Hoshana Rabba at the Old Broadway Synagogue

The Hoshana Rabba service, which takes place on the last day of Sukkos, is one of my favorite moments in the holiday season. It falls on chol ha-moed, yet the davenning is similar to that of yom tov, including the many hakafos (revolutions) around the bimah. It is also a fascinating blend of Sukkos, which is a time of joy, and Yom Kippur, a time of introspection. Before Hoshana Rabba, we wish one another a "gut kvitl" a"good note" submitted to God on our behalf. I have included some photos below of Hoshana Rabba this past October at Old Broadway.

Hallel on Hoshana Rabba

 The Hakafos

More Hakafos

 Beating the hoshanos... symbolically removing sin.