Sukkot is known as “the time of our rejoicing,” as the theme of joy appears several times in the passages of the Torah which deal with this festival. One need only cite the central command in this regard: “You shall rejoice on your festival …and you shall be completely joyous” (Deuteronomy 16:14–15). Indeed, it is customary to accentuate the joy of the festival of Sukkot even more than on the other two pilgrimage festivals (Passover and Shavuot).

Further reading: For more on the unique joy of the festival of Sukkot, see A Concise Guide to the Sages, p. 159; A Concise Guide to Mahshava, p. 76.

One of the main manifestations of joy during the Sukkot festival is the Simhat Beit HaSho’eva (the “Celebration of the Place of the Water Drawing”), which is held on the nights of the intermediate days of the festival. These events constitute a reminder of the Simhat Beit HaSho’eva celebrations that were held in the Temple.

The historical background to this practice is as follows: The sacrifices were at the heart of the divine service in the Temple in Jerusalem. When sacrifices were offered, wine would be poured on a corner of the altar. This service, which was called the wine libation, was performed all year round. In addition, once a year, on Sukkot, they would pour water on the altar in addition to wine. This water was drawn from the Siloam pool near Jerusalem in a festive and joyous ceremony which the masses of pilgrims would gather to watch.

The festivities, accompanied by an orchestra, dancing, and torch-juggling stunts, were called Simhat Beit HaSho’eva. There was such great joy at these activities that the Sages said: “One who did not see the Celebration of the Place of the Water Drawing has never seen a celebration in his life” (Mishna Sukka 4:1).

Further reading: For more information on a detailed description of the Celebration of the Place of the Water Drawing in the Temple, see A Concise Guide to the Sages, p. 292.