On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, join presenter Harrison Freund for a special lecture and live demonstration exploring the shofar, one of the world’s oldest instruments in continuous use.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on September 11, marking the beginning of the Jewish year 5787. For more than 3,000 years, the shofar has played an important role in Jewish tradition, including as a call to spiritual reflection and preparation during the High Holy Days.

Through discussion and live demonstration, Freund will explore the shofar’s religious meaning, history, manufacture, and modern-day use, while giving audiences an opportunity to hear this ancient instrument firsthand.

While you're at the NMM, visit the Richard Cutler Gallery, where the museum explores the connections between music and spirituality in religious traditions from around the world, including Judaism.