1. This Sunday morning, we will once again be holding Hoshana Rabba services, marking the conclusion of the High Holiday season. Our tradition tells us that while our judgements are sealed on Yom Kippur, the verdict is not handed down officially until Hoshana Rabba. As such, the Hoshana Rabba service is arguably the most beautiful and memorable weekday service of the entire year. The Chazzan wears a kittel and uses High Holiday motifs in his prayers, which include a joyous Hallel, circling the bimah seven times for Hoshanot with the Lulav and Etrog and, of course, the unforgettable beating of the Willow branches (available at the beginning of shacharit).
In most years, it is difficult to savor the full Hoshana Rabbah experience, as it often falls on a workday and davening may be rushed in order for participants to arrive at work. This year, however, Hoshana Rabba is a Sunday and we have a little more time for meaningful and soulful prayer that will still allow us ample time for pre Yom Tov preparation. Davening begins at 8 AM It would be wonderful if we all came together as a community to offer our final spirited prayers to be sealed in the Book of Life, beseeching God for a year full of blessing with no more personal and national suffering.
2. Our Simchat Torah promises to be a joyous one, with all the usual memorable experiences for kids (and adults!) enhanced by our visiting NCSY advisors, and by our Rabbinic Intern, Yehuda Rosenberg and his wife Shira, who will be spending Yom Tov with us. Rabbi Rosenberg will share Torah leading into Yom Tov as well as on the afternoon of Simchat Torah. As we have done the past five years, we will read a special fertility prayer, composed by Rabbi Dr. Moshe Sokolow and Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Zuckier for the organization Yesh Tikva, to show our support for those who are still struggling to build or expand their families. We will read it after Kol HaNe'arim, a time that is especially fraught and vulnerable for those who are looking to start or expand their family. If you would like to send names of people who are navigating this challenge, please feel free to email me at rabbi@shaaretefilla.org (the names will not be read aloud), or insert the names quietly on your own during the prayer.
May we only experience joy, happiness and good news in the year 5783!
Moadim LeSImcha, a gutten kvittel and Chag Sameach!
