Ugandan Community Claiming Jewish Roots Blows Giant Shofar

In Jinja, Uganda, thousands of miles from traditional Jewish centers, a unique community claims Jewish ancestry. Yitzhak Carmeli visited their simple prayer structure and met with community leaders. During the meeting, the community presented Carmeli with a unique shofar, made from the horn of a local animal.

Carmeli inquired about their customs, asking when they blow the shofar. The community explained in English that they use this special horn on sacred occasions. Carmeli asked if they blow it on Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Blasts, to which they enthusiastically replied yes.

The encounter culminated when a community leader, wrapped in a tallit (prayer shawl), took the large horn and began to blow it. Carmeli watched with excitement, signaling the different shofar blasts: Tekiah, Shevarim, Teruah, and a long Tekiah Gedolah.