A few weeks after moving to Israel in mid-July, the holiday Tu B'Av came in full swing (August 3). It is similar to Valentine's Day in the sense of the celebration of joy and love. But unlike Valentine's, Tu B'Av is not of pagan origin, later Christian. Like any Jewish holidays, it is written in the Torah and has historical importance and origins.
Tu B'Av marks the beginning of the grape harvest. Yom Kippur marks the end. It's a Historically, on this day, unmarried women dance in the vineyards donning only white clothes (read excerpt below). And this is why many party goers wear white to Tu B'Av festivities.
Taanit 26b R. SIMEON B. GAMALIEL SAID: THERE NEVER WERE IN ISRAEL GREATER DAYS OF JOY THAN THE FIFTEENTH OF AB AND THE DAY OF ATONEMENT. ON THESE DAYS THE DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM USED TO WALK OUT IN WHITE GARMENTS WHICH THEY BORROWED IN ORDER NOT TO PUT TO SHAME ANY ONE WHO HAD NONE. ALL THESE GARMENTS REQUIRED RITUAL DIPPING. THE DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM CAME OUT AND DANCED IN THE VINEYARDS EXCLAIMING AT THE SAME TIME, YOUNG MAN, LIFT UP THINE EYES AND SEE WHAT THOU CHOOSEST FOR THYSELF. DO NOT SET THINE EYES ON BEAUTY BUT SET THINE EYES ON [GOOD] FAMILY. GRACE IS DECEITFUL, AND BEAUTY IS VAIN; BUT A WOMAN THAT FEARETH THE LORD, SHE SHALL BE PRAISED. AND IT FURTHER SAYS, GIVE HER OF THE FRUIT OF HER HANDS; AND LET HER WORKS PRAISE HER IN THE GATES.
Naturally, Tu B'Av is a popular day for weddings and proposals. It always falls on the 15th day of the 5th month of the Hebrew calendar. And always coincides with a full moon!
For 2013, Tu B'Av is on July 22.
A good reason to dance under the full moon.
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| Tu B'Av Party 2012 |
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