Last Day of Sukkot in the United States

The Last Day of Sukkot, also known as Hoshana Rabbah, is the seventh day of the Jewish festival of Sukkot, which lasts for seven days. The holiday generally falls in late September to late October and is widely observed by Jewish communities across the United States.

History and Traditions:

• Origins: Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the Israelites wandered in the desert, living in temporary shelters. It is also a harvest festival.
• Sukkah: Jews build a sukkah, a temporary hut to dwell in during the festival, symbolizing the frailty and transience of life.
• Four Species: Participants perform rituals with four species of plants (etrog, lulav, hadassim, and aravot) as commanded in the Torah.
• Hoshana Rabbah: On the last day, it is traditional to make seven circuits around the synagogue while reciting prayers known as "Hoshanot". The day has a semi-Yom Kippur-like atmosphere with additional prayers for forgiveness.

What People Do:

• Prayer Services: Special services are held where people take part in processions around the synagogue while carrying their Four Species.
• Beating of the Willow: There is a tradition of beating a bundle of willow branches (aravot) on the ground.
• Festive Meal: Families gather for festive meals throughout Sukkot and particularly on its last day.
• Preparation for Simchat Torah: As Hoshana Rabbah concludes Sukkot, preparations begin for Simchat Torah (Rejoicing with the Torah), which immediately follows and marks the end of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings.