Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- The Jewish new year Rosh Hashanah is coming up on Monday and fifth and sixth graders are already preparing to ring in the holiday with ancient tradition at the Jewish Community Center.
“We're making Shofars and you blow them on Rosh Hashanah to announce the coming of the new year," said sixth grader Talia Zamis.
The blast of the Shofar rings in the Jewish high holy days. It's made of a ram’s horn, and the tradition of learning to sound it is passed on from generation to generation.
“I think it's really special because my ancestors have done what I'm doing right now,” said Zamis.
To make the Shofar, the horn needs to be cut and hollowed out so air can flow through. The mouth piece is shaped and the horn is polished.
It can be hard to pick up -- like a trumpet -- your lips have to fit the mouthpiece in order to make the right noise.
The kids know it's hard to make the sound, but they also know practice makes perfect, so they're going to start now and by Monday, they’ll be ready to usher in the new year with their families.
Rosh Hashanah is this Monday and according to the Jewish calendar, the year will be 5773.
