RAV KOOK ON Pinchas/Succoth Part 1: Connecting the Natural with the Supernatural

he highlight of the Temple service during the Succoth holiday was Nisuch HaMayim, the Water Libation ceremony. While it was usually wine that was poured at the base of the altar, there is an oral tradition to offer a special libation of water on Succoth. The Sages (Shabbat 103b) found an allusion to this tradition in the verses describing the Succoth offerings (Num. 29:12-34). Three verses conclude with the letters mem, yud, and mem — spelling out the word mayim, water.