Rosh Hashana 33

The rabbis explain their application of our last Mishna.  We had learned about restrictions placed on sounding the shofar on Rosh Hashana when it falls on Shabbat.

Of interest are the restrictions placed on women and children. We are told that women are not obligated to lay their hand on offerings; however, they are permitted to do so.  The rabbis argue whether the halacha on women's obligation to sound the shofar is similar.  Children are discussed in two groups: minors and those who have reached the age of thirteen.  Minor children are encouraged to practice the shofar, even sounding the shofar on Shabbat, until they have learned how to blow the shofar properly.  Older children are restricted from sounding the shofar on Shabbat when it is Rosh Hashana unless they are sounding the shofar ritually.  

It was especially intriguing to watch the rabbis consider the education of children of ritual practice.

A new Mishna teaches us the order of the shofar blasts: tekia, terua, teruot.  It also describes how long each blast should last.  There is some debate about this.  Rabban Gamliel disagrees with the Gemara, which states that each individual is required in the prayers of Rosh Hashana just as the prayer leader is requried to say these prayers.  Rabban Gamliel says individuals are not obligated, as the prayerleader fulfills the obligation on behalf of the community.  

The Gemara discusses these sounds: whimpers, moans.   It also describes the shofar used as proclamation of the date.