Das Neue Jahrs Fest - Two Etchings

Jüdisches Ceremoniel Oder

by Paul Christian Kirchner and Sebastian Jacob Jungendres, Frankfurt, 1726

www.flickr.com/photos/magnesmuseum/6513458841/ and

http://sammlungen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/freimann/content/pageview/514644

Detail.

Two etchings from 18th Century show Rosh Hashanah shofar blowing. The image below appears to be based on the earlier image above.

The congregation appears to be disinterested in the shofar blowing. In another print from the same era, the congregation faces away from the shofar blower. But here, individuals face in a variety of directions, appear to engage in conversation, reading, and other activities.

Is this because the artists were not familiar with the requirement for individuals to listen intently? Does it reflect a montage of activities that occur throughout the service rather than an artistic effort to capture the moment?

Kirchliche Verfassung der Heutigen Juden, Sonderlich Derer in Deutschland, 
by Johann C. Bodenschatz, 1748
http://sammlungen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/freimann/content/zoom/670386

Detail

Or is it that 18th Century Jews are much like those of today - distracted by their own thoughts, easily distracted, and engaged in other activities even during shofar sounding?

Please leave comments with your interpretations.