In his commentary on the Rosh Hashanah liturgy, Abudraham (mid-1300s) brings down an incredible list in the name of R’ Sa’adiah Gaon (882-942) – 10 thoughts, events, and emotions that we should try to evoke within ourselves while listening to the Shofar blasts.
Try as I might, I have been unable to locate an older source than the Abudraham’s Siddur for this list (or a reference to it by R’ Saadiah himself), but the list is good enough to stand on its own merits. Here are Abudraham’s/Saadiah Gaon’s 10 reasons for the Shofar blast:
1 – Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the creation of man, the first creature that God created that had the mental capacity to recognize the King of the World. It’s the custom of new kings to have trumpets blown to let all of their subjects know that a new kingship is beginning, so we inaugurate (the anniversary of) God’s kingship with the Shofar. (1)
3 – To evoke images of the Har Sinai experience. When the Torah was given, there were Shofars being blown, (2) so we blow the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah in order for us to renew the commitment that our ancestors took upon themselves when they first accepted the Torah.
4 – To evoke images of the words and warnings of the Prophets which were compared to the sound of the Shofar. (3)
5 – To evoke images of the destruction of the Beis haMikdash and the sound of trumpets that soldiers of war blow to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies. (4) When we hear the sound of the Shofar, we should hope for the rebuilding of the Beis haMikdash.
6 – To evoke images of the Akeidas Yitzchak. Our forefather Yitzchak willingly offered his life over to God, we should be willing to offer our lives just as he did. Additionally, the Akeidas Yitzchak should be remembered in front of God as a zchus for all of us.
7 – When we hear the Shofar, it should evoke fear and trembling into our hearts in the face of our Creator. The nature of the Shofar (and other horn-type instruments) is to strike fear into the heart of all who hear it. (5)
8 – To evoke images of the great Day of Judgement and to fear it, as the Prophet says that the Shofar will be blown on that day. (6)
9 – To evoke images of the future time when all Jews in the world will be gathered from all parts of the exile, and taken back to Israel. The Shofar will be blown then as well. (7)
10 – To evoke images of the future Revival of the Dead, and to believe in it, for the Shofar will be sounded then as well. (8)
Ever since I discovered this list, it really expanded my consciousness to a deeper appreciation for the Shofar blasts on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Coming toward Yom Kippur 5779, however, there’s going to be something else on my mind during the Shofar.
R’ Ari Fuld was an unbelievable person. He was my Rebbe, my mentor, and a deeply inspiring personality. While he was in Yeshiva, he always made time to talk to me, discussing all manner of life’s issues. We would walk around the Old City of Jerusalem many Thursday nights, often until the early hours of Friday morning, having profound encounters of the mind, soul, and spirit. We didn’t always agree, but it was always a pleasure and an honor to spend this time with him.
It was largely due to the first shiur I heard him give, a Thursday Night Mussar Shmooze shortly before Chanukah, that I decided to spend a second year in Yeshiva and to start thinking about other central life issues. I was so intimidated by his personality, and it was incredible to be able to develop a real relationship with someone I truly considered a hero. It’s very hard for me to think that I’ll never be able to have a conversation with him again. A big part of me still doesn’t believe it.
I’m not suggesting you watch the footage, but it’s important to me that you know how he spent his last moment in this life: After stabbing R’ Ari repeatedly in the back, his assailant started running off. Through the pain and confusion, R’ Ari started chasing him down. Clearly dazed and woozy with pain, R’ Ari somehow made his legs work, and even managed to jump over a short fence before stopping, aiming his gun, and shooting the terrorist, incapacitating him. Only then, when he ensured that the teenage terrorist wouldn’t be able to attack anyone else, did R’ Ari stumble and collapse due to his own injuries. If that’s not how a hero dies, I don’t know how one does.
R’ Ari would always ask us what we wanted people to write on our tombstones one day, how we wanted to be remembered. Leading by example, he was always unapologetic about what he believed in, and will be remembered by everyone for the things he thought were most important: serving and advocating for his country and nation, spending time with and loving his family, and learning and teaching Torah. He wouldn't have had it any other way.
Coming toward Yom Kippur 5779, however, there’s going to be something else on my mind when the Shofar is sounded. I’m going to let the Shofar evoke images of the life of R’ Ari, the lessons he implanted in us while he was alive, and the message I hope to carry forward now that he’s…
I only hope he’d be proud.
R' Ari, we will always remember you, miss you, and cherish what you gave us
- a student
(1) Cf. Tehilim 98:6
(2) Shemos 19:19
(3) Yechezkel 33:4
(4) cf. Yirmiyahu 4:19
(5) cf. Amos 3:6. Also, lehavdil, the horn that the orcs blew before charging into battle in Lord of the Rings.
(6) Tzephaniah 1:14
(7) Yeshayahu 27:13
(8) Yeshayahu 18:3
