Hashanah Rabbah: A Last Chance to Connect, Purify, and Embrace Joy

Good evening, everyone! I’m reaching out on this crucial night of Hashanah Rabbah, a time of immense spiritual significance. As we approach Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, it's vital to reflect on the journey of the past 51 days since Rosh Chodesh Elul. These have been days of introspection, repentance, and drawing closer to Hashem, culminating in our stay in the Sukkah, a symbolic embrace of His presence.

This period, filled with sincere prayers and careful observance of Mitzvot, leaves us with a bittersweet feeling. While we cherish the spiritual heights reached, we ponder how to sustain this connection in the year ahead. A poignant story illustrates this: a once-wealthy businessman, burdened by debt and shame, fled his hometown. A wise rabbi, recognizing him, urged him to return, face his mistakes, and seek help. He did, and his community rallied, helping him rebuild. This mirrors our own journey: instead of running from our annual mistakes, Elul, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur provide the opportunity to return, admit, and seek Hashem's boundless love in the temporary yet protective embrace of the Sukkah.

Hashanah Rabbah: The Final Verdict and Shattering Walls

Tonight, on Hashanah Rabbah, the verdicts sealed on Yom Kippur are finalized. It's our last opportunity to implore Hashem, to cry out "Hoshana!" – "Please save us!" We make seven circuits (hakafot) around the bimah, echoing the conquest of Jericho. Just as the city's walls crumbled, we pray for the dismantling of spiritual barriers separating us from Hashem, our prayers ascending through the "seven heavens" to His throne. Our ultimate tool is koach ha'tefilah – the power of prayer.

Purifying Our Speech: The Symbolism of the Aravot

On Hashanah Rabbah, we also beat five aravot (willow branches) on the ground. The Aravah, a humble plant thriving on water, symbolizes individuals with little knowledge but strong Mitzvah observance. More deeply, the Aravah represents the lips, the seat of speech, where "life and death reside." Our words, our unique human capacity, carry our prayers to Hashem.

The five Aravot symbolize the five components of speech (mouth, throat, teeth, tongue, jaws). By beating them, we symbolically cast away negative speech, seeking to purify our power of utterance for the new year. This purification ensures our prayers are accepted, emanating from a place of renewed intention.

Kohelet & Shemini Atzeret: Finding Eternity in the Temporary

As Sukkot concludes, we transition to Shmini Atzeret, preceded by the reading of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) on Shabbat. Kohelet, often perceived as melancholic, questions the pursuit of worldly happiness, ultimately concluding that only "fearing Hashem and keeping His Mitzvot" holds eternal value.

Why invest so much in the temporary, like the beautiful arba minim or elaborate Yom Tov meals, if they are fleeting? The message is profound: every Mitzvah carries eternal value. When we perform a Mitzvah with pure intention, the physical act transcends into something eternal. The joyous Simchat Beit Hasho'eivah of Sukkot, our decorations, our delicious meals – all transform into eternal connections when done to please Hashem.

Shmini Atzeret marks a poignant "extra day" with Hashem. "Kashei Alai Preidatchem" – "It is difficult for Me for you to depart," Hashem says, like a loving parent longing for one more moment with their children. This profound expression of divine love culminates in Simchat Torah, where our boundless joy in the Torah signifies our ultimate security.

The Torah, "Zot HaTorah," is our unwavering anchor through life's challenges. As seen in the inspiring stories of two boys who, through unexpected connections and the power of Torah, found their true path and blessings, even when they doubted themselves. Their journeys underscore that divine guidance is always at play, transforming perceived misfortunes into opportunities for immense growth and blessing.

May you have a wonderful, wonderful Yom Tov, a "Pitka Tova," and may the joy of Sukkot permeate your entire year. Good Yom Tov, Good Shabbos! All my love from Antwerp.