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1. The Setting of the Discussion
The final piece in Siman Reish Peidaled is based on a fascinating discussion that took place during one of the meals at the home of the Rebbe’s mother-in-law, upstairs in 770. Various individuals would gather there, and the Rebbe would engage in conversations on different topics. During one such meal, the Rebbe raised an important point regarding the mitzvah of listening to the shofar.2. Fulfilling the Mitzvah Through Listening
The Rebbe noted that when it comes to tekias shofar—the blowing of the shofar—we as a community fulfill our obligation by listening to the bal tokea—the one who blows. We do not blow ourselves; rather, we listen both to his blessing and to his blowing, and in this way, we are yotzei—we fulfill our obligation. However, this only applies to the actual act of hearing the sound.3. The Necessity of Personal Kavona
The Rebbe emphasized that while listening suffices for the technical fulfillment, each individual must have their own kavona—intention or focus—regarding what the shofar represents. In its simplest sense, this means accepting upon oneself ol malchus shamayim—the yoke of Heaven. This intention cannot be delegated to the bal tokea; each person must internalize it personally.4. The Ragatshover’s Example: Megillah Reading
To illustrate this concept, the Rebbe cited an example from the Ragatshover Gaon regarding Megillah reading on Purim. When it comes to reciting Aseres Bnei Haman—the ten sons of Haman—everyone says it themselves rather than relying solely on the shleyach tzibur—the communal reader. Some questioned this custom, but according to the Ragatshover’s explanation, certain elements require personal action and cannot be fulfilled by another on one’s behalf.5. When Communal Action Is Not Enough
This leads to a broader principle: whenever a mitzvah requires specific kavona or additional intent beyond mere technical performance, it is not enough for only the chazan or communal representative to act on behalf of everyone else. Each individual must participate with their own intention or action as required.6. The Baal Shem Tov’s Kavona and Its Limits
The Rebbe also investigated a related matter: there is a known maamar—Chassidic discourse—about the kavona of the Baal Shem Tov during shofar blowing. The Rebbe sought clarification from elder Chassidim about what exactly that kavona was, as it was not widely known or clear. Ultimately, he concluded that even knowing about such lofty intentions is not sufficient—each person must have their own kavona during tekias shofar and cannot rely solely on what was intended by great leaders or by those performing on their behalf.