Kabbalistic Traditions and Blessings for Hoshana Rabbah and Simchat Torah Revealed

On the night of Hoshana Rabbah, also known as the night of "Ushpiza D'David" (King David's guest), Rabbi Abraham Maimon and host Yossi Avdo discussed the mystical traditions and blessings associated with the holiday, particularly concerning the Four Species (Arba'at HaMinim) and the customs of the night. According to Kabbalistic tradition, this night marks the completion of judgment and the sending of "pitkin" (decrees), with many staying awake to study Torah. For Sephardic Jews, it is also the night of King David, the seventh and final "Ushpizin" (guest), symbolizing the attribute of kingship.

Rabbi Maimon explained the special status of King David on this night, referencing the Zohar and the Book of "Keren Yeshuah." He stated that reciting a specific verse from Isaiah, "כָּל כְּלִי יוּצַר עָלַיִךְ לֹא יִצְלָח," can help silence accusers in legal matters, invoking King David's merit. The rabbi also shared traditions about King David's personal hardships, citing verses from Psalms, and suggested that those suffering from unusual afflictions can pray for salvation near King David's "seat" on this night.

The program detailed the three stages of judgment concluding on Hoshana Rabbah, citing the book "Pri Etz Chaim." The final sealing and delivery of decrees occur at midnight, and the day is considered a special time for repentance to alter one's fate. The willow branches, one of the Four Species, are particularly linked to wealth and sustenance, with traditions involving prayers over water and specific blessings. The study order for the night includes reading the Book of Deuteronomy and reciting Psalms, ideally in a Sukkah with a congregation.

Discussions also covered the customs for the Four Species after the holiday. Instead of discarding them, many traditions suggest keeping them for various blessings. The lulav, for instance, is said to protect the home from thieves when hung above the door, and can aid children learning the Hebrew alphabet. Willow branches are used for protection during travel, to ease childbirth, and even to reduce appetite. The etrog's pith is considered a blessing for a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery, and looking at an etrog is believed to benefit eyesight.

Avdo demonstrated how to arrange willow branches into divine names for protection and success, a practice learned from Kabbalist Rabbi Chaim Fuchs. He also presented a tradition for a simple childbirth using three willow branches, one each for the husband, wife, and child, cooked and eaten together. The etrog's peel can be made into jam for stomach ailments, and the fruit itself, when looked upon, is a remedy for eye issues. The myrtle (hadas) is kept for blessings of spices and is also associated with memory enhancement.