1. The Unique Joy of Tu B’Av
The 15th of Av, known as Tu B’Av—the fifteenth day of the month of Av—is described in the Mishna in Tractate Taanis as one of the greatest holidays, comparable only to Yom Kippur. While Yom Kippur is easily understood as a day of forgiveness and atonement, the special nature of Chamish Asar B’Av requires explanation. The Gemara explores several historical events that occurred on this day, such as the cessation of deaths among the generation of the desert, marking it as a time for celebration. To commemorate Tu B’Av, the girls of Jerusalem would go out dressed in white garments, possibly wedding gowns. A unique halacha was observed: no one wore their own clothing. Instead, everyone would borrow from one another to avoid embarrassing those who did not have fine garments. This practice fostered unity and ensured that no one felt ashamed due to their financial status.2. The Dance and Its Deeper Message
During these celebrations, the girls would dance in circles in the orchards and call out to the young men: “Raise your eyes and see what you are choosing.” The Rebbe explains that this phrase encourages looking beyond superficial qualities such as beauty, wealth, or lineage. Rather than focusing solely on external attributes or material advantages when seeking a spouse, one should look deeper and consider inner qualities. The Mishnah emphasizes not to focus on beauty alone but to consider family background. The Gemara elaborates further: “Grace is false, beauty is vain; a woman who fears Hashem should be praised.” Each group of girls would highlight different qualities—some would emphasize beauty, others lineage, while those lacking these would urge making a match l’shem shamayim—for the sake of heaven.3. True Value: Effort Versus Inherited Qualities
The Rebbe points out that certain qualities like beauty or family lineage are gifts from Hashem rather than personal achievements. Beauty may require some effort to maintain, but essentially it is bestowed by Hashem. The Gemara even notes that all Jewish women are inherently beautiful; sometimes poverty prevents them from enhancing their appearance. Lineage is even more clearly not an accomplishment—it is simply a matter of birth. Real achievement lies in developing good character traits and working hard to become a better person. Sometimes those who lack natural gifts work harder and achieve more than those who have everything handed to them. In the Yerushalmi’s version, “nice ones” refers not just to physical attractiveness but also to general pleasantness or good character stemming from family background. However, those who do not possess these external advantages focus on serving Hashem for its own sake—l’shem shamayim—without relying on inherited merit.4. Humility and Perspective: Lessons from Lineage
Life often grants some people more opportunities than others, but this does not make them better individuals—it simply means Hashem has given them certain advantages. Moshe Rabbeinu exemplified humility by never taking credit for his accomplishments; he attributed his success to Hashem’s gifts and believed others might have done even better with his opportunities. Conversely, some people rest on their family’s laurels without personal effort or achievement. The Rebbe shares an analogy: each generation with distinguished lineage adds another zero—but unless there is a “one” (a mensch) at the front, all those zeros add up to nothing. Personal character must come first for inherited merit to have value.5. Revealing Hidden Potential: Symbolism of the Full Moon
Tu B’Av, celebrated at the full moon, symbolizes bringing hidden capabilities into the open. Just as the moon always exists but only shines fully at certain times, so too do people possess latent strengths that must be revealed and actualized. The moon also serves as a metaphor for humility: it reflects light rather than generating its own, much like someone whose gifts are inherited rather than earned through personal effort. Additionally, life’s ups and downs resemble a Ferris wheel—sometimes we find ourselves at the top or bottom, but circumstances always change with time.6. The Enduring Message of Tu B’Av
Despite being considered one of Judaism’s greatest holidays, Tu B’Av does not have many outward expressions today beyond omitting Tachnun. Unlike Pesach or Sukkos (also celebrated on the fifteenth), there are no special rituals such as eating matzah or sitting in a sukkah. What makes Tu B’Av unique is its emergence from darkness into light—a transition from mourning during Av’s earlier days (the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash) into joy and elevation at its midpoint. Experiencing hardship enhances our appreciation for times of happiness and success.7. Eikev: Favoritism and Bribery in Divine Justice
In Parshas Eikev (Devarim 10:17), we read that Hashem is “great and awesome,” yet He “does not show favoritism nor take bribes.” Rashi explains that if one does not accept Hashem’s yoke or follow His mitzvos, there will be no favoritism shown. But what does it mean that Hashem cannot be bribed? Rashi clarifies that money cannot sway Hashem—unlike human judges who may be tempted by gifts or bribes due to personal desires. Even if someone tries substituting monetary donations for proper behavior (such as giving tzedakah instead of following Torah), this does not work with Hashem. Sometimes money can substitute for punishment in halacha (as with kapparos), but when it comes to abandoning Torah entirely while hoping charity will compensate, Hashem does not accept such exchanges.8. Separate Accounts: Reward and Punishment
The Rambam in Pirkei Avos teaches that mitzvos do not offset aveiros directly—there are separate accounts for each action. One cannot say “I’ll do two sins but balance them with two mitzvos.” Each deed receives its own reward or consequence without substitution or bribery. Hashem desires us to keep His mitzvos and minimally accept His sovereignty (Kabbalas Ol Malchus Shamayim). Even if we err at times, as long as we remain within His program and strive sincerely, He will show us favor and go beyond strict judgment for us—but only if we remain committed participants in His covenant.9. Strengthening Faith Amidst Challenges
Today we face many tests and challenges both in Israel and worldwide. Despite adversity and opposition from other nations, we must remember that all attempts against us will ultimately fail because Hashem is with us. Hashem remains our God—Eilokeichem Hu Eilokei ha’Elohim v’Adonei ha’Adonim—the God above all gods and Master above all masters. As long as we remain strong in our identity as His people—even when we make mistakes—Hashem will protect us and grant us victory so that Am Yisrael can live peacefully together once again.