The month of Elul is a special time of preparation for Rosh Hashanah, when every Jew has the opportunity to pause, look back on the past year, and reflect on their actions and spiritual path. At the central Golden Rose Synagogue, the shofar is sounded every day during this period – an ancient tradition meant to awaken a person and prepare them for the coming of the new year.
The blowing of the shofar during the month of Elul is connected to the events that followed the sin of the Golden Calf. When Moshe Rabbeinu ascended Mount Sinai once again to receive the second Tablets of the Covenant, the sound of the shofar accompanied this period of spiritual return and repentance of the Jewish people. Therefore, year after year, its sounding in Elul reminds us of the possibility to correct our ways, strengthen our connection with the Almighty, and begin a new chapter in life.
“Throughout the month of Elul, we sound the shofar every day, and this year, at our synagogue, the shofar will be sounded after each prayer service, so that as many people as possible can hear this important call,” says Rabbi Reuven Milman of the central Golden Rose Synagogue. “I invite everyone to come to the synagogue and hear the shofar. May its sound serve as a reminder for each of us to pause, reflect on the past year, and prepare for Rosh Hashanah with a pure heart.”
