12 Sep SOUND OF SHABBAT: THE SHOFAR’S SILENT SYMPHONY

Though the Mitzvah
of blowing the shofar
on Rosh Hashanah is
rooted in the Torah’s
commandment, it
also serves another
important purpose.
The shofar functions
as a compelling wake-up call for Jews during
this solemn period. Its piercing sound, often
likened to a cry, is designed to rouse our souls
to engage in self-examination and repentance.
It serves as a reminder to evaluate our actions,
seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, and
aspire to personal growth in the upcoming
year.
The Gemara provides an additional insight
into the significance of shofar blowing. It
explains that when Hashem hears the sound
of the shofar, He is reminded of the binding
of Yitzchak Avinu, where a ram was offered
in his place as a sacrifice. At that moment,
Hashem, with His boundless mercy, refrains
from harsh judgment ( הדין מידת ( and instead
judges with mercy and compassion )מידת
. )הרחמים
For these reasons, the shofar holds such
profound significance that the Gemara asserts)
ראש השנה(
ב,טז that a year without its sounding may

turn out unfavorably. However, when Rosh
Hashanah coincides with Shabbat, a dilemma
arises because our rabbis restricted shofar
blowing on Shabbat to prevent it from being
carried into the street, which would violate the
prohibition against carrying on Shabbat.
The Sefer Meshech Chochma ) )ד״ה אמור פרשת
ה תרוע זכרון elucidates that blowing the shofar
functions as a remedy during the heavenly
trial. Just as a sick person requires medicine
for recovery, and even if they can’t take it
through no fault of their own, they won’t heal,
similarly, on Rosh Hashanah, if we don’t blow
the shofar due to circumstances like Shabbat,
despite it being beyond our control, we might
miss the beneficial support it offers for a good
year.
The Meshech Chochma offers a fascinating
perspective: he says that the decision not
to blow the shofar on Shabbat is actually a
profound sacrifice that benefits the nation.
It symbolizes our dedication to preserving
the sanctity of Shabbat and preventing
inadvertent violations. This action sends a
powerful message to Hashem, demonstrating
our willingness to endure a challenging
year to protect Shabbat and uphold His
commandments. When Hashem perceives
this commitment, it likely contributes to a
favorable judgment for the Jewish nation.

However, the Ben Ish Chai (תלו סימן לשמה תורה (
raises some perplexing inquiries. He questions
how Chazal could annul the shofar blowing on
Shabbat, seemingly contradicting the Torah’s
commandment, just to prevent any potential
carrying on Shabbat. After all, doesn’t Jewish
law generally prioritize the fulfillment of a
positive Mitzvah over avoiding a negative
one? In this case, the act of blowing the
shofar constitutes a positive commandment,
which should logically take precedence over
the prohibition against carrying, especially
when the concern revolves around the mere
possibility of someone carrying it.
Furthermore, the Ben Ish Chai questions why
Chazal chose to nullify this Mitzvah due to
a doubtful concern of Shabbat violation.
Doesn’t the principle in Jewish law favor
certainty over doubts? In other words,
shouldn’t the observance of a certain Mitzvah
take precedence over concerns that are based
on uncertainty or doubt, such as the potential
violation of Shabbat?
The Ben Ish Chai then introduces a significant
principle. He suggests that Chazal provided
the explanation of the fear of carrying on
Shabbat as a surface-level justification for not
blowing the shofar, while a deeper and more
profound rationale exists. This deeper reason
has its roots in Kabbalah. According to this

Kabbalistic perspective, the achievements
and spiritual elevation that the shofar brings
about are already accomplished on Shabbat
through the inherent sanctity of the day itself.
As such, Shabbat is so spiritually elevated that
it doesn’t require the shofar to achieve the
same effects.
Since this reason is rooted in Kabbalah,
which may not be comprehensible to many,
a secondary explanation is offered to provide
a more accessible rationale for the practice,
ensuring that people do not perceive Chazal’s
restriction as arbitrary.
Let’s reflect on the intriguing insights of the
Ben Ish Chai. Shabbat achieves what the
shofar accomplishes on Rosh Hashanah. We
eagerly anticipate the shofar’s sound, hoping
to be remembered favorably by Hashem, who
recalls the sacrifice of Yitzchak. However, we
experience a parallel opportunity each and
every Shabbat throughout the year.
On this Shabbat-Rosh Hashanah, let us
contemplate the significance of Shabbat and
carry that message throughout the entire
year’s Shabbats.