Living Torah Archives

Kabbalistic teachings explain that if G-d ever allows for a descent in goodness and holiness, it can only be for the purpose of achieving something even greater. This concept, in fact, sheds light on a peculiar statement in the Mishnah. An address about the unique holiday marked on the 15th of Av.

We see that the more necessary something is for survival, the more available it is. For example, a house can be expensive, clothing is more affordable, food even more, and air which we need to breathe, is free. The same is true with Torah and commandments. While commandments have their limitations in time and other requirements, Torah study is something which can always be done, pointing to how necessary it really is for our survival.

Blessings for joy and healing in the days approaching the fifteenth of Av, an auspicious day on the Jewish calendar.

The Talmud states in Tractate Taanit: “Never were there more joyous days for the Jewish people than the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur,” listing five or six joyous events that occurred on 15 Av throughout history. What is it about the energy of the 15th of Av that attracts so much joy?