As you may know, there is a custom to blow the Shofar every single day of the current month of Elul, leading up to the High Holidays. One of the reasons given for this custom is that it serves as a preparation for the 'real' blowing of the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah.


Chassidic thought explains however, that the blowing of the Shofar during the month of Elul is in essence more valuable, meaningful and inspiring than that of Rosh Hahshanah.


The blowing on Rosh Hahshanah is mandatory; a Mitzva. That very fact can somewhat detract from it's value... have you ever tried to order a teenager to do something? The reaction is often less than enthusiastic.


The sounding of the Shofar during the days of the month of Elul however is not mandatory, but a custom that Jews worldwide have maintained on their own accord, to prepare for the Holiness of Rosh Hashanah. The fact that it is self-inspired rather than a mere following of orders, increases it's value dramatically.

Rabbi Avrohom