June 27, 2013

From Mourning to Joy

The Jewish fast of the 17th of the Jewish month of Tammuz (June 25, 2013) began a three week period of Jewish mourning that culminates in the fast of the 9th of Av (July 15-16, 2013). This day represents the anniversary of several catastrophes that have befallen the Jewish people, most notably the destruction of both Holy Jewish Temples in Jerusalem. It is as if the day was cursed by God. Yet an interesting phenomenon occurs less than one week later, on the 15th of Av (July 22, 2013): the holiday of Tu B’Av occurs and is one of the most joyous days of the Jewish calendar.

The holiday kicked off the start of the grape harvest during the Second Temple period and was a time of dancing, matchmaking and finding love. It is a little known holiday, all but forgotten during the millennia following the destruction of the Second Temple. Yet so happy is this little known holiday that the Talmud, the central text of Judaism’s Oral Law, places it on the same level of greatness as Yom Kippur. 

With a modern resurgence, the holiday has become a very popular day for love in Israel. Like Valentine’s day in the U.S., it is a regular work day that transcends religious observance. It is also a very popular day for weddings.

Naturally, this holiday is right up our alley here at Jewelry Judaica! While any day is a good day to show love, Tu B’Av is a great day to show affection to the one you love. To help you show a little more love, we are offering 20% off any order of $50 or more with coupon code AHAVA13 (valid through July 31, 2013).

To learn more about Tu B’Av, visit the Jewish Virtual Library