Hoshana Rabbah 2026

Halachic Framework

Hoshana Rabbah is a customary observance rather than a full festival: there are no work restrictions or special prayer obligations, and Tachanun is generally omitted for the day. The customs below developed through practice and are widely, though not universally, observed.

Customs & Observances

• Seven circuits with the Four Species around the synagogue
• Beating the aravot (willow branches) on the ground
• Reading the entire book of Psalms
• Night study of Deuteronomy and liturgical hymns (piyyutim)

Greetings & Blessings for Hoshana Rabbah

Traditional greetings used before, during, and after Hoshana Rabbah:

• Pitchei Tov — "May good gates be opened for you"
• Chag Sameach — "A joyous holiday"

בעברית:

• פתחי טב — "יפתחו לך שערי טוב"
• חג שמח

About Hoshana Rabbah

Hoshana Rabbah falls on the 21st of Tishrei, the last day of Chol HaMoed Sukkot. According to tradition, it is the final day of the judgment sealed on Yom Kippur, when the Heavenly verdict for the year is delivered.

Jewish holidays begin at sunset on the evening before the date shown and conclude at nightfall (when three medium stars are visible) on the final day. In the Diaspora, major Torah festivals are observed for two days (Yom Tov Sheni shel Galuyot), while in Israel they are observed for one day.