Shofar – Ram’s Horn

Germany, 1780
Etched and cut-out horn, l. 13 ½ in.
Cincinnati Skirball Museum, B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum Collection, gift of Joseph B. and Olyn Horwitz

This 18th century German shofar is inscribed with the Hebrew words of Psalm 81:4-5: “Blow up the horn in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day. For this is a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.” According to this psalm, the Jewish people will blow the shofar at the time of the new moon and on holidays like Rosh Hashanah.

This shofar also has cut-out decoration and etched designs including the year 1780 and an image of the tablets of the 10 Commandments. Most decorated shofars come to us from Germany. The lettering of this shofar is done in a fashion similar to the letters in the illuminated Hebrew manuscripts of Germany.

According to the Talmud, or rabbinic commentary, the Jewish people blow the shofar to represent the Akeda – the sacrifice and binding of Isaac, son of Abraham. The shofar blasts remind God to show redemption and mercy upon the Jewish people, as was shown to Abraham during the moments of the Akeda. A ram stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son, Isaac. Thus, the ram is seen as a sign of redemption and completion of his obligation.