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		                                    Thinking Torah Blog		                                </span>

08/11/2022 05:00:00 PM

Aug11

Rabbi Josh Whinston

You may not know this, but Judaism has its own version of Valentine’s Day. On the Hebrew calendar, tomorrow is the fifteenth of Av or Tu B’Av, and for over 2,000 years, this day has been celebrated as a day of love. There are a few reasons this day remains a part of our calendar, albeit a minor holiday. According to the Talmud, young people would go out into the vineyards on this day to dance and celebrate. We are coming up on the grape harvest, and our ancestors were likely pleased about that! Many Jews also just observed the ninth of Av, or Tisha B’Av, where we mourn the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem. If Tisha B’Av is the depths of our sadness, we then begin moving into joy as we approach the coming fall festivals. Tu B’Av is another way we increase in joy during this season, reminding ourselves that even in the face of destruction and pain, there is still so much joy in this world, and life is worth celebrating.

If you are interested in learning more, read this great article by Rabbi Jill Hammer.
https://opensiddur.org/prayers/lunisolar/commemorative-days/tu-bav/fruit-of-tu-bav-explanation-and-ritual-for-the-15th-of-av-by-r-jill-hammer/

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784