To properly understand the halachic parameters of the Mitzvah of Shofar, we must first define the nature of this mitzvah.  Is the mitzvah to blow the shofar or to hear the sound of the shofar - or perhaps both?

This Sugya will discuss the various interpretations of the Mitzvah and the resulting halachic implications of each one.  For example, if we determine that the mitzvah obligates every Jew to blow the shofar, then the Ba’al Tokea would be acting as a shaliach in performing this mitzvah for all those listening.  (Alternatively, if the mitzvah is to hear the sound of the shofar, then the Ba'al Tokeah is not a shaliach - he is simply enabling others to perform the actual mitzvah of hearing the sound of the Shofar.)

Mitzvos sheb’gufo cannot be done through a shaliach.  For example, one may not designate a shaliach to shake the Lulav for him or to eat Matzoh on Pesach for him.  How then can we have a shaliach blow the shofar for us (assuming that the mitzvah is to "blow" the shofar)?

We also discuss the machlokes among the Rishonim regarding the nusach of the Brocha on this Mitzvah – should we say: Lishmoah Kol Shofar (as is customary today) or: Al Tekias Shofar? This distinction may be dependent upon how one interprets the actual Mitzvah.