“Love is in the air”. It isn’t just a classic 70’s song by John Paul Young. It’s also a mystical theme on the special day of Tu B’av in the Jewish calendar.
Tu B’Av, also known as the 15th of Av, is a festival with profound significance in Jewish tradition, celebrated on the full moon of the Hebrew month of Av. Often overshadowed by the more solemn Tisha B’Av, which precedes it by just over a week, Tu B’Av has a unique and joyous character that highlights themes of love, unity, and redemption.
Historically, Tu B’Av marks several important events in Jewish history. In the days of the Second Temple, it was a day of rejoicing and celebration. According to the Talmud, it was one of the happiest days of the year. On this day, the unmarried women of Jerusalem would dress in white garments and dance in the vineyards, where the young men would come to find their future spouses. This tradition underscored the festival’s role as a day of matchmaking and romance, celebrating the ideal of finding one’s soulmate.
The mystical dimensions of Tu B’Av are deeply rooted in Kabbalistic thought. The festival is associated with the concept of the “mystical marriage” or “union” of the Divine Presence, known as Shekhinah. In Kabbalistic terms, Tu B’Av is seen as a day when the feminine aspect of the Divine (Shekhinah) is united with the masculine aspect (Kesser, or the Crown). This union is viewed as a profound cosmic event, reflecting the ultimate harmony and completeness that can be achieved in both spiritual and earthly realms.
The full moon of Tu B’Av symbolizes the light of the Shekhinah, as it represents the completeness of divine light. The illumination provided by the full moon is seen as a metaphor for the divine presence and the joy that comes from its revelation. This period is marked by a heightened sense of spiritual awareness and the potential for personal transformation and renewal.
For those who engage in the sacred act of marriage, Tu B’Av holds a special significance. As a day associated with love and unity, it is considered an auspicious time for couples to solidify their commitment to one another. The joy and celebration of Tu B’Av enhance the sanctity of marriage, making it an ideal time for weddings. This connection to the festival’s themes of love and union adds a layer of spiritual depth to the marital ceremony, infusing it with a sense of divine blessing and cosmic significance.
Conducting weddings at St Kilda Shule is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role. The synagogue, with its rich history and vibrant community, provides a meaningful backdrop for these ceremonies. The experience of overseeing a wedding is deeply rewarding, as it connects me to the timeless tradition of bringing couples together in a sacred and joyous union. The resonance of Tu B’Av with themes of love and commitment adds an additional layer of significance to these celebrations. When a wedding coincides with Tu B’Av, it is as if the cosmic and the personal align, creating a moment of profound beauty and spiritual harmony.
In the broader context of Jewish tradition, Tu B’Av is also linked to the concept of redemption and the ultimate coming of the Moshiach. The day is seen as a foretaste of future joy and unity that will be experienced in the Messianic era. This spiritual dimension underscores the festival’s role in Jewish thought as not merely a time of celebration but also a period of hopeful anticipation for a time when divine unity and peace will be fully realized.
In summary, Tu B’Av is a festival rich with historical, mystical, and personal significance. Its celebration of love, unity, and spiritual illumination makes it a unique and joyous occasion within the Jewish calendar, something we all desperately need during these challenging times for Israel and our people.
Author: Rabbi Yaakov Glasman AM serves as the Senior Rabbi of the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation and Immediate Past President of the Rabbinical Association of Australasia.
