The Jewish people have been blowing the Shofar, a simple hollowed out ram's horn, for thousands of years in celebration of Rosh Hashana, the beginning of the Jewish New Year – also known as the birthday of humanity. According to Jewish law, one must hear the blasts directly from the shofar itself. No medium will do, not a microphone, not a computer, not even a slight echo. Intrinsically, the Shofar is not just a sound. It is a cry. A prayer. A soul-awakening, personal, meditative and rousing experience. Hearing the shofar blast is the main commandment associated with celebrating the Holiday.

For Rosh Hashana 5782, sophistication will give way to simplicity, as Chabad of Nashville will once again host, “Shofar in the Park,” where many will gather to hear the blasts of a lone shofar. The event will take place with social distancing, on Tuesday, September 7th, at 5:30 PM in the Edwin Warner Park, Highway 100 near the intersection of Old Hickory Blvd. The sounds of the shofar will be heard as the New Year is celebrated, and apples and honey for a sweet new year will be distributed.

In the past, Shofar in the Park has taken place across the country in many parks and beach fronts. From Central Park in Manhattan to Yellowstone National Park in Montana, from Venice Beach in Los Angeles to South Beach in Miami, and right here in Nashville. “The idea is to allow as many people as possible to observe the central mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah,” says Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel, of Chabad of Nashville, “The Park is an open and neutral place where every person is welcome. It doesn’t matter if you have any prior Jewish education. It’s irrelevant if you pay dues; are affiliated or unaffiliated, all are welcome to come as you are and hear the shofar.”

The event is free and open to the public. Rain or shine. Children, singles, families, all are welcome. To learn more about Shofar in the park, please go to chabadnashville.com.