1. The Unique Status of the 15th of Av
The 15th day of Av, known as Tu B’Av—the fifteenth of Av—is described in the Talmud as one of the greatest holidays for the Jewish people, equated in joy and significance with Yom Kippur. The Gemara asks what makes this day so special and provides a variety of reasons for its greatness. Among them is the fact that it was a time when many marriages took place, marking it as a period of happiness and unity for Klal Yisrael—the collective Jewish people. On Yom Kippur, forgiveness is granted for sins, but on the 15th of Av, the joy is expressed through communal celebration and personal milestones.
Because it is considered a holiday, certain liturgical changes are made: we do not recite Tachannun—the supplicatory prayer—on this day. This practice extends to Mincha—the afternoon prayer—on the 14th of Av as well, since it is already considered Erev (the eve of) the holiday.
2. The Seriousness and Customs of Tu B’Av
The seriousness of Tu B’Av is highlighted by its impact on other traditions. For example, it is customary for a chosun—a groom—to fast on his wedding day. However, if his wedding falls on Tu B’Av, he does not fast due to the festive nature of the day. This underscores how significant and joyous this date is within Jewish tradition.
The Rebbe teaches that Tu B’Av is an especially fitting time to renew oneself spiritually. This is reflected in the custom regarding Kiddush Levanah—sanctifying the new moon—which is performed after Tisha B’Av rather than before. The moon symbolizes the Jewish people: just as it wanes and then grows again, so too does Israel experience renewal after periods of decline.
3. Spiritual Renewal After Tisha B’Av
The period following Tisha B’Av represents an opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. The Rebbe emphasizes that this time should be used to increase one’s arousal in service to Hashem by making good decisions in matters related to repentance (teshuvah), Torah study, and mitzvah observance. Since exile was brought about by spiritual shortcomings, increasing commitment in these areas helps rectify past failings.
The Rebbe further encourages organizing joyful gatherings (farbrengens) during this period, starting from Tu B’Av and continuing through subsequent Shabbatot such as Shabbos Nachamu and Shabbos Mevarchim. These gatherings should focus on words of Torah, which have the power to gladden hearts and break through all boundaries.
4. Publicizing Joy and Increasing Torah Study
The Gemara states that there were no holidays as joyous as Tu B’Av and Yom Kippur. The Rebbe urges that this joy should be made visible so that everyone can recognize the greatness of Tu B’Av—not merely by omitting Tachannun, but through tangible acts that express happiness.
This includes increasing Torah study, especially since from Tu B’Av onward, nights become longer. Halacha teaches that one should add more time for learning at night during this season: “One who adds Torah adds life.” The Rebbe recommends making a festive meal (suda) on Tu B’Av with men, women, and children gathered together to share words of Torah.
5. Celebrating with Farbrengens and Siyumim
The Rebbe specifically encourages making a siyum mesechta—a celebration upon completing a tractate—on Tu B’Av, ideally concluding Mesechta Ta’anis which discusses this very holiday. Giving tzedakah (charity) at these gatherings further enhances their merit.
The emphasis must be on joy: these celebrations should resemble weddings in their happiness, especially since many weddings take place after Tisha B’Av due to restrictions during the preceding three weeks.
6. Blessings for a Good Year Embedded in Av
A tradition exists to bless one another with “K’siva v’chasima tova—may you be written and sealed for good,” even beginning from Tu B’Av. This blessing connects with deeper themes: Menachem Av’s astrological sign is Aryeh (lion), which hints at Elul, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Hoshana Rabbah—a period rich with opportunities for spiritual renewal and blessing.
This period thus becomes an auspicious time to wish each other well for the coming year while increasing our own commitment to Torah study and mitzvos with renewed energy and joy.
7. Historical Reasons for Tu B’Av’s Joyousness
The Gemara lists several historical events contributing to Tu B’Av’s status as a joyous day:
- The cessation of deaths among those decreed to die in the desert generation ended on 9 Av but was only realized by 15 Av.
- Hashem resumed speaking affectionately with Moshe Rabbeinu after years of silence during their desert wanderings.
- The tribe of Binyamin was readmitted into communal life after being ostracized due to events recounted in Tanach.
- Daughters who inherited land were permitted to marry outside their tribe without fear that tribal inheritance would be lost—a decree lifted on this day based on scriptural interpretation.
- The completion of wood-cutting for use in the Beis HaMikdash occurred then; some explain this brought joy because it marked completion of a mitzvah or allowed more time for Torah study once finished.
- The removal of guards who prevented Jews from ascending Jerusalem during times when idol worship was being enforced also occurred on this date.
- The burial permission granted after Betar’s fall: those killed were finally allowed burial without their bodies having decomposed—a miracle commemorated in benching with “HaTov v’haMeitiv.”
- This day was also called “Yom Tavar Magal”—the day they broke their sickles after finishing wood-cutting duties.
8. Harnessing Joy for Spiritual Growth
The overarching message is clear: Tu B’Av transforms sorrow into joy by following Tisha B’Av’s mourning with renewed hope and communal celebration. It serves as an invitation to increase Torah learning (especially at night), perform mitzvos with greater dedication, make good resolutions for personal growth, gather together joyfully, give tzedakah generously, and bless each other wholeheartedly for a sweet new year ahead.