Should you buy a kudu shofar or a ram's horn shofar?
If you plan to blow the shofar on Rosh Hashanah or in a synagogue, choose a ram's horn, because Jewish tradition prefers it for that day. If you want a deep, dramatic sound for worship or a striking piece to display at home, a kudu shofar is the better choice.
What is a shofar and why does it matter?
A shofar is a horn from a kosher animal that is hollowed out and shaped so it can be blown.
The Torah calls Rosh Hashanah a day of sounding the horn, and the shofar is blown during the holiday prayers. A single long blast also marks the end of Yom Kippur at the close of the Neilah service.
The shofar appears many times in the Bible. Priests blew rams' horns as Israel marched around Jericho before its walls fell in Joshua 6. Leviticus 25 commands that a shofar be sounded on Yom Kippur to proclaim the Jubilee year.
What makes the ram's horn shofar special?
A ram's horn shofar comes from the horn of an adult ram. It is the type that most congregations and synagogues use today.
Jewish tradition prefers the ram's horn for Rosh Hashanah because it recalls the binding of Isaac in Genesis 22. Abraham offered a ram in place of his son, and the shofar recalls that moment of faith.
The ram's horn has a curved shape and a high, sharp tone.
What is a kudu shofar?
A kudu shofar is made from the horn of the kudu, a large African antelope. The horn grows in a long, open spiral, which gives it a striking look.
Many people call it a Yemenite shofar because Yemenite Jewish communities have long used this kind of long, spiraled horn. It remains customary in those communities today.
The kudu horn has a large air volume. A skilled blower can produce two, three or even four tones from it, and the sound is deep and powerful.
How does size affect the sound of a shofar?
Size changes both the tone and the effort needed to blow. A larger horn gives a deeper and more impressive sound.
A short ram's horn of about 25 to 34 cm is light and simple for beginners and children to handle. A longer ram's horn of 40 to 44 cm gives a fuller sound while staying practical for synagogue use.
Kudu horns in our store run from 70 to 89 cm. They need more breath and give a rich, rolling sound.
Are silver plated shofars worth buying?
A silver plated shofar is a real horn with decorative silver work added to its surface.
These shofars make memorable gifts and beautiful display pieces. Our silver plated listings are not marked strict kosher, so choose an unplated horn if you need a shofar for the synagogue service.
How do the shofars at The Israel Store compare?
| Shofar | Horn | Length | Strict kosher | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram's Horn Shofar | Ram | 25 to 29 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in) | Yes | $55.50 |
| Ram's Horn Shofar | Ram | 30 to 34 cm (11 to 13 in) | Yes | $69.90 |
| Anointing Ram's Shofar with 925 Silver | Ram | Not listed | Not listed | $139.99 |
| Ram's Horn Shofar | Ram | 40 to 44 cm (15 to 17 in) | Yes | $179.90 |
| Silver Plated Ram's Horn Shofar | Ram | 30 to 34 cm (11 to 13 in) | Not listed | $249.90 |
| Silver Plated Ram's Horn Shofar | Ram | 35 to 39 cm (13 to 15 in) | Not listed | $302.50 |
| Kudu Shofar | Kudu | 70 to 79 cm (27 to 31 in) | Yes | $345.50 |
| Kudu Shofar | Kudu | 80 to 89 cm (31 to 35 in) | Yes | $389.90 |
| Silver Plated Kudu Shofar | Kudu | 70 to 79 cm (27 to 31 in) | Not listed | $699.90 |
Every shofar in the table is made in Israel, odorless and made from premium raw horn.
How do you care for a shofar?
Store your shofar in a dry place away from direct heat and sunlight. Strong heat can dry the horn and lead to cracks.
Wipe the outside with a soft, dry cloth after each use. Keep it out of water, and never put it in a dishwasher. For more detail, read our product care and materials guide.
Which should you choose?
Choose a ram's horn shofar if you want to fulfill the Rosh Hashanah tradition or blow with your congregation.
Choose a kudu shofar if you want a deep sound for worship, a Yemenite style horn, or a centerpiece for your home or church. Choose a silver plated shofar when the purpose is a gift or display.
See our guide on how to choose a shofar and the article can anyone blow the shofar.
Where can you buy a shofar made in Israel?
The Israel Store sells genuine shofars made in Israel. You can browse every horn in our shofar collection.
Popular picks include the ram's horn shofar in 30 to 34 cm and the kudu shofar in 80 to 89 cm. Christians who love Israel often pair a shofar with other items from our gifts for Christians who love Israel collection.
What do buyers often ask about kudu and ram's horn shofars?
Is a kudu shofar kosher?
The kudu is a kosher animal, and our unplated kudu shofars are listed as strict kosher. For Rosh Hashanah, tradition still prefers a ram's horn when one is available.
Why is a kudu shofar called a Yemenite shofar?
Yemenite Jewish communities traditionally used long, spiraled horns like the kudu.
Which shofar is easier to blow?
A small ram's horn needs the least breath, so it is easier for beginners. Most of our shofars are listed as easy to blow.
Can Christians use a shofar in worship?
Yes, many churches and Christian believers blow the shofar in worship and prayer because of its place in the Bible. A kudu shofar is a popular choice for this use.
