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COMMUNITY MATTERS

A Blast From the Past Into the Guinness Book of World Records

What do shofars and the Guinness Book of World Records have in common? After September 21, it will [hopefully] be The Great Shofar Blowout.

Many of us are familiar with the shofar blasts — tekiah, shevarim, and teruah — on the High Holidays. But this year, the sounds will come five days earlier from an anticipated 1,500 shofars in unison at The Great Shofar Blowout on September 21, the Sunday before Rosh Hashanah, at the Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus in Whippany.

This free, festive event has the fabulous goal of setting a new Guinness World Record while uniting the community by sharing the ancient Jewish tradition of blowing shofar with over a thousand friends and neighbors.

“This event will bring together the community to educate people about the power of the shofar and empower them to learn how to blow this ancient instrument, while building pride in the Greater MetroWest community…. and who doesn’t want to be a part of a Guinness World Record!,”said Robert Lichtman, executive director of The Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life, the event sponsor.

The Partnership, a partner agency of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ (an event co-sponsor), works to advance and enhance Jewish educational experiences for young people (from early childhood through young adult) and their families in Greater MetroWest. The Partnership’s programs, including PJ Library, One Happy Camper NJ, and JTEENGMW@, create joyful and meaningful connections between Jewish learning, values, tradition and everyday life. 

 

The shofar blowing will be complemented by additional programming featuring hands-on activities such as shofar-blowing clinics, a shofar-making demonstration, Israeli martial arts (Krav Maga) demonstration, PJ Library story time, merchandise vendors, live music and art projects. Participants also are encouraged to enjoy picnics on the grounds by bringing their own food or purchasing food from several vendors.   

The enthusiasm in the community is building. “My family is thrilled to be a part of this event. It is a chance for us to celebrate Rosh Hashanah with other families we know, and hopefully meet some new ones. It’s also an opportunity to take the shofar, which is something we have only seen in storybooks, and bring it to life for my children. They will be able to touch it, hold it, try to blow it and have a keepsake for future Jewish New Years,” Samantha Kaplan of Springfield explained.

More than 11 shofar-blowing clinics have been held and over 50 local organizations — including congregations, day schools, JCCs, camps and youth groups — have signed on to promote and participate in the event.

Plus, all 40 of the Iris Teen Tzedakah advisors, who are part of The Partnership’s teen philanthropy and leadership program, will kick off a year of learning and giving by participating in The Great Shofar Blowout. “As young leaders of the Jewish community of Greater MetroWest, these teens exemplify what it means to bring Jewish learning to life through their actions. Their presence at The Great Shofar Blowout will not only provide them with a feeling of being a part of something huge, they will be great role models for other teens and families to get involved in year-round Jewish service,” said Shaina Goldberg, coordinator of Jewish Service Learning for The Partnership.

It is important to note that The Great Shofar Blowout is Bring Your Own Shofar — which means that each person must have their own shofar to blow to be counted for the Guinness World Record. An additional shofar-making workshop will take place at the JCC MetroWest on Sunday, September 14. Discounted shofars can be purchased through the website (www.TheGreatShofar Blowout.org) or locally, at the Lubavitch Center of Essex County, 456 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange.  A $10 rebate is available for the purchase of the first shofar per family to be used at the event. Please see the website for details.

Michael Kishelev of South Orange explained his desire to be a part of the event as, "Another great opportunity to bring Jews in our community together, especially for such a fun and meaningful purpose. Let our voice be heard, in New Jersey, in Israel and all over the universe!” What could be better?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 2014

 

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