Shofar Re-Calls, What A Blast!

I never heard him blow the Shofar but I know the sound.

Zayde’s was a clear, steady, piercing Tekiah.

Undeniably, it kept one bound.

Each blast was deep, crying, reaching.

Every call grew stronger and stronger.

Zayde’s Shofar was memorable, though I have no memory.

Only stories I was told.

I know them to be true.

Danny z’l blew the Shofar too.

I know it, I heard him.  I’ll never forget the sound.

It grabbed you with every note.

Each blast was deep, crying, reaching.

Every call grew stronger and stronger.

It wrapped you like a coat.

I remember I heard the clear, steady, piercing Tekiah.

It’s a story I will always tell.

Danny your Shofar will endure.

You and Zayde must blast your Tekiahs from Heaven,

Pierce the Gates of Mercy, and

Strengthen my heart as before.

Dedicated l’ilui nishmos my Zayde, Rav Yaakov ben Avraham, z’l, and my brother Danny, Yaakov Chanan Dov z’l, ben Yosef Mordechai haLevi,  who added Zayde’s name to his own to give him the strength he needed to keep his Ruach alive until he was niftar on the 27th of Elul, “Zach” Elul 5768, Erev Rosh HaShana.

Zayde was a Rav, Mohel, and Shochet.  He was a man of vision who used his hands to build.  He made his own Shofaros and even carved chess pieces out of the horns.  Danny was a fine builder too, he used his hands to create, just like Zayde.  Zayde would have been proud of the Shofar Danny blew, and how he walked miles out of the way each year to blast the Shofar for those who were unable to leave their homes and otherwise would have missed it on Yom Tov.  These are the cherished stories I know and I can tell my children and yours.

Zayde’s handiwork:  chess pieces from horn

CHAZAK!

Shana Tova, Miriam Leah