The sukka will be... a shelter and refuge from downpour and rain (Isaiah 4:6)
Of the Torah's 613 mitzvot, 248 are positive precepts and 365 negative prohibitions. It is forbidden to either add to or subtract from these commandments. From where do we derive the strength to observe them? From the observance of the mitzva of sukka. This is alluded to by the numerical equivalent of the words "downpour" (zerem), equalling 247 and "rain" (matar), equalling 249. The mitzva of sukka safeguards against altering the number of Divine commands.
(Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson)
Lulav
The word "lulav" is comprised of two Hebrew words - lo (to him) and lev (heart), to teach us that a person must always strive to subjugate his entire heart to "Him" - to the Holy One, Blessed be He.
(Likutei Torah)
The Joy of the Water-Drawing - Simchat Beit HaShoeiva
When G-d differentiated between the upper and lower waters on the second day of creation, the lower waters wept, complaining that they, too, wanted to be in close proximity to the King. To placate them, G-d promised that one day, water would be poured upon the altar in the Holy Temple. The Joy of the Water-Drawing, therefore, symbolizes the transformation of sadness and tears into the joy of doing a mitzva.
(The Lubavitcher Rebbe)

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