Inspiration from Zion: This is a Love Story

Yesterday was Hoshana Rabbah the seventh day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

It is believed that God judges each person, beginning on Rosh Hashana, deciding what their fate will be for the year to come. The judgment for the new year is sealed on Yom Kippur, but it is not “delivered” until the end of Sukkot (i.e., Hoshana Rabbah, the last day of Sukkot). This means that up to Hoshana Rabbah, the verdict and decree for the new year can still be changed.

Hoshana Rabbah is “the great hoshana,” named after the hoshanot prayers.

Thinking about the meaning of the day, suddenly a song I once heard years ago popped in to my head. Within moments I found a clip of it on YouTube. It’s a great song. I’m sure my Christian friends think it’s fabulous (especially everyone my mom’s age).

I wonder how many Christians are familiar with the source of this? I’m sure most seeing/hearing this think Hossana means some kind of praise to Jesus. Probably most people who see this clip think the people waving fronds in the air is just some silly stage direction.

But it’s not.

This is from Hoshana Rabbah, at the Western Wall, yesterday. It’s actually not “Hossana” it’s “Hoshea Na” and it means “Please save us.” Here, Jews are praying to God, asking for salvation for themselves and the Nation of Israel. The fronds they are waving are related specifically to the traditions and symbols of Sukkot.

The “Hoshana Connection” is important in that it is yet another reminder that Christianity stemmed from Judaism. Jesus was a Jew as were all his first followers. Without Judaism, there is no Christianity.

My dear Christian friends, this means that all attacks against us Jews, against Israel, are against you too.

Each time our heritage is denied, yours is too.

In preserving and upholding our legacy you are actually protecting yours.

Think about it.

And remember that not to speak is to speak.

The choice is yours.