Nehemiah 8

The entire community gathers in the square before the Water Gate. Ezra the priest stands on a wooden platform and reads the Book of the Law to the people from morning until midday. The people listen intently and weep when they hear the Law. Nehemiah and Ezra encourage them not to mourn but to celebrate, declaring, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." The leaders then instruct the people to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) by building temporary shelters on their roofs and in their courts, which they do with immense joy.