Major Jewish and Biblical Events in History in Av:
01 Av:
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- Passing of Aaron (1274 BC)
- Ezra Arrives in Israel (348 BC)
09 Av:
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- Exodus Generation Condemned to Die in Desert
- First and Second Temples Destroyed
- Betar (last stronghold of the Bar Kochba rebellion) fell; 580k Jews died
- Expulsion from England (1290)
- Expulsion from Spain (1492)
15 Av:
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- End of Dying in the Desert (after 38 years of wandering)
- Tribe of Benjamin—excommunicated for the incident of the “Concubine at Givah”—readmitted into the community of Israel (see Judges 19-21)
- Matchmaking Day: “The daughters of Jerusalem would go out in borrowed linen garments… and dance in the vineyards”
30 Av: Moses carved, by God’s command, two stone tablets
Why do some Jews transition from using the name “Av” to “Menachem Av” after Tishah B’Av?
Some Jews transition from using the name “Av” to “Menachem Av” after Tishah B’Av to emphasize the idea of comfort and consolation, as the name “Menachem Av” signifies the Comforter of Av, reflecting God’s promise to comfort those who mourn and be close to the brokenhearted.
How are the Haftarah readings during this period connected to the theme of comfort for the Jewish People?
The Haftarah readings during the “seven weeks of comfort” are specifically chosen to convey messages of comfort and consolation to the Jewish People, emphasizing hope and the promise of a brighter future.
What is the significance of the period known as the “seven weeks of comfort” (shiva d’nechemta)?
The “seven weeks of comfort” is a period that extends from Tishah B’Av through the month of Elul, where the Haftarah readings foretell the glorious future of the Jewish People, providing comfort and hope.
What is the period following Tishah B’Av known as?
The period following Tishah B’Av is known as the “seven weeks of comfort” (shiva d’nechemta).