B"H
Friday, Tishrei 21, 5781 / October 9, 2020
Today (Friday), the seventh day of the holiday of Sukkot, is called,Hoshana Raba. Friday night and Shabbat is Shmini Atzeret & Shabbat night and Sunday is Simchat Torah. On Shmini Atzeret, the Yizkor service is recited for our loved ones who are deceased.
On Simchat Torah we finish reading the last portion of the Torah and begin the Torah reading anew again. It is one of the most joyous days of the year when we rejoice with the Torah.
Many will not be able to attend synagogue this year, due to Covid. But it shouldn’t stop anyone from rejoicing with the Torah. If you can’t hold a Torah, take a Torah in a book form and dance with it. Involve your family in rejoicing with the Torah. Through joy and happiness we can beat any adversity. May we all have a most joyous Simchat Torah.
Q. What is the significance of Hoshana Raba?
A. “Hoshana” refers to the willow branches. Two willow branches are tied together with the Lulav (also three Myrtle branches), as part of the Four Species upon which we make a blessing during Sukkot.
On Hoshana Raba we take a bundle of willow branches (Hoshanot) and recite special prayers during the morning service. After which we beat the willows on the ground.
The origin of this custom dates back to the time of the Holy Temple. On each of the seven days of Sukkot, special tall willows were placed around the altar in the Holy Temple. On the first six days of Sukkot there would be one procession around the altar. On the seventh day (Hoshana Raba), there were seven processions. Then the willow branches would be beaten at the sides of the altar.
The significance of this ceremony is because Sukkot is the season when G-d passes judgment on the waters. On this day judgment is passed whether there will be sufficient rain for the crops to grow. The willow, which is referred in the Torah as, “willows which grow by the river,” is associated with water. Thus, we use them when we pray for sufficient amount of water for the coming year.
Also, Hoshana Raba is the day when the final verdict from Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, is sealed.
Q. Why is it that Hoshana Raba can only fall on a Sunday, Monday, Wednesday or Friday, but cannot fall on a Tuesday, Thursday or Shabbat?
A. Hoshana Raba is always on the seventh day of Sukkot. The first day of Sukkot cannot fall on a Sunday, Wednesday or Friday. Thus, the seventh day of Sukkot (Hoshana Raba) cannot fall on Tuesday, Wednesday or Shabbat.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY & CHAG SAMEACH
Montrealcandle lighting times: Friday: 6:01 / Shabbat night: 7:01