What is the so-called Jewish day of love that falls out during the summer?
I believe what you are referring to in your question is to Tu b’Av, the 15th day of Av. Originally a post-biblical day of joy, the 15th of Av served as a matchmaking day for unmarried women in Second Temple times. In recent years Tu b’Av has become re-noticed and celebrated, slightly resembling Valentine’s Day in English speaking countries. In recent decades Israeli civil culture promotes festivals of singing and dancing on Tu b’Av with the entertainment and beauty industries working overtime on this date. Rabbi Isaacs’ forthcoming book is “Have a Good Laugh: Jewish Jokes for the Soul” (Ktav Publishing). Rabbi Ron Isaacs is the spiritual leader of Temple Sholom, a Conservative congregation in Bridgewater. He has recently published biographies of Abraham Joshua Heschel and Judah Touro (Torah Aura Productions). Contact him at www.rabbiron.com or “Ask the Rabbi,” c/o Rabbi Ron Isaacs, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 6007, Bridgewater, N.J. 08807.
