–1 1MONNIMM , SEND US YOUR MIRACLE STORY AND WIN A GIFT FROM TAPPER'S AppleTree We've all experienced those moments when a seem- ingly random event also seemed strangely meaning- ful, even miraculous. Small miracles happen every day; it is up to us to open ourselves to receiving them and understanding their meaning. As we approach Chanukah, we commemorate the miracle of the-light that endured for eight days, and we are asking you to share your personal miracle, or epiphany or extraordinary coincidence, whatever you choose to call one of life's inexplicable events. In 250 words or less, tell your story. Some of the sto- ries will be published in the November issue of Platinum. Tapper's Fine Jewelry in West Bloomfield will donate two $500 gift certificates to the winning male and female essay. You must be 18 or over to enter. Please send your personal miracle essay to: Carla Schwartz, Platinum Miracle Contest 29200 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 110 Southfield, MI 48034 Or via e-mail with the subject line "Miracle" to cschwartz@oaklandstyle.com Deadline: October 1st *ferf DIAMONDS/8C/FINE JEWELRY Michigan's most trusted jeweler since 1977 o ni (5/red ofciasiwoomjad Assisted Living e /1-6 6 a1(4,bWe Ari Orchard Lake Rd. South of Lone Pine Rd. The Shofar Story The ram's horn connection to the Liberty Bell, and other amazing facts. ELIZABETH APPLEBAUM AppleTree Editor I f not for the shofar, the greeting- card industry would have quite a struggle. Rosh Hashanah means big business for places like Hallmark Inc.; and more often than not, those cards fea- ture an elderly bearded rabbi (because, of course, no rabbis are young or with- out facial hair) blowing the shofar. The shofar is an integral part of Rosh Hashanah, sounded to awaken our souls and usher in the new year. But there's a lot more to the shofar than just a ram's horn. Here are some aspects of the shofar you may not have known: • The Torah recounts how Abraham began to fol- low God's commandment to sacrifice his son, Isaac. God substituted a ram for the boy, and Abraham sac- rificed the ram. According to a midrash, one of the ram's horns was larger than the other. The smaller of the horns was the shofar heard when the Jews received the Torah at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16). The larger shofar will be blown when the arrival of the Messiah is announced. • Blowing the shofar 100 times each day of Rosh Hashanah is a tradition observed by all Orthodox and many other congrega- tions. It's based on a rabbinic opinion that one should say 100 blessings every day, and hearing the shofar is, accord- ing to Psalms 89:16, a "blessing." • Can you imagine a connection between the shofar and the Liberty Bell? The bell, the famous symbol of American independence, bears the words, "Proclaim liberty throughout the land." This phrase was first found in reference to blowing the shofar to announce the Jubilee Year, in Leviticus 25:9 10. • Before the shofar is blown on Rosh Hashanah, it is heard throughout - JET 9/10 2004 84 West Bloomfield, Michigan 248.683.1010 the month of Elul as a way to wake us up — sometimes literally, as it is blown in the morning — but especial- ly spiritually, helping us to wake up and prepare us for the Days of Awe ahead. The tradition of blowing the shofar throughout Elul began during the Middle Ages. • The shofar is one of the two earli- est known instruments (the other being the reed). It was first used by Jews in the Beit HaMikdash, the Holy Temple. • Tradition states that Moses received the second set of the Ten Commandments on the first day of Elul. (It was his second trip, of course, because the original tablets had been smashed after Moses returned to find the Jews building the golden calf). Moses was said to have blown the shofar this time as a reminder to the Jews not only that they should never again create a golden calf, but that they must worship God and heed his commandments. • The shofar is mentioned 69 times in the Torah. • For many years, the shofar was sounded to announce the arrival of a new Jewish month. Usually this SHOFAR STORY on page 85