This week we have the festive day of Tu B’Av in the week of Parshat Eikev. These occasions carry a remarkable message of joy. The Gemara highlights the exceptional significance of Tu B’Av and Yom Kippur as days of unparalleled happiness for the Jewish people.
Tu B’Av falls just five days after the 10th of Av, not counting from the 9th, as the Temple continued to burn on the 10th, and certain mourning laws extend to this day. These five days leading into Tu B’Av correspond to the five kolot (sounds) mentioned in Isaiah’s prophecy about the happiness that will come with the arrival of Mashiach. These kolot represent five distinct types of joy that we can experience.
Reb Noson outlines five ways to cultivate happiness:
- Acting Silly and Telling Jokes: Humor and light-heartedness can lift people out of their sadness and lead to genuine joy.
- Dancing, Singing, and Rejoicing: Engaging in song and dance with melody and rhythm can stir inner happiness.
- Finding Your Good Points: Recognizing and acknowledging our positive traits and actions can bring a sense of contentment.
- Giving Thanks for the Good Points: Expressing gratitude for our blessings further amplifies our joy.
- Looking at the Ultimate End: Gaining perspective by focusing on the ultimate future, where everything will be rectified, can alleviate present distress and bring in joy.
In the days following Tu B’Av, we are encouraged to embrace simcha wholeheartedly!
Tu B’Av, occurring after a period of mourning, allows time for the accumulation of these five types of joy, making it a day of ultimate happiness.
Parashat Eikev begins with the blessings that follow from faithfully listening to the Torah. Moreover, the Parashah uses the term “V’hayah” (it will be) – “And it will be, following that you listen to these precepts…”. The Sages teach that V’hayah is a joyous term. In contrast, “Vayehi” denotes sorrow. This connection underscores the significance of joy in serving Hashem.
Rebbe Nachman emphasizes that joy itself is a “big” mitzvah, greater than other mitzvot. To serve Hashem with joy is the ultimate goal. And in these 45 days following Tu B’Av leading up to Rosh Hashanah, we are encouraged to embrace simcha (joy) wholeheartedly.
As we approach this auspicious period, we should strive to incorporate the “fabulous five” into our lives. By adopting a joyous attitude, singing and dancing, acknowledging our good points, giving thanks to Hashem for our good points, and trusting in a brighter future that in the end everything will work out for the good, we can serve Hashem with genuine joy. This will lead us to a meaningful and uplifting connection with Hashem, paving the way for a joyous and prosperous new year.
May we merit to use these 45 days to cultivate true happiness and embrace the joy that awaits us.
Shabbat Shalom!
Meir Elkabas
