1. The Significance of the 15th of Av
Today is the 15th day of Menachem Av, known as Chamisha Asar B’Av—the fifteenth of Av. This date is considered one of the happiest and most joyful days for the Jewish people, as described in the Talmud. Several positive events are associated with this day, including many marriages and other joyful occasions. However, there is a lesser-known teaching from the Talmud: starting from the 15th of Av, one should increase their Torah study, especially at night. The reason given is that from this point in the year, the nights begin to lengthen, providing more time for Torah learning.
This raises an interesting question: why does the extension of nighttime specifically prompt an increase in Torah study? For those who already dedicate their entire day to Torah learning—such as those in kollel or yeshiva—what does it mean to add more? And for those who work during the day, why is it only when nights get longer that they are encouraged to learn more Torah? The Talmud even notes that learning at night brings a special merit and reward.
2. The Unique Quality of Nighttime Torah Study
The Rebbe discusses that learning Torah at night possesses a unique quality. According to Maimonides (Rambam), earning the “crown of Torah” requires two things: total devotion to Torah study and specifically learning at night. The first condition is self-sacrifice—one must be willing to forego material pleasures and devote every moment to Torah. The second condition is nighttime study, which is also codified in halacha.
The advantage of nighttime learning goes beyond fewer distractions; it carries a spiritual significance. The “crown of Torah” can mean either that a person becomes fully encompassed by Torah—so that it surrounds them like a crown—or that one reaches a special level within Torah itself called its “crown.” This higher connection is not just intellectual mastery but an intimate bond with Hashem through His wisdom.
The Rebbe explains that nighttime is especially suited for studying the esoteric parts of Torah—Kabbalah, Chassidus, and other hidden teachings—which foster a deeper connection with Hashem. At night, when there is quiet and humility, one can transcend intellect and connect with Hashem in a way that goes beyond understanding.
3. Humility and Spiritual Growth After the 15th of Av
The full moon on the 15th of every month symbolizes completeness for the Jewish people. In Menachem Av, this fullness comes after Tisha B’Av—a period marked by destruction and descent. Thus, reaching Chamisha Asar B’Av represents rising from darkness to light, from mourning to joy.
An apparent paradox arises: after reaching this peak on the 15th, the moon begins to wane. Does this mean we are spiritually declining? The answer is no. Before the 15th, each day represents growth toward fullness; after the 15th, as the moon decreases, it signifies increasing humility rather than loss or deficiency. Just as we strive to increase our mitzvot daily, we also strive to grow in humility.
This teaches us that spiritual greatness isn’t only about self-expression or accomplishment but also about becoming less self-centered and more humble before Hashem. Even as our “light” diminishes outwardly after Chamisha Asar B’Av, inwardly we are rising in humility and closeness to Hashem.
4. Connection Between Blessings on Torah and Destruction
The Talmud asks why Eretz Yisrael was lost and why the Beit HaMikdash was destroyed. It answers: because they neglected Torah—specifically because they did not recite blessings over it (birkat haTorah). This seems puzzling: why would failing to say a blessing cause such devastation?
The commentators explain that making a blessing reflects our recognition that Torah is divine—a gift from Hashem rather than merely an intellectual pursuit or debate. When we approach Torah with humility and reverence for its godliness (as expressed in saying “noten haTorah—the Giver of the Torah”), our learning becomes a channel for connecting with Hashem Himself.
If we neglect this perspective and treat Torah simply as an academic exercise without proper respect or intention, we lose its true vitality and transformative power. Learning especially at night, focusing on inner dimensions like Kabbalah or Chassidus with humility after Chamisha Asar B’Av, infuses our lives with energy and deeper connection.
5. Moshe Rabbeinu Breaking the Luchot: Ownership and Intent
This week’s parasha recounts Moshe Rabbeinu breaking the Luchot—the tablets—after witnessing the sin of the golden calf (Egel Hazahav). The text says Moshe “grabbed hold” of both tablets before breaking them. Why did he need to seize them before throwing them down?
The commentaries discuss whether Moshe had any right to destroy what seemingly belonged collectively to all Israel (like other vessels in the Mishkan). One might argue he was protecting them by breaking their “ketubah” (marriage contract) with Hashem so their infidelity would be less severe without formalized commitment.
The Rebbe offers another insight: actually, these first Luchot were Moshe’s personal possession—a gift from Hashem directly to him (as seen clearly regarding the second Luchot). By grabbing hold again before breaking them, Moshe reasserted his ownership so he could destroy them without stealing from anyone else.
6. Lessons from Moshe’s Self-Sacrifice and Leadership
Moshe Rabbeinu’s actions demonstrate profound responsibility for his people even when he was not present during their sin (being atop Har Sinai). He went out of his way to protect them from harsher judgment by taking personal responsibility for breaking what was his own property rather than theirs.
This connects with another teaching: when a tzaddik—a righteous person—passes away, it’s compared by Chazal to breaking of the Luchot: both are tragic losses but serve as atonement for their generation. After death, a tzaddik has even greater power in heaven to intercede on behalf of others just as Moshe did through his actions.
The Rebbe relates this idea personally regarding his own father’s yahrzeit (20th Av). Though he passed away prematurely due to exile under oppressive regimes—akin to an untimely shattering—the impact continues through prayers and spiritual elevation benefiting countless souls.
7. Applying These Lessons: Joyful Renewal and Preparation for Elul
Now that we have passed Tisha B’Av and reached Chamisha Asar B’Av—the height of joy—it is an auspicious time for blessings and celebration within Klal Yisrael. We are reminded that only forty-five days remain until Rosh Hashanah—a time when we pray for chasima vachasima tovah—a good inscription for a sweet new year.
This period calls us not only to increase our study—especially delving into deeper layers like Chassidus—but also to let ourselves be encompassed by Torah like a crown (keser Torah). Through humility, devotion, connection with Hashem via His wisdom—and readiness to act on His behalf—we prepare ourselves for true redemption (Moshiach) and lasting joy in our days.