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The Charlotte Jewish News- September 2025- Page 38
Kids Corner
What did one Shofar say to the other on Rosh HaShanah?
“ Let’ s blow them away this year!”
Ever since I was a kid, the shofar service on Rosh HaShanah morning has always been something I look forward to. You’ ve made it through all the prayers and the Torah reading, and now— it’ s time to make some noise! If there was ever a kid-friendly part of a service, this is it.
The first sound we hear is Tekiah— a single, strong blast that grabs everyone’ s attention. If your eyes were starting to droop by this point in the service, this sound says,“ Wake up! The new year is here— let’ s celebrate!”
Next comes Shevarim— three short, broken sounds that resemble sobbing. Scholars say these notes can represent our tears: tears of sadness or joy as we reflect on the year that has passed.
Then we hear Teruah— nine quick, staccato notes that sound like an alarm clock. It’ s a spiritual wake-up call, reminding us that the new year has begun and it’ s time to take action.
And finally— my favorite— Tekiah Gedolah. That long, powerful final blast that wraps it all up. I can still remember holding my breath as the shofar blower drew theirs. I’ d watch their face turn red and wonder,“ Can they do it?” And they always did.
There’ s something magical about that last moment— when the entire congregation holds its collective breath and listens together. That final note, like the year ahead, stretches before us. It’ s a challenge to blow— just as the coming year may bring its own challenges. But by the end of the note, just like at the end of the year and the start of another, we find ourselves celebrating together.
So, this year, grab your kids early from babysitting and bring them in to hear the shofar. May we all be blown away by the joy, meaning, and connection this new year brings.
Shanah Tovah! Miss Sara
( Puzzle on page 27)
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