This concluding week of Succoth is rich in holiday celebrations. Friday, October 17 is Hoshanna Rabbah, when we once again appeal to G-d to inscribe us for a good year. We take five arava - willow branches, like those we use for the four species and bind them together. In the course of the services, we beat them on the ground five times. The arava - willow, is symbolic of our lips, and in this final appeal to G-d, we proclaim that we have only our prayers, our lips, with which to beseech His mercy.

It is also significant that the last guest, Ushpizin, on this day is King David, who was the sweet singer of Israel, the very embodiment of prayer. It is customary to spend the entire night of Hoshanna Rabbah (Thursday night) in Torah study, recitation of psalms, and prayer.

On Friday evening, October 17, as we kindle the Shabbos lights, we also usher in the holiday of Shemini Atzeres, which literally translated, means “The Eighth Day of Assembly”, for after the Jewish people celebrated Succoth for seven days in the presence of G-d, the Almighty was loathe to let them go, even as a parent is reluctant to have his children and grandchildren depart after a joyous visit. “Please,” G-d said, “stay with Me for yet another day. I find it hard to part from you.” This then, is a unique day for us to bond with HaShem.

On this day, we also recite the Yizkor prayer. Although Shemeni Atzeres is a joyous holiday, nevertheless, in the midst of our celebration, we remember our parents who are no longer with us. Following this memorial service, we recite the prayer of geshem - we beseech G-d to bless our holy land with rain. During the summer months, there is no rain in Israel. Therefore, rain in its season is vital to Israel’s survival. In essence, all prayers are connected to geshem - rain. The word goshmiut - materialism, is derived from geshem - rain, reminding us that all our material endeavors can be realized only if the blessing comes from above, which is symbolized by rain.

On Saturday evening, Oct. 18, Simchas Torah is ushered in, and once again, we light candles (not before 7:05 PM). Simchas Torah is the most joyous of all holidays, when we celebrate the conclusion of the study and the reading of the Five Books of the Torah. However, in order to stress that study of Torah must be an ongoing, continuous process which has no beginning or end, we immediately commence with Genesis - Bereshis. The last portion of the Torah is called “V’Zos HaBracha” - “This is the Blessing”. Prior to his death, Moses blessed all the tribes, and that blessing continues to sustain us to this very day. In that parsha, it is written, “Moses commanded us the Torah - It is the heritage of the entire congregation of Jacob” (Deut. 33:4).

There is a fine difference between heritage and inheritance. An inheritance becomes the possession of an heir - to do with as he wishes. A heritage, on the other hand, is given in trust. It is an heirloom that must be passed on from generation to generation, and that is why this passage is at the core of our faith, and parents are called upon to teach it to their children at a very tender age. We would all do well to remember that we have been given a heritage that can imbue us with fortitude, direction and wisdom. Let us seize it and realize our responsibilities as Jews and transmit the gift to future generations.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Osher

Hoshanna Rabbah-Shemini Atzeres 21 Tishrei, 5764
Candle Lighting Time, Fri. October 17, 2003 5:53 PM
Sat. Night, Oct. 18. Light Candles at 7:05 PM Yom Tov ends, Sun. Eve. 7:03PM
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