High Holidays 5763

'The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the Israelite people thus: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe complete rest, a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts.'

- Leviticus 23:23-4

The shofar, produced from an animal's horn, is one of the earliest musical instruments still in use. It was first mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures before the giving of the 10 Commandments.

The shofar is also mentioned as a signal to go to war, to induce fear and awe, and to mark sacred occasions.

The most significant holiday related to the sounding of the shofar is Rosh Hashana, the commemoration of the new year.

Participants hear tekiah, a long complete blast; teruah, nine broken blasts; and shevarim, three even calls, each ending on a high note.

This issue's High Holidays 5763 stories are divided into three sections. The first articles look back to a time when life seemed simpler, safer and more complete, corresponding to the unbroken sound of tekiah. The next group recalls the tragedy, pain and shattering of Sept. 11, corresponding to the staccato, broken sound of teruah; the final group shows how the community has responded to the pain and loss of Sept. 11 with a call to action, corresponding to the battle cry of shevarim.

Tekiah: A safer, simpler time

Shevarim: Commemoration

Teruah: a call to action

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