Book review: The Shofar - its History and Use

Although Saadia Gaon and Maimonides both specify a ram's horn, most Western European shofarot originated from goats and other kosher animals may be used, with the exception of cows. While the twisting horn of a kudu, a species of antelope, may look spectacular, the author believes a ram offers a better sound for shul.

The three-fold set of notes used in synagogue, tekiah, shevarim, teruah, go back to the Talmud, though naturally there are variations in blowing conventions (some use a 12-note sequence rather than nine for teruah).

The shofar is not confined to the New Year season. Taking a cue from the reference in Psalm 81 to the shofar being sounded on New Moon, women's groups in America are reviving its use on Rosh Chodesh. Montagu recalls even once blowing one into the intercom of the Russian embassy in a Soviet Jewry protest.

His 30-page compendium of sources on the shofar from biblical and rabbinic literature alone will be handy for anyone asked to give a talk on Rosh Hashanah. A valuable addition to synagogue libraries.