1,212. The Simchas Beis HaShoeivah

Hilchos Shofar, Succah v’Lulav 8:13

At the Succos celebration in the Temple, flutes were sounded and songs were played on harps, lutes and cymbals. Participants would play any instrument they knew, or they would sing, dance, clap or whistle, each according to his ability. Songs and praises were recited. This celebration was not held on Shabbos or yom tov.

Hilchos Shofar, Succah v’Lulav 8:14

It was a big mitzvah to increase the magnitude of this celebration. The average people didn’t perform, just the greatest scholars – the heads of the academies, members of the Sanhedrin, righteous people, the elders and other prominent people were those who would dance, clap, sing and rejoice in the Temple on Succos. All the people, both men and women, would come as spectators.