When the Temple stood in Jerusalem the “pouring of the water” was an important aspect of the festival of Sukkot.
Throughout the year, the daily offerings in the Temple where accompanied by the pouring of wine on the altar, but on Sukkot, water was poured in addition to the wine.
The drawing of water for this purpose was preceded by all night celebration in the Temple courtyard with singing and dancing till daybreak when the merry-makers should go to Shiloach spring to draw the water, which was then brought to the Temple. The Talmud declares “One who did not see the joy of the water-drawing celebrations has not seen joy in his life.”
Wine and water represent the two elements of our service of G-d. Water , which is tasteless, senseless and colorless, but a basic necessity of life- symbolizes the intellectual and emotional acceptance of the yoke of heaven.
Wine, which has color, odor and flavor is pleasing to our seances and it represents the gratifying aspect in our Divine service, when we understand the inner significance of the Torah’s commandments and the fulfillment and joy we experience in our relationship with G-d.
So why the drawing of the water would be such a joyous event?
Because to a thirsty person you cannot give wine, their thirst will never be quenched. When a person is spiritually thirsty he understands that only his connection to Torah and Mitzvahs will be able to dissipate the thirst. Not even the most expensive and delicious wine will help him. When the soul experiences a thirst for G-d it goes through an exhilarating experience that is like a feast for its senses. To such a soul, the water it draws from its deepest self to pour into the altar of the service of G-d is the greatest source of joy, more than any intoxicating wine can give.
Sukkot is the time in which we can tap into this pure form of unadulterated joy by accepting H”S will and our purpose in life.
