Shofar: The Sounds of RepentanceSample

Think About It

1. As we go through life, we tend to take our blessings for granted. Stop for a moment and contemplate the fact that all our blessings, such as health, wealth, family, friends, a job, our home, and everything else, could be gone in a second. Rosh Hashanah is a time to recognize our blessings and pray to God that we might be given them for yet another year.
2. As we blast the shofar, we coronate God as our King. What does it mean to you to recognize God as the King over your life?
3. What goals have you set for your life? For this year? Now is the time to check and see where you are in achieving those goals. What changes or adjustments do you need to make in order to still reach your goals?
4. What past sins or mistakes might be holding you back today? In a symbolic way, like the casting of bread crumbs into the water, take the opportunity during Rosh Hashanah to write these down on a piece of paper and then throw them away. Consider what step you can take now to move forward.
5. What do you really want out of life? Peace? Joy? Inspiration? Meaning? How are your daily habits bringing you closer (or farther) from what you truly want? Consider what changes you need to make in order to attain what you really want from life.

Apply It

1. Set goals. According to the Jewish calendar, now is the time to make New Year’s resolutions. Pick at least one goal you want to work on this year and set a realistic plan for achieving it. (Proverbs 16:3, Philippians 2:13)
2. Wake Up! The shofar reminds us to keep ourselves spiritually alert and awake. Take time each day to focus on living a more God-centered life. (Song of Songs 5:2, Revelation 3:20)
3. Make amends. If there is someone you have hurt through your words or actions, reach out to that person and seek forgiveness. (Genesis 50:17, Matthew 5:23-24)
4. Review the past year. Make a column of the things you did right and a second column where you might need to repent and improve. Celebrate your accomplishments and consider how you might learn from your mistakes. (Job 36:10, Acts 3:19)
5. Act now. Choose one way that you can contribute more generously to your family, community, or to the world in general this coming year, whether it involves giving more of your time, talents, or money. (Deuteronomy 15:11, Matthew 19:21)
6. Cry out to God. Crying to God is similar to blowing the shofar. When we cry to God sincerely, telling Him of our troubles, our worries, and our sorrows, we offer God our broken heart and make space for Him to fill it. (Psalm 51:1-2, 1 John 1:9)

Visit our High Holy Days resource page to learn more about the different sounds of the shofar and its meaning.