Why do we blow shofar before, during and after the Amida? Which of these is the main fulfillment of the mitzva? And what is the connection between shofar and prayer?
The shofar blasts and the prayers can be viewed as two factors “competing” for primacy. But they can also be seen as a couple walking together, each giving strength to the other, and both together leading to a stronger and richer fulfillment of standing before God.