminates on the fast day of Yom Kippur.  This time period is also called the Jewish High Holy days or days of Awe.    

       One of the main thrusts of this solemn holiday is the blowing of the shofar.    You may be asking yourself , "what is the significance of the shofar and blowing it in the first place?"

       1.  The Shofar is for causing HaSatan and his evil hordes to flee.

            The day chosen for sounding a blast on the shofar is to confound HaSatan.  That day is considered more chosen than sacrifice and has become the day that serves as a sign for the set times, first of the months of the year, to rebuke HaSatan on that day, and for a man to resolve that he will confound HaSatan daily until the year is out; and thus one should do year after year, to bring benefit to one's soul, so that one's evil inclinations not be troublesome all one's life, leading the flesh astray.  The sound of teki'a and tru'ah on the shofar are to subdue a person's heart should he be brazen. (Taken from the Talmud in Rosh Hashanah)   

        2.  The Shofar causes us to reflect on our personal behavior before a Holy G-D. 

              Wake from your moral sleep!  You are asleep. Get up from your slumber!  You are in deep sleep.  Search for your behavior.  Become the best person you can .  Remember G-D, the One who created you. (Mishnah Torah Laws of Repentence 3:4

        3.  The Shofar moves the spirit within us to ask G-D for mercy.

        4.  The Shofar speaks to our physical senses and penetrates the soul. 

              Who knows that sound can be a used as a spiritual force?  Music is sound and it is by G-D's design.  Music and sound can permeate through your physical being into your soul and spirit.  It resonates and vibrates into your being!

                            Sounds of the Shofar

                 1.  Tekiah----one long unbroken sound

                 2.  Shevarim---three medium broken sounds

                 3.  Teruah---short, quick sounds

                 4.  Tekiah-gedolah---long final blast until breath runs out.

During Amidah  30 blasts  

After Haftarah 30 blasts 

End of service 40 blasts

                Blessing before shofar is blown 

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech Ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu leshoma kol shofar.

Blessed are you L-RD our G-D , King of the universe, who has blessed us in His commandments and commanded us to hear the sound of the shofar.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech Ha'olam shehechiyanu v'kiyimanu v'hiqianu La'zman ha'zeh.

Blessed are you L-RD our G-D King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.