Related reading: The History of the Western Wall for Children: Guide, Story and Quiz and The Western Wall: Guide, Story and Quiz.
Hoshana Rabbah is the seventh day of Sukkot and the peak moment of the Hosha'anot prayers and the aravah custom. This page offers a clear explanation, a practical order for the day, a child-friendly version, a printable/PDF outline FAQ a Sukkot quiz idea and source/licensing notes.
The content is designed for families, teachers, educators and communities preparing a useful holiday page before Sukkot or a handout for synagogue, classroom or sukkah use. It does not replace a siddur, machzor, halachic source or local community custom.
In Brief: What Is Hoshana Rabbah?
Hoshana Rabbah is the final day of Chol HaMoed Sukkot, the 21st of Tishrei, one day before Shemini Atzeret. During Sukkot, Hosha'anot are recited, and on this day they are expanded: many communities circle the bimah seven times with the Four Species.
The day is also connected to the custom of beating the aravah. Separate willow branches are taken, in addition to the willow branches in the lulav bundle, and are struck as a remembrance of the aravah practice in the Temple. The Western Wall site describes this custom as a memorial to the willow branches once used in processions around the altar and placed at the altar.
Why Is It Called Hoshana Rabbah?
"Hoshana" expresses a plea for salvation or help. Throughout Sukkot, communities recite Hosha'anot around the bimah. On the seventh day, the request becomes broader and more concentrated: more circuits, more prayer, more focus on water, blessing and the closing moments of the festival.
For children, it can be explained simply: every day of Sukkot we ask for goodness and blessing. On Hoshana Rabbah, we say the great request of the holiday, a serious and festive close before Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.
When Is the Hoshana Rabbah Service?
Hoshana Rabbah falls on the 21st of Tishrei, the seventh day of Sukkot. The Hosha'anot are usually recited during the morning service, in the place set by the siddur and community custom.
On the night of Hoshana Rabbah, some communities stay awake to study Torah, recite Psalms or learn from Deuteronomy. These customs vary widely, so a printable page should say "according to local custom" rather than presenting one practice as universal.
What Do People Do on Hoshana Rabbah?
Here is a practical structure for a family or classroom handout:
| Step | What happens? | Use note |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Prepare the Four Species and aravot for the custom | Confirm the local practice |
| Prayer | Recite Hallel and Hosha'anot according to the siddur | Do not print full liturgical text without license review |
| Circuits | Circle the bimah seven times | Follow synagogue guidance |
| Aravah | Beat the willow branches at the accepted point in the service | Customs vary by community |
| Learning | Explain the Temple memory and the request for blessing | Good for families, classes and communities |
| Quiz | End with short questions about Sukkot and Hoshana Rabbah | Helps children connect with the day |
What Is the Aravah Beating Custom?
Beating the aravah is the distinctive custom of Hoshana Rabbah. Separate willow branches are taken and struck on the ground or another appropriate place, according to community custom.
Its roots lie in the memory of the Temple service: the willow had a special role during Sukkot, and on the seventh day the altar was circled seven times. Today, in the absence of the Temple, the aravah custom remains a brief action carrying a large memory: a request for water, life, salvation and blessing.
Kids Version: How to Explain Hoshana Rabbah
You can say:
Hoshana Rabbah is the last day of Sukkot before Shemini Atzeret. On this day we make a big request: for a good year, water, blessing and joy. In synagogue, people circle the bimah with the Four Species, and then there is a special willow custom that helps us remember the Temple in Jerusalem.
Short activity for children:
- Draw four symbols: lulav, etrog, sukkah and willow.
- Ask: which symbol is especially connected to Hoshana Rabbah?
- Explain that the willow reminds us of water, streams and the request for blessing.
- End with a question: what good request would you like to carry from the holiday into the year?
Printable Hoshana Rabbah Page
A good Hoshana Rabbah PDF should be short, clear and easy to read in synagogue or at home. It is best to include original explanation and avoid full prayer text until source, wording and licensing have been checked.
Suggested Title
Hoshana Rabbah - The Seventh Day of Sukkot, Hosha'anot and the Aravah Custom
Short Printable Intro
Hoshana Rabbah falls on the 21st of Tishrei, the seventh day of Sukkot. On this day many communities recite expanded Hosha'anot, circle the bimah seven times and practice the aravah custom as a remembrance of the willow service in the Temple.
Suggested Family or Classroom Page
Printable Quiz Question
What is special about Hoshana Rabbah?
- The bimah is circled seven times and many Hosha'anot are recited
- Chanukah candles are lit
- The Book of Esther is read
- Matzah is eaten
Answer: The bimah is circled seven times and many Hosha'anot are recited.
Sukkot Quiz Idea
Connect this page to a short game called "The Great Request." Participants receive cards with terms: Hosha'anot, aravah, sukkah, Four Species, Temple, water, 21 Tishrei, Shemini Atzeret.
Each round, draw a card and ask:
- Is this term connected to all of Sukkot or especially to Hoshana Rabbah?
- What is its connection to the Temple or synagogue?
- What family discussion question can we learn from it?
Suggested CTA: Open a Sukkot quiz and add a "Great Request" round: identify terms, arrange the customs of Hoshana Rabbah and learn how an ancient prayer can become a meaningful family conversation.
FAQ
When is Hoshana Rabbah?
Hoshana Rabbah is on the 21st of Tishrei, the seventh day of Sukkot, one day before Shemini Atzeret.
What is recited on Hoshana Rabbah?
What is beating the aravah?
It is a custom of taking separate willow branches and striking them, as a remembrance of the willow practice connected to the Temple service on Sukkot.
Are the Four Species needed on Hoshana Rabbah?
In synagogue, Hosha'anot are commonly recited with the Four Species, according to local custom. The aravah custom uses separate willow branches.
Is Hoshana Rabbah a separate holiday?
No. It is the seventh day of Sukkot. The next day is Shemini Atzeret, a separate festival.
Can children participate?
Yes, in an age-appropriate way: a short explanation, observing the circuits, identifying the Four Species, drawing a willow branch or answering a short quiz. The atmosphere of prayer and synagogue respect should be preserved.
Can we create a PDF without the full Hosha'anot text?
Why is the day connected to water?
Sukkot is connected to prayer for water and blessing for the year. The willow, which grows near water, evokes water, life and blessing.