This is double-page spread from the Davar newspaper from October 7, 1949. The article explains how the water pipes laid by the Mekorot Water Company are causing the desert to bloom. It describes the great excitement accompanying the flow of water from the coastal plain to Jerusalem and to the Negev. A comparison is also made between the renewed water flow to Jerusalem and the great joy which accompanied the water libation ceremony, Simchat Beit Hashoeva, which took place during Sukkot at the time of the Temple. The writer emphasises that none of the many rulers of the Land of Israel over history succeeded in reviving the wilderness of the Negev; only the people of Israel are able to do this.
According to the article, the water pipes being laid to Jerusalem and the Negev were the first steps in a comprehensive plan to provide water to all areas of the country. The photographs document the laying of water pipes, the building of a storage pool on the way to Jerusalem, and the new pumping stations required for the water to reach Jerusalem.
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Simchat Beit Hashoeva - Simchat Beit Hashoeva was a celebration that took place in the Temple every night during the festival of Sukkot. The celebration included the Water Libation ceremony (Nisuch Hamayim) which symbolised God’s blessing for rain in the coming winter. The celebration would draw thousands of people to dance, sing, and rejoice, as is written in the Mishna (and referred to in this article): “A person who has not seen the rejoicing at the Place of the Water-Drawing has never seen rejoicing in his life” (Tractate Sukkah).
