The short answer
- A ram's horn is the traditional shofar for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur: curved, compact and 30 to 65 cm long.
- A kudu horn is much longer, up to 129 cm, with a deep spiral and a lower, more resonant sound.
- For a first shofar at home or in synagogue, a ram's horn in the M or L size is a practical choice.
- Our shofars are decorated by hand in 925 silver, with a choice of designs or your own engraved symbol and inscription.
- Keep the horn dry and away from heat and sun, and never use silver polish on the plating.
Kudu or ram's horn?
The ram's horn is the classic shofar of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and many communities prefer it because it recalls the ram that Abraham offered in place of Isaac. It is curved and compact, easy to hold and to carry.
The kudu horn is the long, spiraled shofar used in Yemenite communities. It gives a deeper, fuller sound and makes a striking piece on display, but it is heavier and needs more room.
If the shofar will be blown in synagogue, ask your rabbi which horn your community uses.
Which size?
Our shofars come in these sizes:
| Shofar | Sizes | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Ram's horn | XS to XJ | 30-65 cm |
| Kudu, decorated designs | S to XJ | 70-129 cm |
| Kudu, custom engraved | Mini to XJ | 50-129 cm |
A longer horn gives a deeper sound but is heavier to hold. The full size chart, in centimeters and inches, is on the shofars page.
Decorated or custom engraved?
Our decorated shofars carry a 925 silver design: Jerusalem, the lions of Jerusalem, the Star of David, the Menorah, the Hoshen stones and more.
A custom shofar is engraved with a symbol of your choice and an optional inscription in Hebrew or English, such as a name, a date or a dedication. It makes a meaningful bar mitzvah, wedding or community gift.
On a ram's horn the Jerusalem symbol is large, so an inscription goes on the other side of the horn. On ram's horns the 925 silver plating may come in one continuous piece or in two parts, depending on the shape of the horn, and you can note a preference when you order.
Custom engraved shofarsRam's horn shofarsKudu shofars
How to blow a shofar
Place the mouthpiece at the corner of your mouth rather than the center, keep your lips tight, and blow a short buzzing burst of air through them. Start gently: the sound comes from the vibration of your lips, not from blowing hard.
On Rosh Hashanah the shofar sounds three calls: tekiah, one long blast; shevarim, three medium blasts; and teruah, nine or more short blasts.
A new shofar takes some practice, and every horn sounds a little different. Practice in short sessions so your lips do not tire.
Caring for your shofar
Keep the horn dry and at room temperature, away from direct sun and heat sources. Wipe the 925 silver decoration with a soft dry cloth. Do not use silver polish or liquid cleaners on the plating. Rinse the mouthpiece with a little warm water after blowing and dry it fully before storing.
Natural horn can have a smell, especially when it is new or after it gets damp. Airing it and keeping it dry helps.
Every piece is made to order in Israel. Allow up to 14 business days before it ships, and order a few weeks early before a holiday. Shipping is ₪35 within Israel and $45 anywhere else, or collect from our gallery in Karnei Shomron.
