Module 6: Spiritual Preparation and Leadership
Study Time: 5 Hours Goal: Prepare the heart (Kavanah) of the blower and learn to lead others.
🌐 Language: 🇰🇷 Korean | 🇹🇼 Traditional Chinese
6.1 The Heart of the Blower
“God requires the heart.” (Mishnah)
- Kavanah (Intention): Blowing the Shofar is not a musical performance; it is a prayer without words.
- Preparation: Before blowing, take a moment to repent (Teshuvah) and align your heart with God. If your heart is angry or distracted, the sound will reflect it.
Prayer Before Blowing
“May it be Your will that the sound of this Shofar pierce the heavens and awaken the hearts of Your people to return to You in love.”
6.2 Leadership (Ba’al Tekiah)
The Ba’al Tekiah (Master of the Blast) is the leader of the service.
Responsibilities
- Competence: Must be flawless in technique so the congregation is not distracted by mistakes.
- Humility: Must not show off. You are a conduit, not the source.
- Knowledge: Must know the Halacha (laws) of Shofar blowing perfectly.
6.3 Event Preparation Checklist
For leading a team of 120:
- Logistics: Check all microphones and standing positions.
- Spiritual: Gather the team for prayer 30 mins before.
- Backup: Always have a backup Shofar within reach in case of blockage.
- Signal: Establish clear hand signals for “Start”, “Cut”, and “Louder”.
6.4 Final Self-Reflection
- Am I blowing for applause, or for Heaven?
- Has my character improved along with my skill?
- Goal: To be a “Shofar” oneself—a hollow vessel through which the Breath of God can flow.