Greetings in the name of His & Her Imperial Majesties Qedamawi Haile Sellassie I & Itege Menen Asfaw,

I welcome you all to yet another posting in one of the many interpretations of the Scriptures from the light of Ras Tafari by, I, Lidj Yefdi (pronounced Lij, Yef-dee).

This is Lidj Yefdi, wishing everyone a very blessed recogition of Hoshana!
This Hebraic celebration culminates the appointed time of the High Holy days congruent with Sukkot.
The final day of Sukkot brings us to Hoshanna Raba.  Hoshanna Raba, is the commemoration of the “Supplication,” or the “Divine Judgment.”

Orthodox Jews, and other Chassidic sects gather for a special service.  In this special service the participants make seven (7) circuits in ritual, around the synagogue with their made lula(b)v & etrons.  (*symbolic of Sukkot)

In variating sects, the Shofar(or the trumpet) is sounded after every circuit is made.  The Torah scrolls are taken out of the made Arks on this commemoration day as well.  Reasoning behind these ritualistic principles is recognizing the “Final Judgment” in the last days from the initiation of the seasonal appointed times. (Hebraic holidays)*

Judgment , in doctrine of the European Jewish theory, for the new year is sealed on Yom Kippur but, not delivered until Hoshanna.  These teachings come from the original interpretation of the celebration, and memorials of the Hebrew people, especially from the time of the 2nd Temple of Jerusalem.

In the Midrash, there is also another application containing the willow.  “The “Day of the Willow,” when on the seventh day, traditionally participants in Hoshanna Raba take a willow and have it present with the other “4 Species” or “4 Kinds”.  (of the symbols from Sukkot)*

Now, from an Ethiopic perspective and a Christian one, Hosanna (Hoshanna) takes on a bit a different interpretation.  But, repentance is most certainly a theme echoed in it as well.  Not to mention the commemoration has a different orientation in the timing of the celebratory recognition.  But, also with that repentance is the recognition of the significance of Christ, of course.  Christ rode into Jerusalem on the back of donkey(ass) with the Disciples and the palms, were carried by all of the people.  Very significant when you are able to compare this from Scripture to the practices and tradtions of the Jewish and Hebrew people celebration Hoshanna.

Notes:

http://www.chabad.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template_cdo/aid/4495/jewish/Hoshana-Rabbah.htm

Matt. 21:9 ; 15 ; Mrk. 11:9-10 ;  Jhn. 12:13

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/judaica/ejud_0002_0009_0_09257.html

http://www.ethiopianorthodoxchurch.info/CalanderFastsFeastsDays.html

http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Fall_Holidays/Hoshana_Rabbah/hoshana_rabbah.html