Shimon Keinan
Shimon Keinan
I am Shimon Keinan, and Kol Shofar is my life's work, in every sense of the word.
How did I begin?
My story, and the story of the Shofar in my life, began when I was a little boy.
I was born in Casablanca, Morocco, made aliya at a young age and grew up in Tiberias.
I discovered the Shofar when walking with my father to the synagogue. I was captivated from the very first moment, and I began observing and learning the art of blowing the Shofar.
I was so fascinated by the instrument that I had to get my own Shofar. Not having the means to purchase a Shofar, I improvised one, using a rubber hose and a tin funnel I had attached to it, and so I began to practice blowing my first Shofar. Over the years, I got better and more proficient, and at the age of 18, I was already a Ba’al Teki’ah (Shofar Blower) in two different synagogues.
Handiwork
My hands are my most important work tool, I trust them and love creating things with them. Over the years, I have opened a successful metal workshop, learned the art of iron working and set up a blacksmith’s workshop.
In the mid-1970s, I moved with my family to Moshav Giv’at Yoav on the southern slopes of the beautiful Golan Heights, where the scenery fires the imagination and inspires creativity. My love for Shofars had always remained in the background, and I had a strong desire to realize it and to study this secret ancient handiwork.
An invaluable opportunity
In the mid-1990s, I got the opportunity I was waiting for, when I got in contact, through my Rabbi, with an elderly Shofar Maker, who was about to retire and wanted to pass on his knowledge. For two years, I would travel to his home in Southern Tel Aviv, to learn the secrets of Shofar making. At the same time, I worked hard to buils a Shofar workshop in my yard.
I made tools and built machines, perfected and improved traditional production methods, and did whatever I could, in order to make the best Shofars.
Shofars are made with love
I love looking at a horn in its raw condition and imagine what it would look like as an elegant Shofar. I love going through the various stages of the Shofar making process, and constantly try to pinpoint and improve my technique.
Ba’alei Tek’iah (Shofar Blowers) from all over the country come and ask me to find them a Shofar. I observe the way they hold the Shofar and blow it, offer advice when necessary, and help them choose the best Shofar for them.
Our Shofars
The Shofars at Kol Shofar are meticulously handcrafted in our family workshop, paying maximum attention to the highest level of quality, to Kashrut, ease of blowing, cleanliness and producing a special sound. Our customers say they can recognize our Shofars immediately anywhere in the world, due to our unique handprint.
