Hoshana Rabba is a confusing holiday. It is described as “the day when the verdict that was issued on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is finalized”.

What? I thought we did that already! Was Yom Kippur our last chance to merit a good year, or not?

When we ask the question, the answers come in metaphor: “the decree is sealed, but the ink is still drying.” “The ink is dry, but the message has to be delivered.” “The message is delivered, but you can still mark it as Spam, or something.”

Does anyone know what that means?

Of course not. We’re trying to explain a metaphysical concept with, well, words.

Deadlines like Yom Kippur are designed to spur us into action. But when the deadline has passed, and we hear “Oh wait, you still have time!,” that removes power from the deadline. It’s like the yeshiva that postpones their raffle deadline year after year. It starts to mean less and less.

So when you think of these concepts, before or after the High Holidays, ask yourself this question: is this helping me, or not? Is this spurring me to growth, or is it making me feel dismissive or complacent?

The lesson that I take from Hoshana Rabba is that there is always a chance to improve. Maybe the deadline is today, maybe it was last week, and maybe it will be next month, but the truth is that we have a unique opportunity today - right now - to make changes and improve our lives.

Shimmy Feintuch, LCSW CASAC-G maintains a private practice in Brooklyn, NY, and Washington Heights, NYC, with specialties in addictions and anxiety. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Contact: (530) 334-6882 or shimmyfeintuch@gmail.com. 

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