In a special circular being publicized these days in anticipation of the upcoming yomim tovim, gedolei Torah have called upon communal baalei tokeia to have their shofars examined by experts to avoid mishaps exposed in the past. In response to this call, a special center in Bnei Brak has been set up to have them checked for free.
In their letter, the Torah leaders wrote: "We were shocked to see shofars sold as kosher, for high prices, and duly used by many for the public, [but] rendered invalid through a hole or perforation that was sealed up with glue in such a way that only experts can detect. And many such are found widespread.
"We therefore warn against this breach and inform owners of shofars to be aware of the problem and have their shofars checked by an expert. It is a mitzvah for anyone with such expertise to avail themselves to the public."
This letter issued by our rabbonim, and the directive published last year, aroused significant public attention to the fact that so many shofars are not fit for use through the use of imperceptible glue placed over tiny holes, and led to the ruling of botei horo'oh in Bnei Brak, presided over by HaRav Nissim Karelitz, to establish a headquarters for free examination of shofars by an expert with dozens of years of experience in this particular field who has made his services available to the public to prevent a terrible stumbling block.
The free examination is made under the guidance and supervision of the Raavad of Bnei Brak botei din, HaRav Sariel Rosenberg, and will take place daily in the afternoon by appointment through 050-4182822 and 050 4103744.
