The Merriam-Webster Word of the Day for September 13, 2026, is "shofar." A shofar is a trumpet-like instrument made from an animal horn, typically a ram's. Historically, ancient Hebrews used the shofar in warfare and for religious ceremonies. In contemporary Judaism, it is particularly significant during Rosh Hashanah and at the conclusion of Yom Kippur. Children often anticipate hearing the shofar during the High Holidays. The shofar's historical uses included proclaiming the Jubilee year. Today, its primary function is within synagogues during the High Holidays. It is blown daily throughout the month of Elul, with the exception of Shabbat. Multiple times the shofar is sounded during Rosh Hashanah services. It is also heard at the end of the final Yom Kippur service, called neilah. The blowing custom involves alternating short, sob-like notes with long, sustained blasts.