Hoshana Rabba
Quick Summary
Hoshana Rabba is the seventh day of the Jewish festival of Sukkot. It is observed on the 21st day of Tishri with special prayers and ceremonies in the synagogue by Orthodox and Conservative Jews. The name "Hoshana Rabba" comes from Aramaic and means "Great Hosanna".123
During Sukkot, Jews construct temporary huts called sukkot and dwell in them to commemorate the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. The festival also celebrates the harvest and gives thanks to God. On Hoshana Rabba, practitioners make a sevenfold circuit around the bimah (the main platform in the synagogue) with four specific plants: an etrog (citron), lulav (palm fronds), myrtle twigs, and willow branches. A bundle of five willow branches is then struck on the ground, a ritual symbolizing the elimination of sins. This day is considered a final opportunity for atonement after the High Holy Days, which include Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is also a time to pray for God to send plentiful rainfall for the coming year's harvest.24
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SukkotPractices…day of the festival, called Hoshana Rabba (“Great Hosanna”), practitioners make a sevenfold circuit around the bimah (the main raised platform in the synagogue) with the four plants. A bundle of five willow branches is then struck on the ground, a ritual meant to eliminate any remaining sins. Jews observing…
Read More…day of the festival, called Hoshana Rabba (“Great Hosanna”), practitioners make a sevenfold circuit around the bimah (the main raised platform in the synagogue) with the four plants. A bundle of five willow branches is then struck on the ground, a ritual meant to eliminate any remaining sins. Jews observing…
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JudaismPilgrim Festivals…last day of Sukkoth, called Hoshana Rabba (Great Hoshana) after the first words of a prayer (hoshana, “save us”) recited then, seven such circumambulations take place. Kabbalistic (mystical) teaching has virtually transformed Hoshana Rabba into a solemn day of judgment.
Read More…last day of Sukkoth, called Hoshana Rabba (Great Hoshana) after the first words of a prayer (hoshana, “save us”) recited then, seven such circumambulations take place. Kabbalistic (mystical) teaching has virtually transformed Hoshana Rabba into a solemn day of judgment.
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