The Laws of Rosh Hashanah, part 2 vol. 3, no. 25
The mitzvah of hearing the Shofar is fulfilled in the most complete way by hearing three different orders of shofar blasts. Each order is comprised of three different types of blasts. Each order begins and ends with a tekiah, a long straight blast. The middle blast of each order changes. The middle blast of the first order is a sh’varim-t’ruah; three short blasts (sh’varim) followed by at least nine quick blasts (t’ruah). The middle blast of the second order is a sh’varim. The middle blast of the third order is a t’ruah. The one blowing the shofar needs to be sure that the middle blasts are not extended longer than the tekiah.
The shofar is sounded before beginning the Musaf service. The congregation stands for the blessings and the sounding of the shofar. The one blowing the shofar recites two blessings; L’shmoah kol shofar and shehechianu. The congregation should have in mind that the blessing is being said for them, and they should answer amen after each blessing. They should also have in mind to fulfill the mitzvah of hearing the shofar with the sounding which will immediately follow.
Shofar is a positive, time-bound mitzvah from which women are exempt. However, over the generations women have accepted upon themselves to hear the shofar. Since one should not bring small children who may make noise during the shofar blowing many women do not attend the regular service. Most communities have a second shofar blowing especially for these women in order for them to fulfill the mitzvah which they have accepted upon themselves. One of the women should recite the blessings on the shofar for the rest of the women.
There are another thirty shofar blasts sounded during the chazan’s repetition of musaf. There is a custom to sound another forty blasts towards the end of the morning service so that a total of one hundred blasts are sounded. One should not speak unnecessary words from the time of the shofar blowing until the conclusion of all the shofar blasts in order not to lose the effect of the blessings.
When the chazan reaches the Aleinu during his repetition of musaf the congregation kneels with their heads to the floor at the words anachnu korim. One should place a cloth or something similar on a wooden, stone or tiled floor on which to rest his head so that he is not touching a bare floor.
One should remember to have a third meal on the first day of Rosh Hashanah for the honor of Shabbos.
