• Home
  • Parashah
  • Ask the Rabbi
  • Festivals
  • Freemasonry
  • Articles
  • About
  • Books
  • Media
  •  

    Shofar from the ram – Ask the Rabbi

    Q. Does a shofar have to come from a ram?

    A. The shofar must come from a kosher animal (Mishnah Rosh HaShanah 3:2), but not from a cow because of its association with the sin of the golden calf (the Talmud says, “A prosecutor cannot be a defender at the same time”).

    According to Rabbi Abbahu, the ram’s horn is best because its curved shape symbolises humble submission and it reminds us of the story of the binding of Isaac, with its message of faith in God.

    Comments are closed.