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Answer: As a rule, boys are obligated to fulfill positive mitzvot on a Rabbinic level from the age of chinuch (Sukka 42a), and this includes shofar (Arachin 2b). (There is a fundamental machloket whether the child is himself obligated in the mitzva or whether it is the father who is obligated to make sure the child does the mitzva (see Rashi and Tosafot, Berachot 48a).) Girls are fundamentally exempt from shofar, as all women are exempt from this time-based mitzva (Kiddushin 33b). However, there is much to consider about the details in practice.
The gemara and Shulchan Aruch do not give an age for when children become obligated. Rashi (Arachin 2b) invokes the ages found in Yoma (82a) – opinions range from 8-10, but Tosafot (ad loc.) argues that that context, fasting on Yom Kippur, which depends on physical ability, is irrelevant to other mitzvot. Tosafot points out that the gemara (Sukka 42a) gives potentially different stages for different mitzvot – for lulav, when he knows how to shake it; for tzitzit, when he knows how to cloak himself in it; for tefillin – when he knows how to stay clean with them on. An exact age is not given, and for shofar, not even a description.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (657)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
461 - Buying Land for Shemitta
462 - Children Hearing Shofar Blowing
463 - Measuring the Amount One Can Eat/Drink
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However, the minhag is that we try to have even younger children come to hear shofar blowing. The main cut-off point is when he can listen without disturbing (Mishna Berura 587:16). (The formal obligation is pertinent, impacting on how hard to try to have him in shul then and when a child is old enough to blow on behalf of children who are Rabbinically obligated). This is not surprising, as the minhag is to educate children before the time that they are halachically obligated (see Halichot Shlomo, Tefilla 22:20 regarding berachot). Also, the minhag, which we consider proper, is for girls to also be careful to hear shofar blowing.
Although one can argue that the tekiot during Musaf are the more prominent ones, the accepted approach is that our main fulfillment of the mitzva is with the 30 blasts, with the berachot, before Musaf (see Ha’amek She’ala 171:2). In fact, women, or even men, who are unable to be with a minyan all day suffice with 30 blasts, as the additional ones are related to tefilla b’tzibbur (see Rama, Orach Chayim 592:2; our column, Rosh Hashana 5781). Therefore, only to the extent that a child is mature enough to take part seriously in Musaf is he expected to hear the additional sets of shofar. While the average child in the 10-13 age range should be up to a full day of davening (or close to it), the average six-year-old is not and would likely disturb (see Rama, OC 124:7 and Mishna Berura 124:28). For such a child, who will not be there throughout davening, it is not critical to hear those tekiot.
If an obligated child misses the tekiot in shul, he should hear them elsewhere. In a blowing just for children, it is better if one of the [older] children makes the berachot, but if they have trouble doing so, an adult can do so for the obligated children (Chayei Halevi V:52).
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions Ask the Rabbi: Forgot to Remove Tefillin Before Musaf of Rosh Chodesh
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
