Alef Bet Montessori School

Shofar Blowing Event Marks the Start of Rosh Hashanah Preparations

Abigail Ellis • September 30, 2024

Engaging Students with the Sights, Sounds, and Textures of the Shofar

This morning, we were honored to welcome alumni parent Andrew Boltax back to our school to blow the shofar, marking the start of our Rosh Hashanah preparations. Andrew’s daughter, Alexa, was one of our first students and is now studying at the University of Maryland (go Terps!).

The shofar, a ram's horn traditionally blown during the Jewish High Holidays, serves as a powerful call to reflection and renewal. Today, our students were excited to experience not just one, but two kinds of shofarot: the familiar ram’s horn and a new shofar made from the horn of a Kudu, a large African antelope.

Students had the unique opportunity to engage their senses by feeling the texture of the different shofarot—one smooth and one rough—and hearing the distinct sounds they produce. They compared the horns by size and shape, observing the long, spiraled Kudu horn and the shorter ram’s horn.

Our elementary students were particularly curious, asking insightful questions about the Kudu's habitat and the purpose behind its long horns. They were also thrilled to count how long Andrew could hold the tekiah gedola—a full 24 seconds!

It was a wonderful way to bring the spirit of Rosh Hashanah to life!


We wish our entire school community a Shanah Tovah U'Metukah—a good and sweet new year! May this Rosh Hashanah bring peace, happiness, and blessings to all.

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