Minor holidays
Tu B'Avט״וּ בְּאָב
1 day · 15 Av
- History
- Minhag
- Folk custom
- Modern practice
- Interpretation
- Transliteration
- Tu B'Av
- Pronunciation
- TU be-ÁV
- Duration
- 1 day
In 60 seconds
Tu B'Av, the fifteenth day of the month of Av, comes six days after Tisha B'Av and turns mourning into joy. The Mishnah says of it that Israel had no days more joyful than 15 Av and Yom Kippur: the young women of Jerusalem went out in borrowed white garments to dance in the vineyards, and young men chose their brides. The Talmud attaches a number of explanations to the date, such as the end of the ban on marriage between tribes. In the liturgy the penitential supplications (tachanun) are omitted on this day. In today's Israel Tu B'Av has become an informal festival of love, a popular day for weddings and romantic events.
Next date
When
Begins
Tuesday, 17 August 2027, at sunset (20:17)
Ends
Wednesday, 18 August 2027, after nightfall (21:09)
1 day
Begins
Sunday, 6 August 2028, at sunset (20:36)
Ends
Monday, 7 August 2028, after nightfall (21:31)
1 day
Begins
Thursday, 26 July 2029, at sunset (20:53)
Ends
Friday, 27 July 2029, after nightfall (21:52)
1 day
Times for Prague · Diaspora
History and origins
The Mishnah states that Israel had no days more joyful than 15 Av and Yom Kippur, when the daughters of Jerusalem went out in borrowed white garments, so as not to shame those who had none of their own, and danced in the vineyards.1
The Talmud gives several reasons for the joy: marriage between tribes was permitted, reconciliation with the tribe of Benjamin, the end of the dying of the wilderness generation, the removal of the guards who prevented pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the burial of those who fell at Betar, and the end of cutting wood for the altar.2
Religious meaning
The day follows Tisha B'Av and is understood as the beginning of consolation. Interpretations emphasize reconciliation and the unity of the people.
Core traditions
In Israel, since the late 20th century, Tu B'Av has been celebrated as a "festival of love" (chag ha-ahavah): concerts, romantic events, a popular wedding date.
How it is observed
According to the traditional rite, tachanun (penitential supplications) is not said in the morning. In some communities a bride and groom whose wedding falls on this day do not fast, as they otherwise would on their wedding day.3
Prayers and blessings
There are no established special prayers; tachanun is omitted.
Symbols and objects
White garments and vineyards from the Mishnaic description; today hearts and flowers, following modern culture.
Traditional foods
There are no established special dishes.
Differences between communities
The modern form of the festival is mainly Israeli and secular; in the diaspora it is spreading through Jewish youth organizations.
In the Czech lands
No particular customs are documented in the Czech Republic; some organizations hold social events.
For children
Long ago in Jerusalem, girls danced in the vineyards in summer wearing white dresses that they lent to one another, so that no one would be sad about not having a nice dress. Today Tu B'Av in Israel is a day of love and friendship.
FAQ
Why did the girls borrow dresses?
According to the Mishnah, so as not to shame those who had no garments of their own – that way no one could tell who was rich and who was poor.
Is Tu B'Av the Jewish Valentine's Day?
In modern Israel it is often called that. Historically it is a much older day of joy with its own reasons.
How is it connected to Tisha B'Av?
It comes six days later and turns mourning into joy.
Sources
Primary sources
- 1Mishnah Taanit, 4:8 text ↗
- 2Babylonian Talmud, Taanit, 30b–31a text ↗
- 3Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim, 131:6 text ↗