The Holiday of the 15th Day of Av (Tu B'Av) - Ta'anit 20b-31a, Uganda Shiur

Uganda Shiur - July 27

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Meeting Purpose

To explore the historical significance and customs of Tu B'Av.

Key Takeaways

• Tu B'Av (15th of Av) was historically a major holiday, second only to Yom Kippur in joy, because it marked the resolution of several national crises.
• Historical resolutions included lifting inter-tribal marriage bans, ending the wilderness generation's deaths, and securing burial for the Beitara dead.
• A central custom was a matchmaking dance, where women in borrowed white garments would dance in vineyards for men to find wives.
• Tu B'Av marks a seasonal shift, signaling the end of summer wood-cutting and the start of longer nights, prompting increased Torah study.

Topics

Historical Significance & Joy

• The Mishnah in Tractate Taanit (30B) states Tu B'Av and Yom Kippur were the two happiest days for the Jewish people.
• The Gemara provides multiple reasons for Tu B'Av's joy, each marking a resolution to a national crisis.

Reasons for Tu B'Av's Joy

• Inter-Tribal Marriage Permitted
  • Problem: A Torah law initially prohibited inter-tribal marriage to prevent inheritance from leaving a tribe's land.
  • Resolution: Sages interpreted the law as applying only to the first generation entering Israel.
  • Outcome: The marriage barrier was removed on Tu B'Av, fostering unity.
• Tribe of Benjamin Reintegrated
  • Problem: The other tribes ostracized Benjamin and swore an oath not to intermarry after a severe incident (Judges 19-21), threatening the tribe's survival.
  • Resolution: Sages interpreted the oath's wording ("none of us") to apply only to the generation that swore it, not their descendants.
  • Outcome: The oath was dissolved on Tu B'Av, allowing intermarriage and saving the tribe.
• Wilderness Generation's Deaths Ceased
  • Problem: As punishment for the Sin of the Spies, 15,000 people died annually on Tisha B'Av for 40 years.
  • Resolution: In the 40th year, no one died on Tisha B'Av. The full moon of Tu B'Av confirmed the calendar was correct, proving the decree had ended.
  • Outcome: God's highest level of prophecy returned to Moses, as the nation was now worthy.
• Pilgrimage to Jerusalem Restored
  • Problem: After the kingdom split, King Jeroboam blocked northern Jews from Jerusalem, forcing worship at golden calves in Bethel and Dan to prevent a return to the southern kingdom.
  • Resolution: The last northern king, Hosea, removed the guards on Tu B'Av, allowing free pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
  • Outcome: Though short-lived before exile, this act was celebrated as a return to unity.
• Beitara Dead Buried
  • Problem: After the failed Bar Kochba revolt, Romans left hundreds of thousands of Jewish dead from the Battle of Beitara unburied for 70 years.
  • Resolution: Romans finally permitted burial on Tu B'Av.
  • Outcome: A blessing was added to the post-meal prayer, thanking God for the bodies not decomposing and for enabling their burial.
• End of Wood-Cutting for the Temple
  • Problem: The Temple required dry, worm-free wood for the altar, which was only available in summer.
  • Resolution: Wood-cutting ceased on Tu B'Av, as the sun's strength weakened and the wood would no longer dry properly.
  • Outcome: A celebration, "the breaking of the axe," marked the end of the season and the trees' respite.

Tu B'Av Customs & Symbolism

• Matchmaking Dance
  • A central custom where women in borrowed white garments danced in vineyards for men to find wives.
  • Modesty: Borrowing clothes ensured no one felt ashamed of their own garments.
  • Ritual Purity: Garments required immersion in a mikvah (ritual bath) before use to ensure ritual purity.
• Women's Messages to Suitors
  • Beautiful: "Set your eyes toward beauty, for a wife is for beauty."
  • Distinguished Lineage: "Set your eyes toward family, for a wife is for children."
  • Less Attractive: "Acquire your purchase for the sake of Heaven, provided you adorn us with golden jewelry."
• End-of-Days Dance of the Righteous
  • A metaphor for the future redemption, where the righteous dance in a circle around God.
  • Symbolism: The circle represents that all sincere paths to God are equally valid and precious, as all points are equidistant from the center.

Tu B'Av's Modern Significance

• Seasonal Shift: Marks the start of shorter days and longer nights.
• Torah Study: Prompts a gradual increase in nightly Torah study.
  • Rationale: Longer nights provide more time for learning.
  • Proverb: "One who adds to his nightly Torah study will add years to his life."
• Preparation for Rosh Hashanah
  • Tu B'Av is 40 days before the 25th of Elul, the day creation began.
  • This aligns with the Gemara's teaching that a heavenly announcement for a future marriage is made 40 days before conception.
  • Conclusion: Tu B'Av is a time to begin preparing and praying for a good year ahead.