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 other 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 is the main commandment associated with celebrating the Holiday.

For Rosh Hashana 5783, sophistication will give way to simplicity, as Chabad of Nashville will once again host, “Shofar in the Park,” where many will gather in the park to hear the blasts of a lone shofar (ram’s horn).

“Shofar in the Park,” will take place on Monday, September 27, at 5:45 PM in the Edwin Warner Park, Highway 100 near the intersection of Old Hickory Blvd. The sounds of the shofar will be sounded 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, Shofar in the Park now comes to Nashville.

“The idea is to allow as many people as possible to observe the central mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah,” says Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel, with 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 www.chabadnashville.com.