To Shepherd and To Carry: A Closer Look at the Hoshana Hope As we close the chapter on the Yamim Noraim and begin to focus on Sukkot, it’s time to see if I actually have any sort of a green thumb as I plot and plan about how I will keep my aravot alive. Should I immerse them in a pitcher of water? Wrap them in wet paper towels? Store them in the fridge? All of the above? The bottom line is that the aravot, willow branches, are the most fragile of the Four Species and must be tended to carefully to remain alive throughout the chag. We need our willow branches in full strength not only to fulfill the mitzvah of taking the lulav, but also for us to optimally recite certain tefilot on Sukkot. Among those prayers where healthy and vibrant aravot are preferred are the Hoshanot, the daily Sukkot “parade” around the shul. It is during Hoshanot that we ask God to “save us,” concluding with the famous phrase and song “Hoshea et amecha”: הוֹשִׁיעָה אֶת עַמֶּךָ וּבָרֵךְ אֶת נַחֲלָתֶךָ וּרְעֵם
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Showing posts from September, 2023