(lit. "circuits"). The circular processions made in the synagogue or elsewhere on various occasions, both festive and solemn. A classic paradigm for these in the Bible was the Israelite circumambulation of Jericho resulting in the collapse of its walls (Josh. 6:3-20). Symbolically, however, hakkafot also imply completeness, as does their link with the number 7 (see Numbers). Orthodox Ashkenazi brides sometimes make three or seven hakkafot around the bridegroom under the wedding canopy prior to the wedding ceremony (see Marriage); seven circuits are made around the synagogue with Torah scrolls when it is dedicated; the same number is made around a new Cemetery at its consecration; and Sephardi and Ḥasidic Jews make seven circuits around the coffin or bier (usually in honor of a scholarly or pious man) immediately prior to Burial. These processions, known in Judeo-Spanish as rodeamentos ("rounds"), are often accompanied by the chanting of psalms. Best known, however, are the festive processions held in the synagogue during the Sukkot (Tabernacles) holiday. On the first six days, in Temple times, pilgrims made one circuit of the altar holding willow branches and chanting Psalms 118:25 ("O Lord, deliver us; O Lord, let us prosper"). On the seventh day, the number of circuits was increased to seven. That ancient practice is reflected each morning of Sukkot, when the Ark is opened and a Scroll of the Law is carried to the reader's platform. Congregants make one circuit around the synagogue, holding the Four Species and chanting prescribed Hoshanot hymns with the cantor. On the seventh day, Hoshana Rabbah, seven processions take place and the seven hoshanot are augmented by psalms and a biblical passage (I Chr. 29:11) alluding to seven of the Divine attributes. These also have a mystical link with the seven ancestral "holy guests" (Ushpizin) welcomed on Sukkot, and with seven of the Divine emanations or Sefirot. Sephardim often blow the Shofar (ram's horn) during the Hoshana Rabbah circuits. No hakkafot take place on a Sabbath .
In accordance with the practice introduced by Safed kabbalists in the 16th century, hakkafot also mark the observance of Simḥat Torah, the Rejoicing of the Law. After Evening and Morning Services, all the Torah scrolls are removed from the Ark and carried around the synagogue in seven successive processions. Short acrostic verses headed by Psalms 118:25 are chanted each time around, children bearing lighted candles or miniature Torah scrolls are encouraged to join the processions as a symbolic "army of the Lord," and after each hakkafah there is an interlude of joyous dancing and singing.
Ḥasidic Jews in the Diaspora follow Israeli practice by holding their Torah scroll processions on the eighth night (Shemini Atseret), but also do so again on the evening and morning of 23 Tishri (when Diaspora communities observe Simḥat Torah). Reform Jews arrange hakkafot on the eighth night only, whether in Israel or the Diaspora. Sephardi practice varies. Some have elaborate choral processions after the Evening Service and the Morning or Additional Service on the following day; Western Sephardi (Spanish and Portuguese) congregations, however, never adopted this custom until recently, and even today hakkafot on Simḥat Torah are intended primarily for children. Syrian and Moroccan Jews often have another round of processions on Shabbat ha-Gadol (see Sabbaths, Special). In Israel "second hakkafot" are held throughout the country, usually in the open air, on the night after Simḥat Torah, with the participation of bands, singers, and enthusiastic crowds.
