All men and boys over the age of Bar Mitzvah must hear the Shofar. Boys under Bar Mitzvah who are of the age of Chinuch (i.e. old enough to understand the concept of Tekiat Shofar) must also hear the Shofar. Women and girls over Bat Mitzvah are technically exempt, but the custom is for them to hear anyway.
It says that after Kriat Hatorah one must prepare for Tekiat Shofar. It does not specify how, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that this is because everyone must make a personal soul-preparation that is inspiring on his level.
During the Tekiot, most place the Sifrei Torah on the Bimah and some, including Chabad hold the Sifrei Torah around the Bimah. The Makrie does not necessarily have to be the Chazzan for Shacharit. In some communities the Makrie calls out the notes, however in Chabad, the Makrie points to the correct place, but does not say anything.
One should ensure that his children participate in Tekiot and davening as much as appropriate for their age. One should ensure that children are quiet. Infants who may cry unexpectedly should be with their mothers. If an infant cries or makes noise, the mother should take the child out of Shul, and hear Shofar later.
One must stand during Tekiot, however someone who is weak or ill, may lean or sit if standing is difficult. The Yehi Ratzon immediately before the Brachot is said only by the Ba’al Tokeiah. When the Ba’al Tokeiah says the Brachot, one should have in mind to be Yotzeh the Brachot from him. One should not say Baruch Hu u’Varuch Shmo. [If one accidently did so, he does not recite the Brachot again.]
When hearing the Shofar, one must have in mind to fulfil the Mitzvah of Shofar. Between the Brachot and the very first Shofar sound, one should avoid speaking at all – even matters relevant to the Tekiot. If one did speak at this time, if it was a matter unrelated to the Tekiot, he needs to recite the Brachot again.
The Brachot recited on the Shofar are valid for all the blasts that will be sounded until the end of Musaf. Therefore, from the time of the Brachot until after Kaddish Titkabel at the end of Musaf, one should try not speaking any matter irrelevant to the Tekiot or the Tefillot. If one did speak during this time, he does not repeat the Brachot, but should refrain from speaking unnecessarily again. If one uses the facilities during this period of time, Asher Yatzar may be recited.
Some have the custom between the three Sedarim (sections) of the Shofar that one confesses silently. This refers to one’s intense longing to connect with his Father in Heaven, and to become a changed person. The Yehi Ratzon after the Tekiot is also said by the congregation. One should not begin reciting it until the Tekiah Gedolah is completely finished.
According to Kabballah, after the Sefer Torah is returned to the Aron Hakodesh, the Baal Tokeiah faces the congregation in order that they may gaze at him. This was a regular custom performed by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
