May we all be sealed for life

Of course the night before the release of the last of our hostages is Hoshana Raba.

Where we stay up all night and learn, in preparation for the final seal of judgement of this season of return.

With the releases slated to potentially begin tomorrow from 4-6 am; who could sleep?

So we stay awake — hearts open, eyes heavy, souls alive.

Because this is the night when everything still hangs in the balance.

When the gates are almost closed but not yet locked.

When the verdict is written but not yet delivered.

And somehow, this year, it all feels intertwined — our prayers and their freedom, our tears and their homecoming.

May this Hoshana Raba be a night of light breaking through the dark, of seals softened by compassion, of redemption that feels close enough to touch.

May the morning dawn with a new world on the horizon.

Our people on their way home.

May we all be sealed for life.