Special prayers and a festive meal in the sukkah took place at the Central “Golden Rose” Synagogue on the last day of Chol HaMoed of Sukkot, known as Hoshana Rabbah. This day, which concludes the period beginning on Rosh Hashanah, is considered the last of the “Awesome Days” (Yamim Noraim), when the blessings to be sent to each person in the new year are finally determined.
The special rituals of Hoshana Rabbah include circling the bimah while reciting the “Hoshanot” prayers – pleas for salvation and the mercy of the Almighty. On this day, the raising of the aravah (willow) is also performed – a ritual symbolizing the completion of the mitzvah of “Netilat Lulav.” For in the evening, the festival of Shemini Atzeret begins, marking a new spiritual stage. These solemn moments fill the participants’ hearts with a special awe and the joy of concluding the cycle of the autumn holidays.
As it is said: “On this day, they leave the sukkah and take aravot in their hands… And the fate of the world is finally sealed. Therefore, this day is called the ‘Great Salvation’ – Hoshana Rabbah.”
Thus, Hoshana Rabbah becomes a time of special spiritual awakening and joy – when every Jew feels the closeness of the Almighty and hope for a blessed, bright year.
