Shofar – an instrument of healing

We create so much mind noise for ourselves, from the myriad disappointments to the anxious anticipation of the future.

Rosh Hashanah is a time where we spiritually detox our minds, hearts, and bodies from all the residual pain and worry we carry, transforming the raash hashanah (the noise of the year) to Rosh Hashanah (regaining the head of the year).

The blasts of the shofar are transcendental sounds that are there to wake us up from our unconsciousness and break through the boundaries of our constricted thinking.

Shofar comes from the word “sha’per” (to heal and fix) and is the quintessence of the day of Rosh Hashanah, and one of the most powerful instruments of healing for our soul.

The first sound that we experience through the shofar is the Tekiah, a clean, long sound that represents clarity and tranquillity.

The word “tekiah” comes from the word “teka” (to establish). This sound represents letting go of our need to be king/queen in our life and recognise G-d as all that there is. In this first step, we renounce control and perceived dominion, nullify ourself to the Ultimate Oneness, and strive to become conduits for the expression of that Oneness into this world.

The second sound of the shofar is Shevarim, three broken blows, and comes from the word “shever” (broken).

The sound resembles a cry, and is an important part of repairing our mind and soul.

It’s a cathartic cry, an emotional expression of the deep longing that we have to be reunited with our inner self and the essence of life.

Just like Joseph cried when he was reunited with his father, on Rosh Hashanah, we too are reunited with “our supernal father”, and are so overwhelmed by the clarity and tranquillity, we cry over what we have been missing and the realisation of the pain of living without this consciousness always in our life.

The third sound is Teruah, and resembles an alarm, beckoning us to action and movement.

Using the emotion of Shevarim, we sense inside ourselves a deep urgency to transform ourselves, take practical steps to live with humility, inner silence, and spiritual connection. We realise how distant we may have become, and feel the motivation to rectify the distance by living consciously through our actions.

The final sound is that of the Tekiah Gedolah. We end off by returning to a sense of immense connection and sanctity, uniting with the g-dliness that is found within and all around us, feeling the deep peace and tranquillity in the embrace of Hashem.

Wishing you a meaningful Rosh Hashanah, and a sweet, connected, and tranquil new year.

Rabbi Shmuel Ozhekh – Ohr Somayach Cape Town and the founder of Rejewvinate and The Eden Meditation App