Hoshana Rabbah: Embracing the Eternal

As we stand on the threshold of Hoshana Rabbah, after 51 days of spiritual elevation—from Rosh Chodesh Elul through Yom Kippur and Sukkot—I am sending you this message:A message from the heart, from the sukkah, from the place where our tefillot (prayers) rise straight to the Kisei HaKavod (Heavenly Throne).

I cannot help but think of my dear husband, Rav Shlomo”l, during this zman simchateinu (time of joy). Those who knew him often spoke of his unique smile—deep and genuine, rooted not in fleeting happiness, but in inner simcha (joy) and emunah (faith). Even during illness, he radiated love for life, for Torah, and for each moment of existence. His bitachon (trust) and devotion to Torah continue to inspire us.

Recently, a community member from Antwerp shared an insight about my husband that perfectly captured his essence. I will share it at the end of this dvar Torah, so you can understand what made him so special.

The Power of “Na” – The Final Plea

Tonight we reach Hoshana Rabbah—the culmination of these 51 days. For some, it has already begun.

Why 51? The numerical value of the Hebrew letters nun alef spells “na,” meaning please.

During Sukkot, in our hoshanot, we say:“Hoshana” – Hashem, please save us.

But why say na—please? Why not simply say hoshia (save us)?

Because for 51 days—from Rosh Chodesh Elul until now—we have been striving to connect to Hashem. We have tried, perhaps not always perfectly, to dwell in His presence and fulfill shivti b’veit Hashem. And now we cry out:“Hashem, we have tried! In that merit, please save us.”

Hashem, our loving Father, responds with compassion:“Kasheh alai preidatchem” – It is hard for Me to part from you.So He says: Stay with Me just one more day.

The Depth of a Goodbye

My father, z”l, would say: You see the depth of a relationship at the moment of separation.

Go to an airport and observe farewells. Some are quick; others linger with tears, hugs, and longing. The intensity of the goodbye reveals the closeness of the bond.

When my husband passed away, I felt this truth profoundly. I would have given anything for just one more minute. Kasheh alai preidatchem—how hard it is to say goodbye.

When we leave the sukkah, having dwelt beneath the stars embraced by Hashem’s presence, we feel this too.We whisper:“Just one more moment, Hashem. Let us carry this closeness with us.”

A King’s Throne – A Story of Divine Wisdom

I heard a beautiful story today:

A king wished to show his minister how clever the Jewish people were. The minister, who disliked Jews, brought a young boy from cheder (Jewish school) into the palace.

The king asked:“How long did your G-d take to create the world?”“Six days,” replied the boy.“And what has your G-d been doing since then?”

The boy quickly asked the king to stand and then sat on the throne. The astonished king listened as the boy explained:“My G-d humbles the arrogant and raises the humble.”

Pleased, the king offered the boy 50 gold coins. But the boy refused:“My father will never believe me. He’ll think I stole it.”

The king asked, “What if I give you 1,000 coins?”“That,” the boy said, “he will believe.”

The nimshal (lesson):When we leave the sukkah, we don’t want to leave with just 50 coins. We want the full spiritual wealth of these 51 days of teshuvah and growth. We’ve been davening, performing mitzvot, and elevating our intentions. Now we ask Hashem:Give us more—more bracha, more siyata dishmaya, more closeness to You.

Kohelet – Discovering the True Value of Life

On Shabbat Chol HaMoed, we read Megillat Kohelet, which carries a universal message. During Sukkot, offerings were brought not only for Am Yisrael but also for the 70 nations of the world.

Shlomo HaMelech, after listing all worldly pursuits—wealth, wisdom, pleasure—concludes:“Havel havalim, hakol havel” – Vanity of vanities, all is fleeting.

What, then, has eternal value?

The final pasuk provides the answer, written with an enlarged samech to mark its importance:“Et HaElokim yarei, v’et mitzvotav shemor – Fear G-d and keep His mitzvot.”

Material possessions—homes, accounts, careers—are temporary.But mitzvot? They are eternal.

• Buying flowers for Shabbat, with the intention to honor the day, transforms them into an everlasting mitzvah.

• The sukkah, though temporary, becomes eternal through the mitzvah.

• The lulav and etrog, fleeting objects, gain eternal value when used for mitzvot.

This is what we take with us after 51 days of spiritual elevation:The understanding that mitzvot bring true, lasting meaning.

Hoshana Rabbah – The Final Appeal

On Hoshana Rabbah, our pitka’ot—our spiritual verdicts—are sealed. This is our moment to make a final appeal, to reach out to Hashem with humility.

What do we bring? Not the majestic lulav or fragrant etrog, but the simple aravot (willow branches).

Why?Because the aravot teach us humility. We stand before Hashem with sincere hearts, asking for mercy—not relying on our own merits, but on His kindness.

A Message to Carry Forward

As these precious days conclude, let us remember:“Et HaElokim yarei, v’et mitzvotav shemor.”

Let us treasure every mitzvah, recognizing its eternal value.Let us seek closeness with Hashem—through joy, humility, and heartfelt prayer.

And let our final plea be:Hoshana—Please, Hashem, save us.