Page "Shofar" Paragraph 58

The shofar is used mainly on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

It is blown in synagogues to mark the end of the fast at Yom Kippur, and blown at four particular occasions in the prayers on Rosh Hashanah.

Because of its inherent ties to the Days of Repentance and the inspiration that comes along with hearing its piercing blasts, the shofar is also blown after morning services for the entire month of Elul, the last month of the Jewish civil year and the sixth of the Jewish ecclesiastical year.

It is not blown on the last day of month, however, to mark the difference between the voluntary blasts of the month and the mandatory blasts of the holiday.

Shofar blasts are also used during penitential rituals such as Yom Kippur Katan and optional prayer services called during times of communal distress.

The exact modes of sounding can vary from location to location.