Hoshana Rabbah: When the Decree Is Delivered

“On the night of Hoshana Rabbah, all created beings are judged once again, and their decrees are delivered.

The primary judgment of the world and of each person on the night of Hoshana Rabbah concerns the delivery of the decrees that were already sealed on Yom Kippur, whether for good or, God forbid, otherwise.”

— The holy Arizal

The Meaning of the Quote

This teaching of the holy Arizal highlights the unique role of Hoshana Rabbah in the process of Divine judgment that begins on Rosh Hashanah and continues through Yom Kippur.

According to the Arizal, the night of Hoshana Rabbah represents another stage in the heavenly judgment. All created beings are judged once again, and the “notes” or decrees reflecting the outcome of the judgment sealed on Yom Kippur are delivered.

On Yom Kippur, the decree for the coming year is sealed, for good or, God forbid, otherwise. Hoshana Rabbah, however, is traditionally associated with the delivery of those decrees. In other words, it represents the point at which what was determined in judgment moves toward practical implementation.

The Arizal explains that the main judgment of this night concerns the handing over of these decrees. This gives Hoshana Rabbah a particularly significant place within the season of repentance and judgment.

The teaching underscores the spiritual importance of the night and encourages a person to use these final moments for reflection, prayer, repentance, and renewed commitment.

About the Author

Rabbi Yitzchak ben Shlomo Luria, known as the holy Arizal, was one of the greatest Kabbalists of 16th-century Safed.

He developed a profound system of Kabbalistic thought that became known as Lurianic Kabbalah and went on to exert enormous influence on Jewish mystical teachings. His disciples are traditionally known as the Gurei HaAri, the disciples of the Arizal.