Why do we blow Shofar on Rosh Ha Shanah?
R. Saadia Gaon offers 10 explanations of Shofar Symbolism (adapted from Isaac Klein’s Jewish Religious Practices): 1. The Shofar is like the trumpet which announces the coronation of a king. On Rosh Hashanah, the birthday of the universe, we accept God’s Rulership- our prayers and shofar blasts are like the coronation ceremony in which Israel crowns God as Sovereign. 2. Rosh Hashana is the first of the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah (Ten Days of Repentence), and the Shofar calls us to examine our deeds and return to God, who will always accept us if we are sincere. 3. The Shofar reminds us of the Shofar which blew when the Torah was given at Sinai; thus we are reminded to study and cherish the Torah. 4. The Shofar reminds us of the voice of the prophets, whose voices rang out like a Shofar blast in calling the people to do justice and mercy and follow Holy ways. 5. The Shofar sounds like crying, which reminds us of the destruction of the ancient Temple , and thus calls upon us to work for and p
