The Kashrus status of a chipped Shofar

A chipped shofar

Question:

My shofar is slightly chipped at its opening [by the area placed on the lips to blow]. Is it valid for me to use during the month of Elul and on Rosh Hashanah?

 

Answer:

Although it may be used during the month of Elul [being that the blowing is only a Minhag], you should not use it for Rosh Hashanah unless the chip gets fixed [i.e. sanded down]. Bedieved, if this Shofar was used for blowing on Rosh Hashanah without being fixed, one fulfills his obligation.

 

Sources: Elya Raba 586:12; Chayeh Adam 140:15; Mateh Efraim 586:17; Kaf Hachaim 586:68; Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that a chipped Shofar has the same status as a cracked Shofar [and even worse] and is hence initially invalid unless another Shofar is not available. [brought in Elya Raba 586:12; Kaf Hachaim ibid; See also M”E ibid that is stringent unless there isn’t such a good Shofar available.]; See regarding a cracked Shofar: 586:7-8; See regarding sanding down a Shofar: 586:14

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