Simchat Beit HaShoeivah
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Simchat Beit Hashoevah or Simchas Beis Hashoeiva (Hebrew: שמחת בית השואבה, lit. "Rejoicing of the Water-Drawing House") is a special celebration held by Jews during the Intermediate days of Sukkot.
Origin
When the
Afterwards, every night in the outer Temple courtyard, tens of thousands of spectators would gather to watch the Simchat Beit HaShoeivah (Rejoicing at the Place of the Water-Drawing), as the most pious members of the community danced and sang songs of praise to God. The dancers would carry lit torches, and were accompanied by the
It was related of
Modern celebrations
Nowadays, the historical celebrations are recalled via a Simchat Beit HaShoeivah gathering of music, dance, and refreshments. This event takes place in a central location such as a synagogue, yeshiva, or place of study. Refreshments are served in the adjoining sukkah. Live bands often accompany the dancers. The festivities usually begin late in the evening, and can last long into the night.
The modern practice of Simchat Beit HaShoeivah appears to have been formally instituted by Rabbi Hayyim ben Jacob Abulafia in İzmir in 1726, as a remembrance of Temple practice (zecher lamikdash), after having been a voluntary initiative for some time beforehand.[4] Apparently the custom spread to the Land of Israel when Abulafia moved there in 1740.[4] From there the custom was spread by visitors to Israel, and by 1782 it had reached Lithuania.[4] Nowadays it is commonly practiced among diverse communities - Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Hassidic, Misnagdim, and more.[4]
In Jerusalem, there is a Simchas Beis HaShoevah at many Hasidic main synagogues on most nights of Sukkos. Particularly the eastern part of Meah Shearim is very busy, with large festivals being held at
References
- ^ "Mishnah Sukkah 4:9"., "Mishnah Sukkah 4:10".
- ^ "Mishnah Sukkah 5:1".
- ^ "The Celebration Of Water Drawing". chabad.org. Retrieved 2021-09-04.
- ^ a b c d תולדות המנהג לזכר שמחת בית השואבה
External links
- Simchas Beis Hashoeiva at Torah.org
- Festival of the Water Libation 5775 -- YouTube video of a reenactment of the Nisukh HaMayim (Water Libation) ritual which Simchat Beit HaShoeivah celebrates. The reenactment took place in Jerusalem during Chol HaMoed Sukkot 5775 (2014).