Shophar (Noun)
Meaning
An ancient musical horn made from the horn of a ram; used in ancient times by the Israelites to sound a warning or a summons; used in synagogues today on solemn occasions.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The sound of the shophar echoed through the temple, signaling the start of the new year.
- In ancient Israel, the shophar was blown to announce the beginning of the Sabbath.
- During the Jewish high holy days, the shophar is blown in the synagogue to summon the faithful to prayer.
- The rabbi lifted the shophar to his lips and blew a long, mournful blast, mourning the loss of a community member.
- In the Bible, the shophar was used to warn the Israelites of impending battle, its loud, piercing sound carrying far and wide.