Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the shofar blown on Yom Kippur according to Leviticus 25:9?
A: The shofar is blown on Yom Kippur (the 10th of Tishrei) to mark the start of the Jubilee year (Yovel), which occurs every 50 years. According to Rashi, this shofar blast announces the liberation of slaves and the return of ancestral lands, fulfilling the mitzvah of the Jubilee year as commanded in the Torah.
Q: What is the significance of the shofar in this verse?
A: The shofar in this verse symbolizes freedom and divine proclamation. The Rambam (Hilchot Shemittah v'Yovel 10:10) explains that the shofar blast on Yom Kippur of the Jubilee year serves as a public declaration of G-d's kingship and His commandments regarding land and servitude, reinforcing social justice and trust in Hashem.
Q: Does the shofar still need to be blown on Yom Kippur today?
A: Today, the shofar is not blown on Yom Kippur (except at the very end of the fast in some communities) because the Jubilee year is not observed when the majority of the Jewish people do not live in the Land of Israel (Talmud, Arachin 32b). However, the verse reminds us of the ideals of freedom and equity that the Jubilee represents.
Q: Why is the shofar sounded specifically on the 10th of Tishrei (Yom Kippur)?
A: The 10th of Tishrei (Yom Kippur) was chosen because it is the holiest day of the year, a time of atonement and spiritual renewal. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 29:12) teaches that the Jubilee shofar aligns with Yom Kippur to emphasize that true freedom comes through repentance and returning to G-d’s commandments.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of social responsibility and trusting in Hashem’s providence. Even though we do not currently observe the Jubilee year, the ideals of releasing debts, freeing slaves, and restoring land remind us to act with fairness and compassion in our financial and interpersonal dealings (Rambam, Hilchot Shemittah v'Yovel 10:8-9).
The Commandment of Shofar on Yom Kippur
The verse (Vayikra 25:9) commands the sounding of the shofar on the tenth day of the seventh month (Tishrei), which is Yom Kippur. This mitzvah is part of the laws concerning the Yovel (Jubilee) year, as Rashi explains: "On Yom Kippur of the Yovel year, the shofar is sounded to proclaim freedom for slaves and the return of ancestral lands." The shofar blast serves as a divine declaration of liberty, echoing the sanctity of the day.
Symbolism of the Shofar
Rambam (Hilchot Shofar 1:1) teaches that the shofar carries profound spiritual significance, particularly on Yom Kippur. Its sound:
Halachic Context
The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 33b) discusses whether this mitzvah applies annually or only during Yovel. While the shofar is primarily blown on Rosh Hashanah, this verse specifies its unique role on Yom Kippur of Yovel. The Ramban emphasizes that the Yovel shofar is distinct—its sound must be heard "throughout all your land," symbolizing universal proclamation.
Midrashic Insights
The Sifra (Behar 3:9) links this verse to Har Sinai, where the shofar announced the giving of the Torah. Just as Sinai marked a covenantal moment, Yovel’s shofar renews the covenant of justice and equity. The Midrash Tanchuma (Behar 4) further teaches that the shofar’s sound on Yom Kippur parallels the kol demamah dakah (still, small voice) heard by Eliyahu—a call to inner transformation.