Purifying the Soul Before Final Judgment

Not all days of Sukkot are alike. The seventh and last day of Sukkot – one day before Shemini Atzeret – is called Hoshana Rabbah and it’s considered the last of the Days of Judgment, which begin on Rosh Hashana. As we all know, the judgment for the new year is sealed on Yom Kippur, but it isn’t "delivered" until the end of Sukkot, so until then the verdict can still be changed. In addition to a special synagogue service, Hoshana Rabbah typically combines intense torah study – many stay up all night to do so – with a joyful celebration.

Watch this uplifting musical performance by the Peretz Eliyahu Ensemble featuring Mark Eliyahu and Assaf Amdursky, from Beit Avi Chai’s Hoshana Rabbah celebration in 2023.