Interactive ‘Shofar Factory’ brings high holiday traditions to life

In preparation for the Jewish new year, Mat-Su borough families will explore Jewish tradition by crafting their very own ram’s horn instrument, known as the shofar, at Mat-Su Jewish Center’s “Shofar Factory” workshop on Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Crossroads Center, 3060 N Lazy Eight Ct. #13 in Wasilla.

Open to the public, this event aims to cultivate educational and cultural awareness and to promote diversity and tolerance. The children — with appropriate adult supervision — will help to cure, measure, saw, drill and polish a real ram’s horn to transform it into a working shofar instrument. When the horns are complete, participants will learn how to perform the traditional sequence of notes sounded on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. This unique event brings families together for a hands-on, exciting educational journey exploring the history and significance of the holiday and the shofar.

The shofar is the central symbol of Rosh Hashanah, which is celebrated near the beginning of each fall. Synagogues blast the shofar every day for a month leading up to the holiday, culminating with a sequence of 100 blasts during the Rosh Hashanah services, which take place this year on Oct. 3 and 4.

The cry of the shofar is a call to reflect on the past year and to make resolutions to continue improving as individuals and a community in the coming year. According to Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is a new year for all mankind. It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, and their first actions toward the realization of mankind’s role in this world.

Studies have shown that children absorb more when they are actively engaged in the educational process, than simply listening to a lecture in the classroom. This is why the Mat-Su Jewish Center has instituted ‘Living Legacy’ workshops, which offer a multi-sensory approach to Jewish learning. Our goal is to encourage families to enjoy and appreciate our culture by offering fun and positive educational experiences. In the case of the ram’s horn, we hope the activity will encourage exploration and practice of the Jewish New Year. The event is made up of two parts; a free demo and a hands-on workshop. It is $15 per shofar kit and is open to the entire community. The Mat-Su Jewish Center wishes the entire borough a Shanah Tovah- a sweet new year

For more information about Rosh Hashanah, visit www.MatSuJewishCenter.org/HighHolidays. About the Sponsoring Organization The Mat-Su Jewish Center offers Jewish education, outreach and social-service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations. For more information, contact the Mat-Su Jewish Center at 350-1787, rabbi@matsujewishcenter.org or visit www.MatsuJewishCenter.org.