שופר
Shofar

QUESTION: The Gemara (Rosh Hashanah 26a) says, “All shofars are suitable for use on Rosh Hashanah except that of a cow because it is called “keren” — “horn” — as it is written in regard to Yosef, ‘A firstborn, his ox, glory in his; vekarnei re’eim karnov — his horns are the kerens of a re’eim [with them he shall gore nations]” (Devarim 33:17). Just as the keren of a re’eim are unfit [because it is not a hollow tube but bone] so the horns of an ox and its female counterpart, the cow, are disqualified’.”

Why does the name make such a difference?

ANSWER: The Hebrew word “shofar” which means “horn” is also related to the word “shipur” — “improvement.” The blowing of the shofar also serves as an awakening call to the Jew to introspect one’s self and resolve to rectify and improve one’s way of life and relationship with Hashem and man (Midrash Tehillim 81).

Regarding the keren the Gemara (Bava Kamma 2b) says that, “Ein negichah ela bekeren” — “Goring is done by the horn.”

By allowing only the use of a horn which is calledshofar and disqualifying one which is called “keren” — the Sages are telling us that the purpose of the shofar is an awakening call for improvement. Goring and hurting another, is not proper behavior for a Jew. Thus, the horn which alludes to goring should not be used on Rosh Hashanah.

(ברכת חיים)