Dateline Jerusalem — Israel last week celebrated the holiday Tu B’Av (15th of the month of Av in the Hebrew calendar), also known as the Festival of Love. It is considered the happiest day of the year. As observed today in Israel, it is similar to Valentine’s Day, but with unique differences. It is a religious holiday as compared to the pagan holiday of Valentine’s. It began thousands of years before there was a Saint Valentine or Sadie Hawkins days. Unless they are religious Jews, most people outside of Israel never have heard of the holiday. In Israel, both religious and secular joyously celebrate Tu B-Av. However, many Israelis are unaware of the significance of the holiday.
In modern Israel it is a significant day for matchmakers. Special prayers for finding a mate are posted on buildings and walls throughout the country. Love songs are played on the radio. Street vendors sell red roses. Even malls and shops on the streets are decorated with red and pink hearts. Today, many Israelis tend to commercialize the holiday, sending cards and flowers, and having romantic dinners, similar to how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the States. However, Israelis also go on hikes in parks, have picnics, and commune with nature. Throughout the country there are music and dance festivals. Many of the performers do not charge a fee so that their audiences can enjoy the holiday. A day for engagements, weddings, renewal of vows.
In ancient times, single girls in Jerusalem would borrow white linen garments, instead of wearing their own clothes so as not to embarrass those without white or beautiful clothes. They would dance in the vineyards because Tu B’Av marked the beginning of the grape harvest. Some would dance in the olive groves. Unmarried girls would wear white because it was a symbol of purity and signified the blossoming of the squill, which bloomed all over Israel at the time. Single young men would go to the vineyards and olive groves, serenade the dancing girls, and find a bride. Today, some Israelis still go to dance in the vineyards and olive groves.
There always is a full moon on Tu B’Av because the holiday is observed according to the lunar Hebrew calendar, as opposed to the Gregorian calendar followed in most of the world. In ancient times, romance and love were associated with a full moon. Commitment and love are essential elements in a marriage and as well as in our relationship with G-d. Also, marriage is connected to atonement since a person’s sins are supposed to be erased when one marries. In ancient times, Tu B’Av was a time Jews thanked G-d for the end of their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness and renewed their vows to G-d.
Having just observed Tisha B’Av (9th of Av), the saddest day of the year when the most terrible things happened to the Jews, no wonder Tu B’Av is the happiest day of the year and most festive day of the year according to the Sages. It is as though G-d became satisfied with the atonement of the Jews for their sins on Tisha B’Av, forgave us, and rewarded us with many good things on Tu B’Av. For on Tu B’Av, all the evil decrees were lifted and miraculous events occurred.
What a great mini holiday!
L’hitraot. Shachar