Jammin’ With the Shofar

Salvation comes in many forms: religion, prayer, meditation, friends and family. For David Zasloff, though, it came in the form of humor and music, specifically the musical heritage of ancient Jerusalem: the Shakuhachi (Japanese) flute, drums, autoharp and, most notably, the shofar. 

At a recent pre-selichot event at Temple Beth Haverim in Agoura Hills, the fruits of his redemption were on display. As a temple employee brought in the newly dry-cleaned Torah covers to be set atop the scrolls, Zasloff set his stage to entertain and challenge the assumptions of those in attendance. The disarming personality and humorous style with which he told of his life journey were a clear indication of how much he is influenced by his faith.

Once addicted to alcohol and drugs, he is not shy about revealing how his life used to be full of vices. Since getting clean over 25 years ago, he has relentlessly sought to eliminate all that was negative from his life, including not only the obvious substances, but also sugar, meat and caffeine. Just as the shofar once was used to signal that the ancient Jews should pack up their tents and “leave anything behind that got in the way of connecting with God,” Zasloff’s rededication to his faith and music have provided the same signal.

Some consider the shofar an antiquated homage to the crumbling of the walls of Jericho, and restrict its usage to Rosh Hashanah. “It has been said,” Zasloff told his class of about 25, “that you can’t play a melody on the shofar. Well, obviously that’s not true.”  He went on to prove that theory wrong. “I think it’s an expansion of consciousness,” he said.

Zasloff has been playing the shofar for over 30 years, mastering tunes from “Flight of the Bumblebee” to “Hava Nagilah” to “Happy Birthday.”

In addition to his unusual stylings on the shofar, Zasloff also offered several drum solos, a stand-up comedy routine and a half-recorded half-live musical version of what he believes King David dancing in Jerusalem must have sounded like. 

During the comedy portion, he offered an explanation for his brand of religion, about which he has written a book titled, “Zen Judaism, The Joy of Suffering.” According to the self-proclaimed inventor of Zen Judaism, its followers “believe everything is sacred, and everything is marketable.” 

He shared his suggestions about how to incorporate tai chi into jogging, and how to relax the facial muscles and the body by humming “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” in addition to adding several stories about his failed marriages. He did make a point to mention that he is currently happily married, assuring the audience, “and I know the difference.”

Zasloff’s shofar playing has been fostered over years of practice and dedication, all of which began quite by accident one day at a friend’s house. As Zasloff explains, his friend, who knew he was a musician, asked if he could play the shofar, and Zasloff picked it up and played “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

“I blew it, and that’s what came out,” Zasloff remembers.

Between the songs and countless quips, Zasloff offered this as his best advice for both playing the shofar and living: “Relax. The most important thing […] is to be yourself. Do God’s will; be joyous; live in the moment.”

As if it wasn’t evident enough that Zasloff is a man who listens to his own advice, he concluded with the song “Oh Boy, Oh Boy, I’m So Happy Now.” The smile on his face served as confirmation.