The Ba’al Tekiah (also spelled Ba’al T’kiyah or Tokea) is the person honored with blowing the shofar during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. This sacred role carries significant responsibility—the Ba’al Tekiah helps the entire congregation fulfill the biblical commandment to hear the shofar’s call. But who qualifies for this honor, and what does Jewish law require of a shofar sounder?
What is a Ba’al Tekiah?
The term “Ba’al Tekiah” literally means “master of the blast” in Hebrew. This individual is entrusted with one of the most important ritual responsibilities of the High Holidays: producing the prescribed shofar sounds so that every member of the congregation can fulfill the mitzvah of hearing the shofar.
Unlike some ritual roles that require specific lineage (such as Kohen or Levi), the Ba’al Tekiah position is open to any qualified Jewish adult. However, tradition places great emphasis on selecting someone worthy of this honor.
Qualifications According to Jewish Law
BEING A BA’AL T’KIYAH (SHOFAR SOUNDER) IS AN HONOR.
“The one who blows the shofar on Rosh ha-Shanah…should likewise be learned in the Torah and shall be God-fearing, the best man available. However, every Jew is eligible for any sacred office, pro¬viding he is acceptable to the congregation. If, however, he sees that his choice will cause dissension, he should withdraw his candidacy, even if the improper person will be chosen”
(Shulhan Arukh 3:72). The Ba’al T’kiyah shall abstain from anything that may cause ritual contamination for three days before Rosh ha-Shanah (Shulhan Arukh 3:73).
Spiritual Preparation for the Ba’al Tekiah
The Shulchan Aruch’s requirement that the Ba’al Tekiah “abstain from anything that may cause ritual contamination for three days before Rosh Hashanah” reflects the seriousness of this role. In practice, this spiritual preparation includes:
- Increased Torah study – Reviewing the laws of shofar blowing and the meaning behind each sound
- Personal reflection – Engaging in teshuvah (repentance) and self-examination
- Physical preparation – Ensuring adequate rest and avoiding illness that might affect breathing
- Practice – Rehearsing the sounds to ensure confidence and accuracy during the service
Practical Skills Required
Beyond spiritual qualifications, a Ba’al Tekiah must possess certain practical abilities:
- Consistent sound production – The ability to produce clear Tekiah, Shevarim, and Teruah sounds reliably
- Sufficient breath control – Especially important for the extended Tekiah Gedolah at the service’s conclusion
- Knowledge of the sequence – Understanding the exact order and timing of the 100 shofar blasts
- Composure under pressure – Remaining calm while performing before a congregation
- Familiarity with halachic requirements – Knowing what invalidates a shofar sound and when to repeat
The Role of the Makri (Caller)
In most synagogues, the Ba’al Tekiah works alongside a Makri—someone who calls out the name of each shofar sound before it is blown. This partnership ensures accuracy and allows the Ba’al Tekiah to focus entirely on producing the sounds. The Makri typically follows along in a machzor (High Holiday prayer book) and announces each blast in the proper sequence.
When I train Shofar Sounders, I make sure that they all participate in the service and that no one is highlighted at the expense of another. I have also declined invitations to sound the shofar at other congregations if I know that I will displace another sounder. The democracy of each congregation is impor¬tant. And it only enhances a sense of participation of as many people as possible can participate in a service.
Finally, the Ba’al T’kiyah shall recite the benedictions before the shofar ceremony.
Arthur L. Finkle, Easy Guide to Shofar Sounding, Torah Aura, 2002
Moreover, the Talmud indicates that a woman can sound the Shofar but only for other women because this positive mitzvah (obligation) is time bound for which women are exempt.. Mishnah Berurah 588:6.
To which I would now add that, in the preponderance of non-Orthodox synagogues, women have achieved ritual equality as men. Accordingly, there is no prohibition for a man to sound the Shofar in these synagogues.
Arthur L. Finkle
The general rule is that women are exempt from mitzvahs which are time-dependant.1 This would include the Mitzvah of hearing the Shofar — which has a very specific time designation; it must be fulfilled during the daytime hours of Rosh Hashanah.
Nevertheless, there are certain time-contingent mitzvahs which women have accepted upon themselves to observe. Hearing the sound of the shofar is one of these. Indeed, there are Halachic authorities which maintain that because it has become a universally accepted custom for women to hear the shofar, today it is has become mandatory — as is the case with any custom which has become accepted practice.
How to Become a Ba’al Tekiah
If you aspire to serve as a Ba’al Tekiah for your community, here is a practical path:
- Learn to blow the shofar – Start practicing well before Rosh Hashanah. Many people begin during the month of Elul, when the shofar is blown daily.
- Study the halachot – Learn the laws governing shofar blowing from the Shulchan Aruch or consult with your rabbi.
- Master all three sounds – Practice Tekiah, Shevarim, and Teruah until you can produce them consistently.
- Build your endurance – Work up to blowing the full 100 sounds in one session.
- Speak with your rabbi – Express your interest and ask for guidance and opportunities.
- Serve as a backup first – Many congregations have multiple shofar blowers; starting as a backup builds experience.
For step-by-step guidance on producing the shofar sounds, see our Shofar Playing Technique guide.
To understand the deeper meaning behind this sacred instrument, read What Every Family Should Know About the Shofar.
Concerned about health considerations? Review our article on Medical Issues of Shofar Sounding.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ba’al Tekiah
What does Ba’al Tekiah mean?
Ba’al Tekiah (בעל תקיעה) means “master of the blast” in Hebrew. It refers to the person who blows the shofar during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, helping the congregation fulfill the mitzvah of hearing the shofar.
Can anyone become a Ba’al Tekiah?
According to Jewish law, any Jewish adult who can produce the proper shofar sounds may serve as a Ba’al Tekiah. However, tradition prefers someone who is learned in Torah, God-fearing, and acceptable to the congregation.
Can women blow the shofar?
In Orthodox practice, women can blow shofar for other women but typically not for men, as shofar is a time-bound positive commandment from which women are exempt. In non-Orthodox denominations, women often serve as Ba’alot Tekiah for the entire congregation.
How many shofar blasts does a Ba’al Tekiah need to produce?
A Ba’al Tekiah produces 100 shofar blasts during Rosh Hashanah services—30 after the Torah reading and 70 during the Musaf Amidah and afterward. This requires significant practice and breath control.
What happens if the Ba’al Tekiah makes a mistake?
If a sound is unclear or incorrect, the Ba’al Tekiah must repeat it. The Makri (caller) and rabbi typically monitor the sounds. Common issues include a Tekiah that’s too short, Shevarim with fewer than three blasts, or a Teruah with insufficient staccato notes.
