The shofar
has two basic sounds: t’kia and t’ruah (because of our
uncertainty as to the true nature of t’ruah, we add sh’varim). T’kia
is the sound of rejoicing [Numbers 10:10], while t’ruah is the sound of
trouble [Numbers 10:9].
Life is
made up of joy and sorrow. It is significant that the shofar gives voice
to both sounds. I believe this expresses one of the great lessons of the Torah:
things, in and of themselves are neither good nor bad. The same object can
convey joy or sorrow. What determines something’s value is how we use it.
The halacha
requires that the blast of a t’kia be at least as long as the blast of
the t’ruah. Even more, t’ruah is always sandwiched between t’kiot.
This teaches us proper perspective and ultimately constitutes an expression of
optimism. The lesson is that when faced with troubles, it is appropriate to
reflect on the time of joy which preceded the trouble, as well as to realize
that, with God’s help, joyful times will return after the troubles pass.
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