Michael is an experienced ba’al tekiah – shofar master blaster – and author of Hearing Shofar: The Still Small Voice of the Ram’s Horn. He has taught shofar at Hebrew Union College, American Jewish University, Limmud, and throughout the US and Canada.
Presentations
A Shofar History of Time™
Physicists say the Big Bang has a “shofarable” shape; Jewish mystics say the breath of creation is the air we use to blow shofar. And at the end of days, scripture says shofar will announce the Messianic Age. Between these milestones, shofar connects seemingly isolated chapters in the Bible into a chain of tradition that will be revealed in this illustrated lecture.
The Ewe’s Horn™
Shofar is call the “ram’s horn,” but the horn of an ewe can also be used. Together, we will examine stories about women in the Bible – Sarah, Rachel, Hagar, Rahab, Hannah, Sisera’s mother – that deepen our ability to hear and heed the call of shofar.
The Cup of Elijah is a Ram’s Horn™
While most associated with the Jewish New Year, shofar is linked to events throughout the year and our lives. From sounding alarms and exorcisms to celebrating new moons and joyous occasions, from the Passover table to sitting in a Sukkah, learn to use shofar in creative rituals and for spiritual awakening.
The Still Small Voice of Shofar™
In a noisy world, how can we hear the still small voice of God described by the prophets and the High Holy Days liturgy? You will learn meditations and techniques to attune yourself to the call of shofar and prepare for the spiritual work of the Days of Awe. An ideal program for Elul, the month before the New Year.
Secrets of an Awesome Tekiah Gedolah™
Learn to sound shofar – Guaranteed! It is easier and more satisfying than you may expect. Michael Chusid gets most students tooting in just a few minutes, while stressing fundamentals and the mitzvah of hearing shofar. You'll be well on your way to making a mighty blast of your own.
Not a Shofar Factory™
Modern tools simplify the shaping of a horn. But if you want to understand what a shofar can tell you, try sitting with the ram's horn before you begin cutting. Reconnect with nature and our ancestors, and discover the inner secrets of your horn as you handcraft a shofar.
Other Programs:
- Organizing a Shofar Corp for your community.
- Special programs for children and teenagers.
- One and two-day spiritual retreats.
- Special events.
Testimonials
"He’s the most knowledgeable shofar maven in the country." Rev. Gabbai Eli Shirim Lester
“Michael Chusid's teaching methods made it easy to learn to blow shofar. Since taking his class, I've taught hundreds of children how to blow shofar using his methods.” Terry Lieberstein, Cantorial Soloist
"¡MUCHAS GRACIAS por compartir con nosotros las hermosas y maravillosas
enseñanzas acerca del shofar! Estamos muy agradecidos con Dios por su
talento y su pasión por las Escrituras y las enseñanzas del shofar.
Usted tiene una gracia muy especial para captar la atención de todos. El enseñarnos no solo teóricamente sino que pudimos practicar ¡todos! como tocar el shofar. Felipe J Villegas, Senior Pastor, Nuevo Empezar Church of God, Oxnard, CA“Michael engages even the shyest members of the class. He DOES get them all ‘tooting’ in 20 minutes, even those who have never picked up an instrument of any kind. His knowledge of the history, lore, and legend of shofar is worth the visit alone; your congregants will understand shofar and its significance as never before.” Larry Green, Senior Ba’al Tekiah, Congregation Kol Ami, Salt Lake City
“You spoke beautifully on Rosh Hashanah, and on a topic that meant a great deal to a lot of people.” Rabbi Debra Orenstein, Makom Ohr Shalom, Los Angeles
“I blew the shofar at church yesterday. The people rejoiced! Thanks so much, you're a great teacher!” Pastor Leslie Peters, Harvest Celebration Church
Your skill and zeal for shofar blowing is amazing! It is a delight to unite with a Jewish brother who loves HaShem and desires to be His instrument." Pastor Lorraine Coconato Leaves of Healing Tabernacle, Chatsworth, CA
“Whoever takes the class will be fortunate to have such a passionate teacher.” Rabbi Yossi Carron, Board of Rabbis of Southern California, Los Angeles
“I mentioned that our minyan needed a shofar blower for Elul, and Michael suggested that I could do it. When I replied that I could not learn shofar in six weeks, he taught me how in six minutes!” Ronald S. Reiter, PhD, Valley Beth Shalom, Los Angeles
“You should know how deeply you touched the core of everyone at Kallah.” Rev. Gabbai Eli Shirim Lester, Organizer, Cactus Kallah, Tucson, AZ
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