* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
Hoshana Rabbah begins tonight and continues until tomorrow (Monday) evening. As we wait with hope and anticipation in light of the exciting news, we might consider it appropriate to declare a day of prayer, learning, and unity.
And that is exactly what we have now:
Hoshana Rabbah is an ancient and holy day that can be traced back to Temple times. It is a solemn day, the culmination of our journey that began in the month of Elul and continued through Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Tonight, our verdict will be determined for the new year. Therefore, on the night of Hoshana Rabbah we focus on returning to God, repairing our deeds, and praying fervently. It is customary to learn Torah, recite Tehillim (Psalms) throughout the night, and set positive goals for the future. During these stressful times, you take advantage of this day and use it productively instead of staying glued to the news.
Tomorrow (Monday) morning, there will be special prayers called “Hoshanot,” in which we will hold the Arba Minim (Four Species) and circle the bimah seven times while chanting many moving liturgical poems for salvation and redemption - both on the personal and national level. We will also take a bundle of five aravot (willow branches), recite a special prayer, and then beat them against the ground.
On Hosahana Rabbah, we wish one another “pitka tava” or “petek tov” - a good note - that we should be blessed with a good verdict for the coming year. May we merit that the entire Jewish people be written and sealed for a good year.
