How shofars became the spiritual soundtrack of Rosh Hashanah

NPR | By Deena Prichep

Published September 11, 2026 at 4:29 PM EDT

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sunset Friday. For many Jews around the world, a highlight of the holiday will be hearing the shofar: an animal's horn blown like a trumpet.

Deena Prichep

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

Mayor of the 'Air Capital of the World' reacts to Trump's threats against Bombardier

Sacha Pfeiffer, Jordan-Marie Smith, Christopher Intagliata

NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks with Wichita Mayor Lily Wu about President Trump's tariff war with Canada, Bombardier aircrafts, and the trade war's potential impact on her city.
The intelligence community changed after 9/11. Where is it now?

Mary Louise Kelly, Courtney Dorning, Alejandra Marquez Janse

The 9/11 terrorist attacks changed the nation's approach to national security. NPR's May Louise Kelly speaks with four U.S. officials about the intelligence community's response and where we are now.
Trump heads to Ireland to watch some golf at his club and conduct some diplomacy

Franco Ordoñez

President Trump heads to Ireland hoping for a little diplomacy as he watches a tournament at his golf club in Doonbeg.
9/11 defendants are still in legal limbo

Sacha Pfeiffer

Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the case against the alleged co-conspirators still hasn't gone to trial. We explain why.
25 years since 9/11, remembrances and a pledge to never forget

Brian Mann

Events to honor the nearly 3,000 who perished on 9/11 and more are underway Friday, including in New York City.