Join us as we transform the Lenox Community Center into a Shofar Factory, where adults and children can participate in a hands-on workshop, crafting their own shofars for Rosh Hashanah. This event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires.
During a demonstration, visitors to the Shofar Factory will learn about the criteria an animal's horn must meet in order to qualify as a genuine shofar. Participants who sign up for the hands-on workshop will be able to saw, drill, sand, shellac and polish their very own horns and then learn how to sound the traditional notes.
"The Shofar generates an otherworldly sound. It's very soulful, very stirring, and open to much interpretation," said Rabbi Levi Volovik, co-director of Chabad of the Berkshires. "Each individual hears something else in the shofar's voice." The shofar is one of the oldest wind instruments known to mankind. Consisting of a simple horn taken from a ram or similar animal (such as a kudu) and hollowed of its internal cartilage, the instrument produces a haunting tone.
According to Jewish history, explains Rabbi Volovik, the sound of a Shofar accompanied G-d's giving of the Torah (the Bible) to the ancient Hebrews as they stood at the foot of Mount Sinai in the Middle Eastern wilderness. In addition, Jewish tradition has it that the Messianic Era, a time of world peace, will be ushered in with the sounding of the great shofar.
The Shofar is sounded in Jewish houses of worship on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and at the end of Yom Kippur.. "Chassidism teaches that the call of the shofar is reminiscent of the pure voice of the soul," explained Rabbi Volovik. "At Rosh Hashanah, the soul strives to touch the Divine. Also the various notes sounded with the Shofar remind one of weeping, which stirs people to better their ways, which is among the central themes of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur."
The Shofar Factory will open to all on Sunday, August 28, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Lenox Community Center, 65 Walker Street. Admission to the presentation is $10. Participants wishing to make their own shofar can sign up for the hand-on workshop for an additional fee.
For more information, contact Rabbi Levi Volovik at (413) 499-9899 or Rabbi@jewishberkshires.com. Visit Chabad’s website at www.jewishberkshires.com for additional information.
Sponsor: Chabad of the BerkshiresY Yediyah Fund and Harold Grinspoon Foundation