How to Choose a Shofar: Ram's Horn vs. Yemenite, Sizes & Kashrus

Choosing a shofar comes down to three things: the type of horn (a classic ram's horn or a long, curved Yemenite/kudu horn), the size and shape you find easiest to blow, and a reliable hechsher. Any kosher animal's horn except a cow's may be used for the mitzvah, and many have the minhag to use a ram's horn specifically. If you are ever unsure about a particular shofar, ask your rav.

Here is how to choose, with options from our full shofar collection.

Step 1: Ram's horn or Yemenite?

The two main types are the classic ram's horn and the Yemenite (kudu) shofar. Both are kosher; the difference is shape, size, and sound.

Classic ram's horn

The traditional choice, with the shorter curved shape most people picture. Many have the minhag to specifically use a ram's horn as a zecher to Akeidas Yitzchak. It comes polished or in a more natural finish and in a range of sizes.

Yemenite (kudu) shofar

A long, dramatically twisted horn from the kudu, popular in many Sephardic and other kehillos. It produces a deeper, more resonant sound and makes a striking piece, though its length takes a little more air to blow.

Step 2: Size and sound

Size is about sound and comfort, not kashrus. A shorter shofar (around 8 to 12 inches) is easy to control and travels well, while a longer shofar or a Yemenite horn gives a fuller, deeper sound but takes more breath. If you are learning to blow, a mid-size shofar is the most forgiving.

Step 3: Finish, polished or natural

Shofros come polished (smooth and glossy), half-polished, or natural. This is purely a matter of taste and budget; it does not affect the sound or the kashrus. A polished shofar is a little easier to keep clean.

Step 4: Kashrus and hechsher

Buy a shofar with a reliable hechsher, such as the Bedatz or the Rabbanut, so you know it has been checked to be kosher for the mitzvah with no crack or hole that would invalidate it. If you have any question about a specific shofar, show it to your rav or a sofer.

Caring for your shofar

Keep your shofar in a protective case or bag, and rest it on a shofar stand between uses. Wipe the mouthpiece clean and store it away from heat. A little care keeps it sounding clear for many years.

What about toy shofros for kids?

Plastic toy shofros are a wonderful way to bring children into the ruach of Rosh Hashanah, but they are not kosher for the mitzvah of shofar. Get one for the kids to enjoy alongside a real shofar for the baal tokea.

Frequently asked questions

Which shofar is best for a beginner?

A mid-size classic ram's horn is usually the easiest to learn on, short enough to control with a forgiving mouthpiece. A how-to guide such as Teka BeShofar or EZ Shofar can help you master the sounds.

Is a Yemenite shofar kosher?

Yes. A Yemenite (kudu) horn is from a kosher animal and is valid for the mitzvah, and it is widely used, especially in Sephardic kehillos. Many Ashkenazim have the minhag to use a ram's horn specifically.

Does size affect the mitzvah?

No. Size and finish are about sound and preference. What matters for the mitzvah is that it is a kosher horn, checked and hechshered, and blown correctly.

When should I buy my shofar?

Order early in Elul so it arrives in time to practice before Rosh Hashanah 5787. Shofros and shofar guides are among the first Yamim Noraim items to sell out.

Ready to choose? Browse our shofars and Rosh Hashanah essentials, or call or WhatsApp our Lakewood team at (732) 444-3111 for help picking the right one.