Beneath the ancient stones of the #WesternWall, or #Kotel, a newly wedded couple bows their heads, their silent prayers weaving with the echoes of a thousand generations. Today is not just a day of union for them. It's the start of a journey together, one that begins on the mysterious yet intriguing festival of Tu B'Av.
Tu B'Av, the 15th of Av, is a uniquely special day on the Jewish calendar. A search of the Shulchan Aruch, the Code of Jewish Law, might not reveal much. There are no prescribed observances or customs, aside from the omission of the tachanun (confession of sins) and an instruction to increase one's study of Torah. Yet, this seemingly ordinary day holds a magic that's been recognized for ages.
On this day, the Talmud tells us, the "daughters of Jerusalem would go dance in the vineyards," a celebration of love and life that transforms the mundane into the extraordinary. Young men who did not yet have a wife would attend, not just to watch, but to find a companion to share their life's journey with. Yes, on this day, love is not just celebrated, but sought, chased, and hopefully, found.
The Talmud declares Tu B'Av as the greatest festival of the year, surpassing even Yom Kippur! It's a mystery, much like the full moon that marks this day in the month of Av - a symbol of future redemption, an essence that remains elusive to our yet unredeemed selves. The unknowable may be mystifying, but isn't that the allure of love too? Isn't it the thrill of the chase, the anticipation of the mystery unfolding that makes love all the more precious?
So, whether you are newly wedded like our couple at the Western Wall or still searching for your special someone, take this Tu B'Av to heart. The stars are aligning, the vineyards are waiting, and love is in the air. It's your time now - time to embrace the mystery, to seek the unknowable. Love may be a puzzle, but every piece found, every step taken brings you closer to completing the beautiful picture.
Photo Credit: Diamond Images Photography
Rabbi Yisroel Bernath
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I Don’t Wanna Set the World On Fire
A/N: This is my first fic in like 6-7 years so please go easy on me! It’s been a rough few days and I forgot about this challenge until today so it is a bit of a rushed fic. This is part of @roosterforme LOVE IS IN THE AIR songfic challenge. I hope you all enjoy!
As I stood at the sink washing the dinner dishes that Jake and I used, my favorite song came blaring through the speakers. I started humming along and swaying to the soft beat.
Suddenly arms wrapped around my waist and heat bloomed along my shoulder and neck as he nuzzled his nose inhaling deeply. I smiled brightly and continued humming until Jake started singing along to the song.
“I don’t wanna set the world on fire. I just wanna start a flame in your heart!” He softly sang in my ear and swayed with me.
I could feel the heat creep up into my cheeks as he did so. I turned around in his arms drying my hands off and smiled lovingly up at him. “Hi, my love.”
He leaned down and kissed me in such a way that my heart nearly exploded. He leaned his forehead against mine as he pulled away.
“Jake Seresin, if I did not know any better I would say you were feeling all kinds of sappy on Valentine’s day.” I giggled wrapping my arms around his neck, still swaying to the song.
He smiled down at me. “Well darling…as it just so happens to also be our one year anniversary, I would say you are well worth the sappiness.”
He pulled me closer and started swaying us around more, pulling me to dance with him in the middle of the kitchen. I sighed happily and laid my head on his chest.
“I cannot believe it has been an entire year spent with you Jake. Seems like just yesterday you were all cocky and had that stupid smirk on your face as you tried to flirt with me.” I whispered thinking back to when we first met at the Hard Deck a year ago for Penny’s Valentine’s Day special.
Jake squeezed my hand softly before humming his agreement. “You were the most beautiful woman there that night and every night since. You did not fall for any of my usual tricks which, I will say, almost brought me to my knees right then and there.”
In my heart I have but one desire, and that one is you. No other will do.
“Rooster refused to let me talk to you after that night, you know.” I looked up as I told him. He stared down at me in slight shock. “Really? Cause he is the one that pushed me to finally ask you out.”
Thinking back to a year ago, Rooster would always steer me clear of Jake whenever he came in sight or was even mentioned in conversations. But he never spoke bad about Jake which I was grateful for since I had already had a major crush on Jake seeing at the Hard Deck all the time.
“I do not know whether to thank Rooster or strangle him for trying to keep me away from you.” He laughed lightly and spun me around until I ended back in his arms again.
The song ended and then started playing again. I looked up at Jake in confusion when he pulled away from me and pulled out one of his ties. “What are you doing with that? I swear Jake that if you are trying some type of fifty shades thing with me on Valentine’s Day of ALL days, I am gonna kill you tomorrow.” I threatened.
He let out a full belly laugh before shaking his head. “No darlin’, just put it on for me so I can finally give you the last gift I got for you today.”
I sighed and took the tie from him, putting it over my eyes and tying it on the back of my head being careful to not tangle my hair into the knot.
I reached out blindly and felt Jake grab onto my hands. “Alright, here we go baby.” He started leading me around. I tripped a little and Jake had to steady me. “Careful. Almost there. Just a few more steps.”
He stopped me suddenly and moved me around a little bit before he pulled away completely. “Do not take the blindfold off just yet!”
I nodded and waited patiently as he shuffled around in front of me.
“Alright! Take it off!” He exclaimed.
I reached behind me and untied the tie opening my eyes as I pulled it away from my face. I gasped seeing Jake down on one knee in a pile of rose petals. “Jake… what are you doing?” I asked in shock.
He smiled and pulled out a tiny black velvet box. “Well, to start, I have always known that I would marry you ever since I laid my eyes on you. You light up every room you walk into and always bring a smile to my face. I want to hear you be called Mrs. Seresin. I want you to be the mother to my kids. My entire family loves you more than me. My ma has already started calling you her daughter.” We both laughed softly.
I sniffled with tears welling in my eyes. “Baby, you are the only woman for me. I would sell my soul in a heart beat if it meant I could continue calling you my girl. You mean so much to me. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He finished and opened up the box showing the most beautiful diamond ring I have ever seen.
I gasped putting my hand over my heart. “Oh Jake!”
“It is my grandmother’s ring. When she met you last christmas, she pulled me aside and gave this to me. She said she knew we were meant to be and that she wanted you to have this. She did not want anyone else to wear it.”
Tears slipped down my cheeks. “But we had only been together for 5 months.” He nodded and stood up coming closer to me.
“Exactly. Even she knew you were the one for me. So. What will it be darlin’?” He asked softly.
I smiled and nodded through the tears. “Yes! Of course Jake. Of course I will marry you.” He took the ring out of the box and took my left hand slipping it onto my ring finger. He kissed my knuckles before pulling me close and kissing me with so much passion.
My hands tangled into his hair as I kissed him back with all the love that I could.
We pulled out gasping for breath and smiled at each other. “I love you so much Mr. Seresin.”
He kissed my lips again. “I love you so much more future Mrs. Seresin.”
And with your admission that you feel the same, I’ll have reached the goal I’m dreaming of
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