Teka b’Shofar is the tenth blessing of the Shemoneh Esrai. The specific designation of the number ten with regard to the ingathering of the exiles is not lost. Kibbutz galuyos, ingathering of the exiles, and returning to the Holy Land have been our national dream since the tragedy of the destruction of the Temple, which was provoked in part by the infighting among the people – sinaas chinam, unwarranted hatred. The return must be one embraced and personified by unity. Divisive quarreling among Jews is the sad result of arrogance and envy. One who is humble does not envy, since he does not feel that he is more worthy than his brother. Humility is the cornerstone and anchor of unity. The yud, tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, is the smallest letter and consists of a single component. Thus, the tiny yud symbolizes humility, the essential component of natural unity.
Furthermore, ten symbolizes kedushah, holiness – as in return to our Holy Land. Ten is synonymous with kedushah, because it is considered a whole unit. It is the “one” which consists of components. Ten males make up a quorum in whose presence Kedushah and Kaddish may be recited. The dimensions of the Kodesh HaKedoshim, Holy of Holies, was 10 cubits by 10 cubits. Therein were housed the Aron HaKodesh and the Luchos. We recite the tenth blessing which signifies holiness, and supplicate Hashem to return us to the Holy Land.
