Before the Shofar Blows: 2 Halachot You Should Know

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, the sound of the shofar becomes one of the central moments of the day. But what should we have in mind when we hear it, and what are we permitted to say between the blasts? Today’s halachot explain how to properly fulfill this important mitzvah.

2 daily halachot from Behalacha UveAggadah, based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, zt”l.

What Should You Have in Mind During the Shofar Blasts?

Before the blasts, the person blowing the shofar should tell the congregation that he intends to fulfill their obligation through the blessings and the mitzvah of hearing the shofar, and that they, too, should intend to fulfill their obligation.

The person blowing the shofar should hold it in his hand and recite the blessing. After the blessings, the congregation should answer Amen, but should not answer, “Blessed is He and blessed is His Name,” because doing so constitutes an interruption during the blessing.

It is forbidden to interrupt by speaking between the blessing and the shofar blasts. If a person spoke, the blessing must be repeated. However, if the person spoke about something necessary for the blasts, the blessing is not repeated.

Likewise, it is forbidden to interrupt by speaking between the blasts themselves. However, it is permitted to say something directly related to the blasts.

Is It Permitted to Say Vidui Between the Series of Shofar Blasts?

One should not interrupt between the series of blasts, for example, between tashrat and tashat, in order to say vidui, as appears in several prayer books. According to halacha, this is not correct and raises a concern that the blessing over the blasts may have been recited in vain.

However, one may think about the vidui between one series and the next without saying it aloud.

During the actual shofar blasts, one should focus entirely on fulfilling the mitzvah of hearing the sound of the shofar and not direct one’s thoughts elsewhere.

Today’s Jewish Concept: Tashlich

Tashlich is a Jewish prayer ritual observed on Rosh Hashanah. During Tashlich, people traditionally go to a body of water, such as the sea, a river, or a spring, and recite special prayers and verses connected to teshuvah.

The name Tashlich comes from the verse in the Book of Micah: “And You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”

Tashlich is generally observed on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, usually after Mincha and before sunset. When the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, the custom is to postpone Tashlich until the second day of the holiday.

The preferred place is beside a natural body of water, traditionally one containing fish. Among the explanations given for this custom is that fish serve as a reminder that people are judged like fish caught in a net. Another explanation connects fish with the idea of an ever-watchful Divine gaze.

It is also customary to gently shake the edges of one’s clothing or pockets while reciting the verses, symbolizing the desire to cast away one’s transgressions and begin the new year anew.