HOSHANAH RABBAH – EVENING (SUNDAY NIGHT)
As on every Erev Chag, one should not donate blood or undergo any procedures or tests involving blood loss. On Hoshanah Rabbah, this injunction applies even at night. [Of course, this does not apply in cases of great need, and certainly not when it is Pikuach Nefesh.]
Some have the custom of staying awake the entire Leil Hoshanah Rabbah.
Hoshanah Rabbah is an appropriate time to give more Tzedakah than usual.
Even though time is more limited on Leil Hoshanah Rabbah, Chabad have the custom to participate in a Simchat Beit Hashoeva.
The entire Sefer of Devarim is recited (individually) before midnight (12:25am). Some have the custom to do it in public with a Sefer Torah.
In some communities, after midnight, the entire Tehillim is recited with a Minyan, but not at length.
After each Sefer of Tehillim, one recites the Yehi Ratzon for Hoshanah Rabbah, as well as the Yehi Ratzon normally recited when one says Tehillim after moonrise.
According to Chabad, during or after the recitation of Tehillim, the Gabbaim distribute apples. After Tehillim, these are dipped in honey and eaten in the Sukkah.
HOSHANAH RABBAH – DAVENING (MONDAY)
Some have the custom to wear a Kittel throughout davening. Some hold that just the Chazzan, Baal Koreh and Baal Tokea (for those who blow Shofar) wear a Kittel whilst the rest of the Shul do not and some, including Chabad, do not wear a kittel at all.
A set of Hoshanot is prepared for each member of the family, including women and children – even those below the age of Chinuch.
Preferably, one shouldn’t use a set of Hoshanot already used by someone else. [One should purchase Hoshanot only from a reliable vendor who ensures that there is no concern of Gezel (theft).]
Each set of Hoshanot consists of five Aravot bound together with a Lulav leaf. [Neither the Aravot nor the Lulav leaf should be obtained from one’s set of Daled Minim, unless there’s no choice.]
The Aravot should measure at least three Tefachim (24cm) and should be of the same standard as those used in the Daled Minim. It is preferable to use fresh Aravot with all leaves intact. In extenuating circumstances, it is acceptable if there is at least one leaf per stem.
Before Hallel, the Chabad custom is to remove the two topmost rings of the Lulav, leaving only the three bottom rings. This allows for a more pronounced and joyous shaking of the Lulav.
For Hosha’anot, all the Sifrei Torah in the Aron Hakodesh are held at the Bimah by congregants who do not have a set of Daled Minim (or by anyone in the year of Aveilut who doesn’t circle the Bimah). If all present have a set, the Sifrei Torah are placed on the Bimah. The Aron Hakodesh remains open throughout Hosha’anot.
One without a set of Daled Minim does not circle the Bimah. [It is best to borrow a set in order to participate.]
According to the Chabad custom, when each of the seven paragraphs of Hosha’anot are recited, the initial phrases are recited quietly whilst standing in one place, and each phrase is preceded with the word Hosha’anah. The phrases from the letter <Samech= or <Ayin= onwards are recited aloud after the Chazzan, and each phrase is preceded and followed with the word Hosha’anah. Most other communities recite all the phrases aloud, after the Chazzan. These phrases are timed to coincide with one complete circuit around the Bimah. At the end of each paragraph, the special Passuk for Hoshanah Rabbah is also said and in some communities the Shofar is blown.
During Hosha’anot, the Lulav is held with the right hand and the Etrog with the left. A left handed person will hold the Lulav in his left hand and the Etrog in his right. The Lubavitcher Rebbe would generally hold them joined together and touching his chest. The set of Hoshanot (i.e. the five Aravot) are not held at this time.
After Hosha’anot is completed, the Sifrei Torah are returned to the Aron Hakodesh and the Chazzan recites Kaddish. The Daled Minim are then put aside, and only then are the set of Hoshanot picked up. They are beaten exactly five times directly against the ground (and not another object), and put aside. This is followed by the special Yehi Ratzon printed in the Siddur. [There is no need to beat very forcefully, nor to make any of the leaves fall off.]
The Daled Minim and Hoshanot are Muktzah on Shmini Atzeret, so they should be placed in a suitable place beforehand. Many have the custom to put Hoshanot on top of the Aron Hakodesh after use.
After Shabbat Bereishit, the Daled Minim (including Lulav rings) and Hoshanot may not be discarded along with other trash without first being wrapped in plastic. They certainly should not be troden on. [Some burn these items, especially at the time of Biur Chametz or when baking the Matzot. Others use the Hadassim for Besamim and make a jam with the Etrog.]
Some say L’David Hashem Ori for the last time at Shacharit, others, Including Chabad, say it for the last time at Mincha.
HOSHANAH RABBAH – DAYTIME
Sukkot is the time of judgement for water – and by extension, all life forms that depend on water. Hoshanah Rabbah is the last day of judgement.
A meal for Chag is served. The Challot are dipped in honey. It is not necessary to have Lechem Mishneh. There is a custom to eat Kreplach.
This is the last meal in the Sukkah.
Just like on Erev Shabbat, it is preferable to refrain from a proper meal once the tenth Halachic hour of the day begins (3:17pm) in order to properly enjoy the meal for Chag at night. However, one may snack in small quantities.
Some immerse in a Mikvah after midday (12:25pm).
