Fulfilling Shofar

Rabbi Israel Chait

Written by a student

Rebbe spoke a little just before Maariv on Tzom Gedaliah 10-6-2024.

He asked why is it that one has in mind to fulfill the Mitzvah via the mechanism of Shomeiah KeOneh by Shofar? The answer often given is that hearing lacks a Maaseh HaMitzvah.

Rebbe found this answer disingenuous since it seems clear from the bracha we make "to hear the sound of the Shofar" that listening is the Mitzvah. It's as though someone opened a Brisker dictionary and tried to force an answer.

He answered by saying that simply [passively] hearing the sound of a Shofar is insufficient to create a Kiyum HaMitzvah. It's too intangible. Rather, one must establish a[n active] relationship to [listen to] the sound of the Shofar.

Aaron Zimmer asked if it would be sufficient to have in mind to fulfill one's obligation of the Mitzvah while listening to the sound of the Shofar? Rebbe agreed. Anything that establishes a relationship to the sound of the Shofar would suffice.