Module 4: Traditional Sounds and Rituals
Study Time: 6 Hours Goal: Learn the 4 distinct Calls of the Shofar and their spiritual meanings.
🌐 Language: 🇰🇷 Korean | 🇹🇼 Traditional Chinese
4.1 The Four Calls (Kolot)
1. Tekiah (תְּקִיעָה) - “The Blast”
- Description: One long, clear, unbroken blast.
- Technique: Start low, swell, and end abruptly on a firm note.
- Meaning: Proclamation, Coronation of the King, Searching for God.
- Duration: Approx. 3 seconds.
2. Shevarim (שְׁבָרִים) - “The Broken Ones”
- Description: Three medium-length, sighing sounds.
- Technique: “U-ah, U-ah, U-ah.” A glissando from low to high for each note is common.
- Meaning: The crying of a broken heart, sobbing, yearning.
- Duration: Total length equals one Tekiah.
3. Teruah (תְּרוּעָה) - “The Alarm”
- Description: A series of very short, staccato blasts (min. 9 blasts).
- Technique: Use the tongue rapidly (“Tu-tu-tu-tu-tu…”).
- Meaning: Urgent alarm, wake-up call, trembling before judgment.
- Duration: Approx. 3 seconds (same as Tekiah).
4. Tekiah Gedolah (תְּקִיעָה גְּדוֹלָה) - “The Great Blast”
- Description: An extra-long Tekiah held as long as possible.
- Technique: Deepest breath, maximize endurance.
- Meaning: The final redemption, the Jubilee, victory.
- Duration: As long as you can (usually 10+ seconds).
4.2 The Rosh Hashanah Sequence
On Rosh Hashanah, we blow 100 blasts in specific sets:
- Tashrat (תשר״ת): Tekiah - Shevarim - Teruah - Tekiah
- Tashat (תש״ת): Tekiah - Shevarim - Tekiah
- tarat (תר״ת): Tekiah - Teruah - Tekiah
You must memorize these sequences (Seder Tekiot).
4.3 The Role of the Caller (Makri)
- Since the blower is focused on the sound, a “Makri” (Caller) stands next to him and calls out the next sound to ensure no mistakes are made.