Remembering G-d and the Shofar on Rosh Hoshanah

After posting my recent blog about prayer, searching my heart (and the heavens) for the voice of G-d, I wasn't disappointed:  It just so happens that Rosh Hashanah is today!  The shofar blasts are one of the main features of this day, also known as the Day of Trumpets.  I spent time listening to the shofar blasts to welcome the Jewish "New Year," also the anniversary of the first Day of Creation, and other significant events.

Then an article showed up on my timeline on Facebook from Chabad.org: "11 Reasons Why We Blow the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah."  The article mentioned 11 points, which also answered my own questions about prayer in my recent blog.  The Chabad.org article literally answered my prayers.  The saying is true, "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you!"

The sound of the shofar pierces both heaven and earth.  Prayer is similar to a bead.  A bead isn't useful unless it is pierced through both ends.  In order for the bead to "count," as on an abacus, it needs to have a hole that goes from one end to the other, called the axis of the bead, so the string or wire can be threaded through the bead and slide easily.  The shofar was heard from heaven on Mt. Sinai to get our attention, and it is also a signal to G-d when we remember Him and blow the shofar.