Sukkot is considered the holiday on which God determines the world’s water allotment for the year to come. During the time of the Temple, the week of Sukkot was highlighted by the water libation ceremony, during which the priests ceremoniously drew water from the spring of Shiloach and poured it into the designated bowl attached to the altar. The ceremony actually lasted all night and was known as the Simchat Beit Hasho’evah, the Celebration of the Water Drawing.
The Simchat Beit Hasho’evah was such a joyous and wonderful event that the sages wrote of it in the Talmud (Sukkah 51a), “Whoever did not see this celebration [the Simchat Beit Hasho’evah] never saw a real celebration in his days.”
Here is a description of how it was celebrated in the Temple: The Temple was set up for the Simchat Beit Hasho’evah. Three balconies were erected in the women’s section and the men would stand in a courtyard below, allowing more people to attend. Golden lamps were placed in the courtyard that gave off enough light to illuminate the entire city. In the courtyard, men would dance as the levites played instruments and sang praises to God. The kohanim, the priests, would then go to the spring of Shiloach and draw the water to be used.
This Treat is reposted in honor of Sukkot.
Copyright © 2020 NJOP. All rights reserved.
Related Posts
Chukat 5782-2022
“A Tribute to Miriam, Our Sister” (updated and revised from Chukat 5764-2004) by, Rabbi…
0 Comments9 Minutes
Jews and the American Revolution
In honor of July 4th, Independence Day, Jewish Treats would like to share some of the…
0 Comments2 Minutes
Jewish Contribution to a Fledgling Nation
This July 4th, study American history to appreciate the important contributions made by…
0 Comments1 Minute