[Avodah] Blowing shofar with a mask on the end

[Zev Sero]

On 21/8/20 12:33 am, Marty Bluke via Avodah wrote:
> To prevent the spread of COVID see 
> https://www.timesofisrael.com/put-a-face-mask-on-your-shofar-so-it-wont-blast-virus-to-worshipers-experts/
> 
> What are the halachic implications of putting a mask on the end of the 
> shofar? Does it affect the sound?

The OU says it doesn't appear to.

https://www.ou.org/covid19/

9. Shofar: An appropriate precaution during shofar blowing would be to 
place a surgical mask over the wider end of the shofar, as this does not 
appear to alter the sound of the shofar blast. Some may point the shofar 
out an open window or door, or near and towards the front wall or aron 
kodesh, facing away from the congregation. A single shofar should not be 
used by multiple people, and no barrier should be placed between the 
shofar and the mouth of the one blowing the shofar. Poskim have 
addressed when and how much to sound the shofar where the time in shul 
is seriously limited


-- 
Zev Sero            Wishing everyone a *healthy* and happy summer
zev at sero.name       Seek Jerusalem's peace; may all who love you prosper