What is the chasima on Hoshana Rabbah and how is it different than the chasima of Yom Kippur? Why is the sealing of Hoshana Rabbah at night? Why the arava?

The proper attitude for doing for others is not “I have what to offer” but to do good because I want to do good. Whatever I have to offer is really from God. This is the attribute of David HaMelech. For part 1 click here

The Arba Minim (4 species) – the lulav, etrog, aravot, and hadasim – represent our ability to perform and accomplish. The 7 Noahide laws represent the other nations’ ability to perform and accomplish. On Hoshana Rabbah we show our deeds are of a higher quality. For part 2 click here

Now available in this colorful, downloadable PDF Hoshanos are the prayers recited when the congregation forms a processional with lulav and esrog in hand. The name comes from the refrain of “hosha na,” meaning “please save.” This processional is based upon what was done in the Temple. The mishna in Succah (4:5) describes how on each day […]

On the last day of Sukkot, Hoshana Rabba, we beat a bundle of willow branches (actually one is enough) on the floor (SA OC 664:4). The source for this “beating” is in the gemara (Sukka 44b) which states that the custom was to CHABIT the willow branches. Rashi explains that CHABIT means to wave them, […]

Hoshana Rabba is the most misunderstood holiday, as it is shrouded in kabbalah/mysticism. On Hoshana Rabba we show Hashem we carry out his will even though we don’t always understand.

Hoshana Rabbah is the seventh and last day of Sukkot, which is the day before Shmini Atzeres. Named for the fact that more hoshanot are said on this day than all the previous days of the festival. On Hoshana Rabbah the beating of the aravah, willow branch, is performed. Although Hoshana Rabbah was not accorded […]