BecomingJewish.Org >> Jewish Holidays >> Hoshanah Rabbah

Hebrew Date: Twenty-first of Tishri

Secular Dates: (5770) Oct 9, 2009 | (5771) Sept 29, 2010 | (5772) October 19, 2011

Duration: One day

Work: Non-essential work not permitted

Name: Hoshanah Rabbah

Hoshanah Rabbah occurs on the seventh day of Sukkot (21 Tishri-in September or October). Seven circuits are made around the bimah while carrying The Four Species. For this reason, the seventh day of Sukkot is known as Hoshanah Rabbah (the great Hoshanah). It is celebrated by the beating of the aravah, prayer, and marching around the bimah.

Hoshana Rabbah is known as the day of the final sealing of judgment which began on Rosh Hashana.The Zohar says that while the judgment for the new year is closed on Yom Kippur, it is not "sealed" until the end of Sukkot (i.e., Hoshana Rabbah, the last day of Sukkot), during which time one can still repent.

Among Sephardi Jews, prayers known as "Selichot" (forgiveness) are recited before the regular morning service (these are the same prayers recited before Rosh Hashanah). In the different prayers of this day, Syrian Jews pray in the same maqam (melody) as on the high holidays. In Amsterdam and in a few places in England, America, and elsewhere, the shofar is also sounded in connection with the processions. The latter practice reflects the idea that Hoshana Rabbah is the end of the High Holy Day season, when the world is judged for the coming year.

Additional Information: Hoshana Rabbah