In the hot months of summer, two holidays appear  on the Jewish calendar, Tisha B’Av  on the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av  and  six days later Tu B’Av  on the 15th day. Tisha  B’Av is known as the saddest day of the year when we mourn the destruction of our Temples and Tu B’Av, which this year is July 29th, the happiest and highest point of the year energetically when we experience and celebrate Hope, Joy and Love!

The question the rabbis ask is why this dichotomy in only six days? The  answer comes back  that this is the Jewish way.

Tisha B’Av reminds us that destruction is real. Our Temples were destroyed and our people were scattered throughout the world. This  time of mourning also reminds us of  moments in our own lives when we too feel separated from each other and from the Divine essence within ourselves.   

As the  moon of Av begins to get lighter and fuller each day, Tu B’Av is a reminder that we too can  become/feel Lighter for we are designed to do so. It is the remembrance that the deepest healing begins when we remember that the Divine Presence of G-D  never really leaves us. G-D  may sometimes seem to be concealed, but that is just our perception. 

As we focus on hope, love, forgiveness and reconciliation we again experience G-D’s presence in our world and begin rebuilding what was once destroyed.

Perhaps this is why these two days belong together. Without Tisha B’Av, we cannot fully appreciate Tu B’Av. Without experiencing brokenness, we may never discover the power of wholeness, of unity with the Divine within our very essence. 

May these days remind us that no matter how dark the journey may seem, our Jewish story is always helping us move towards bringing  greater Light and deeper Love into our lives and thus into our world.

Happy Tu'B'Av! 

Rabbi David and Cantor Lee

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