Shofar

The sounding of the Shofar (ram's horn) takes place during the observance of Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year). It consists of four distinct notes; Tekiah (one long blast), shevarim (three short blasts), teruah (nine staccato blasts) and tekiah gedolah (one very long blast). In ancient times, the sound of the Shofar announced the New Moon and was also used to herald important events. The Jewish philosopher, Maimonides, declared it a call to repentance, as it remains today.