The TERUAH call may be the most distinctive of all the Shofar sounds. (Okay, we should acknowledge that it could also be that big GEDOLAH.) TERUAH consists of nine staccato notes, almost beat-like, that emanate from the Shofar each year. To me, they feel like steps in a march. They cultivate in me a sense of movement and purpose. And yet, they are small and concise, with spaces of silence (and stopping) between each one.

Between the big foundational things in our lives (TEKIAH) and the places where we feel and experience brokenness (SHEVARIM) is the vibration of TERUAH. It’s the sound of moving forward in small, manageable steps. The sound of silence and stillness between each step, allowing space to retreat and renew. It’s the wonderful dichotomy of so much of life itself: the “yes, and” of keep moving and stand still. It’s Rabbi Tarfon telling us: “Yes!” you cannot turn away from the tasks at hand, “AND” it’s not all on you all of the time. The trick—or our work—is learning how to measure our steps and our stops.

Listen up… TERUAH! Keep marching and moving, and pay attention along the way to pause, reflect, and renew.