A Day of Love

Need a reason to celebrate?

Tonight begins the minor, mystical, and mysterious Jewish holiday of Tu B’Av. It is the Jewish day of  love. 

The Talmud says that on the 15th of Av: the daughters of Jerusalem would go dance in the vineyards and potential spouses would go out and to meet them. (Think ancient Woodstock.) The Talmud even goes so far as to say this is the most joyous day of the year! 

But why this date?

The Talmud gives several reasons.  This reason, though, resonates the most with me. 

In ancient times, there were 12 tribes of Israelites.  Each tribe had its own personality and reputation.  Some tribes were wealthier, some poorer, some more prestigious, some more lowly.  During the desert wanderings, the Israelites were required to marry within their own tribe.  But, according to lore, on Tu B’Av, this restriction was lifted. We read in the Talmud: On the day this barrier separating the tribes was removed, the Sages established a permanent day of rejoicing.  Talmud Ta’anit 30b

Today, at times, our Jewish world can feel polarized and divided.  We have subdivided ourselves into separate tribes – Humanist, Orthodox, Zionist, Reform, Sephardic, Mizrachi, Ashkenazi, Renewal, Conservative and the list goes. And, all too often, we don’t accept each other or mix.

On Tu B’Av, the tradition leans liberal and sides with acceptance and inclusion. And this progressive ruling is celebrated with love.
So, this Tu B’Av, say “I love you” to a beloved.  And feel a kinship with our ancestors who recognized that fewer barriers and divisions are good things.