The Wonders of Harav Yitzchack Kadouri

145 G-d has given strength to His nation, may G-d bless His nation with peace.” I managed to say, through my quivering lips, “Amen, and may the one who blesses be blessed from Above.” It was a tremendous experience. I was also deeply moved by the Rav’s Àushed countenance as he listened and concentrated to the sound of the shofar. Despite his age, the Rav’s face showed no sign of wrinkles. He appeared to be elated and satis¿ed from the blowing of the shofar. The verse, “When I cried out from the depths to G-d, He answered me by widening my constrictions,” aptly applies. When we blow the shofar, we blow into the narrow, constricted opening of the shofar, and it emits sound from the wider end. This represents our cry from the depths of our heart, when we are beset with constrictions. The sound that emerges represents the salvation of G-d, Who widens and removes our constrictions. You shall be my chazzan It was late at night. The full moon shone in all its glory and the stars stood twinkling far up above. One could almost imagine the sounds of the shofar passing somewhere between the moon and the stars, ultimately reaching the Heavenly Throne. I could picture Harav Kadouri praying for their ascent, directing them to their destination, sending each sound to its place where it ought to be. After ¿nishing Tikun Chatzos and saying the bedtime prayers, I laid wearily on my bed. Thoughts Àashed through my mind, and the sounds of the morning’s shofar reverberated in my ears. I asked myself, do I really deserve to be the one to blow the shofar for the Rav, the eldest Kabbalist of the generation?