7725 —כוח השינוי של ט"ו באב והתחדשות לעם ישראל

B"H, 15 Menachem Av, 5721.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from the 11th of Menachem Av. As we stand on the 15th of Av, about which our Sages said there were no greater festivals for Israel than Tu B'Av, and for reasons that are opposites—opposites regarding time and content: Regarding time—on this day ended the deaths of those who perished in the desert; this is Tu B'Av according to the lunar month—when the moon is full. As our Sages relate, the sun's strength waned; this is specifically Tu B'Av according to the solar month. Similarly regarding content: it is the day when they stopped cutting wood for the altar because it would begin to worm; also when those killed in Beitar were allowed burial—matters connected to destruction. And it is also the day when tribes were permitted [to intermarry], so all tribes of Israel could ascend for pilgrimage—matters connected to building. As concluded in the Talmudic discussion: "From here onward, whoever adds will add," meaning we add nights to days for Torah study and add life to one's life.

May it be G‑d's will that very soon will be fulfilled the prophecy that matters of destruction will be transformed into matters of building, as it is written: "And I will turn their mourning into joy," until Israel will say: "I thank You, Hashem, for You were angry with me" (the thanks are even for Your anger), because "Your anger has turned away and You have comforted me"—a double comfort: comfort in itself and Your anger turned into comfort. This parallels how baalei teshuvah surpass even complete tzaddikim—for baalei teshuvah have merits both literally and because their previous sins are transformed into merits, and their service is doubled: if he was accustomed to study one page he now studies two. From Tu B'Av—the fullness of the moon (when "the moon stands in its completeness")—may we speedily merit the fullness of all matters concerning Israel, who are destined to be renewed like it—a complete fullness—in our true and complete redemption.

With blessings for good news in general and in particular.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Tu B'Av embodies both endings and new beginnings. By increasing Torah study during this auspicious time, we can transform past hardships into sources of blessing and merit renewal and redemption for all Israel.