Hoshana Rabbah 2019
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.
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.
Hoshana Rabbah in Upcoming Years
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2020 | October 9, 2020 |
| 2021 | September 27, 2021 |
| 2022 | October 16, 2022 |
| 2023 | October 6, 2023 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Hoshana Rabbah 2019?
Hoshana Rabbah 2019 begins at sunset on October 20, 2019 (Hebrew date: 21 Tishrei 5780). All Jewish holidays begin at sunset the evening before the date listed.
What is 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.
How are Hoshana Rabbah dates determined?
Hoshana Rabbah falls on a fixed date in the Hebrew (lunisolar) calendar each year. Because the Hebrew calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar, the corresponding Gregorian date shifts annually. The dates on this page are calculated algorithmically — no manual updates needed.