The picture on the main page and to the right is of a Yemenite Jew blowing the shofar (circa 1935, all photographs are from the Library of Congress archives)
"Blow the Shofar at the New Moon for our holiday
Because It Is a Decree for Israel, a Judgment Day for the God of Jacob" - Psalms 81
Jews around the world prepare for Rosh Hashanna this week, the festive New Year holiday when the shofar -- ram's horn -- is blown in synagogues.
The American Colony photographers recorded a dozen pictures of Jewish elders blowing the shofar in Jerusalem some 80 years ago. The horn was also blown in Jerusalem to announce the commencement of the Sabbath. During the month prior to Rosh Hashana, the shofar was blown at daily morning prayers to encourage piety before the High Holidays.
Jews around the world prepare for Rosh Hashanna this week, the festive New Year holiday when the shofar -- ram's horn -- is blown in synagogues.
The American Colony photographers recorded a dozen pictures of Jewish elders blowing the shofar in Jerusalem some 80 years ago. The horn was also blown in Jerusalem to announce the commencement of the Sabbath. During the month prior to Rosh Hashana, the shofar was blown at daily morning prayers to encourage piety before the High Holidays.
Ashkenazi Jew in Jerusalem blowing the shofar to announce the Sabbath
Yemenite Rabbi Avram, donning tfillin for his daily prayers, blowing the shofar
Man blowing the shofar in Mandelkern, NY, 1901
For more photographs, click Picture a Day here.