What size shofar should I buy?
Ram's horn shofars run from 30 to 65 cm (12 to 26 in); kudu horns run from 50 to 129 cm (20 to 51 in). A longer horn gives a deeper, fuller sound but is heavier to hold. For a first shofar at home or in synagogue, a ram's horn in the M or L range is a practical choice.
Shofar sizes and prices by horn type
| Horn |
Size |
Length (cm) |
Length (in) |
Decorated |
Personalised |
| Ram's horn |
XS |
30-34 |
12-13 |
₪460 |
₪817 |
| Ram's horn |
S |
35-39 |
14-15 |
₪547 |
₪939 |
| Ram's horn |
M |
40-44 |
16-17 |
₪784 |
₪1,171 |
| Ram's horn |
L |
45-49 |
18-19 |
₪1,006 |
₪1,390 |
| Ram's horn |
XL |
50-54 |
20-21 |
₪1,252 |
₪1,642 |
| Ram's horn |
J |
55-59 |
22-23 |
₪1,423 |
₪1,812 |
| Ram's horn |
XJ |
60-65 |
24-26 |
₪2,605 |
₪2,990 |
| Kudu |
Mini |
50-59 |
20-23 |
- |
₪1,427 |
| Kudu |
XS |
60-69 |
24-27 |
- |
₪1,569 |
| Kudu |
S |
70-79 |
28-31 |
₪1,336 |
₪1,720 |
| Kudu |
M |
80-89 |
32-35 |
₪1,439 |
₪1,823 |
| Kudu |
L |
90-99 |
35-39 |
₪1,559 |
₪1,945 |
| Kudu |
XL |
100-109 |
39-43 |
₪1,877 |
₪2,271 |
| Kudu |
J |
110-119 |
43-47 |
₪1,939 |
₪2,325 |
| Kudu |
XJ |
120-129 |
47-51 |
₪2,666 |
₪3,046 |
A dash means the size is not made in that line: decorated kudu designs start at S, while a personalised kudu is also made in Mini and XS. All prices are in shekels and include 925 silver decoration. Shipping is 35 ILS in Israel and 45 USD worldwide.
What is the difference between a kudu and a ram's horn shofar?
A ram's horn is the traditional shofar for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur: curved, compact, and 30 to 65 cm (12 to 26 in) long. A kudu horn is much longer, 50 to 129 cm (20 to 51 in), with a deep spiral and a lower, more resonant sound. Kudu shofars are widely used in Yemenite communities.
How do I care for a 925 silver-plated 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.
- Store the shofar dry, at room temperature, away from direct sun and radiators.
- Wipe the 925 silver decoration with a soft, dry cloth only.
- Never apply silver polish, alcohol or liquid cleaner to the plating.
- Rinse the mouthpiece with a little warm water after blowing.
- Dry the horn fully before putting it away.