And it all revolves around this seemingly simple word: Te-ru’ah.

What exactly is a te-ru’ah?

Often translated as a “shout” or “alarm,” the te-ru’ah is that broken, staccato sound we hear during the blowing of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah. You know, that series of short, rapid blasts that pierce the air and stir something deep within us.

But, in the Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar, specifically in Tikkunei Zohar 95, it's so much more than just a sound. It is Torah! And it is represented by the Hebrew letter Ayin (ע), which has the numerical value of 70. The text emphasizes the multifaceted nature of this letter and its connection to the concept of “70 faces.” As Bemidbar Rabbah 13:15 explains, these faces represent the diverse interpretations and understandings of the Torah.

The Tikkunei Zohar makes a fascinating connection: "She is His te-ru’ah." This "She" is often understood in Kabbalah to refer to the Shekhinah, the Divine Presence, the feminine aspect of God that dwells among us. So, the Shekhinah is the te-ru’ah? What does that even mean?

It suggests that the Divine Presence is revealed through this "shout," through this awakening. It's as if the te-ru’ah is a call to action, a reminder of our connection to the Divine, and an invitation to return.

And this is where it gets really beautiful. The passage concludes with a quote: "Happy is the nation, those who know the te-ru’ah." (ibid.)

It's not enough to just hear the te-ru’ah. We have to know it. To understand its depth, its meaning, its connection to the Torah, to the Divine Presence, to ourselves.

What does it mean to "know" the te-ru’ah?

Perhaps it means understanding that the Divine is not some distant, unreachable entity, but something that is intimately connected to our lives, to our world, to the very breath we breathe. Maybe it means recognizing that even in the brokenness and chaos of life, there is still a spark of divinity waiting to be ignited. Maybe it means listening to the call to return, to repair, to reconnect.

So, the next time you hear the te-ru’ah, don’t just hear a sound. Listen for the deeper message. Listen for the call of the Divine Presence. Listen for the invitation to return to your truest self.

Because, as the Tikkunei Zohar reminds us, happiness lies in truly knowing the te-ru’ah.