This weekend, the first grand blasts of shofars will be heard all around the St. Louis region. The ancient practice of a ram’s horn turned into an instrument is the highlight for many on Rosh Hashanah and at the end of Yom Kippur. As part of this tradition, Chabad is making the shofar accessible to Jews all over the St. Louis area as part of their “Shofar in the Park” mini services, held at a variety of locations.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins this year at sundown on Sept. 15 and continues through nightfall on Sept. 17.
Chabad’s shofar campaign began in 1953, and has hosted them in St. Louis since 1981.
“Shofar in the Park” is a family-friendly, 30-minute Rosh Hashanah service that includes the sounding of the shofar, which is central to the observance of Rosh Hashanah, as well as tashlich — symbolically casting away one’s sins — in most locations. Tashlich is a practice rich in symbolic and mystical meaning and is customarily performed on Rosh Hashanah.
“The idea is to make the hearing of shofar accessible, meaningful and fun,” said Rabbi Yosef Landa, regional director of Chabad of Greater St. Louis.
There are six Chabad centers in our area. Visit the links below for the one in your area and to learn about exact times and locations and to RSVP, or visit www.ShowMeChabad.com/Shofar
- Creve Coeur/Olivette
- University City/Clayton
- Central West End
- Chesterfield
- St. Charles County
- WashU Area
