Tu B'Av

Historical origins

The Mishna records that Tu B'Av was a joyful time during the Temple era in Jerusalem. It marked the start of the grape harvest. Unmarried women wore white dresses and danced in the vineyards. The Talmud ranks its happiness alongside Yom Kippur. Several historical events contributed to this status. These include the lifting of inter-tribal marriage restrictions after the conquest of Canaan. Other reasons involve the survival of the generation that sinned with the spies. The completion of wood offerings for the altar also played a role.

Modern celebrations

Today, secular Jews in Israel view this day as their version of Valentine's Day. It has become a peak season for weddings and proposals. North American Jewish groups also host events and teachings. The holiday is more widely recognized than the Christian Valentine's Day in Israel. This is because even Haredi communities observe Tu B'Av, while they often ignore the Western alternative. The day follows the somber fast of Tisha B'Av by six days, creating a sharp contrast between sadness and joy.

Religious observances

There are few strict rituals for this minor holiday. The main change is the omission of Tachanun prayers from the daily service. A bride and groom do not fast if their wedding occurs on this date. The name comes from the Hebrew letters Tet and Vav. Their numerical values add up to fifteen. This avoids using the first two letters of the divine name. The month of Av concludes the summer season.

How Tu B'Av is kept

In ancient times, young women in Jerusalem wore white garments and danced in the vineyards to find partners. Today, the custom focuses on romance and union. Many couples schedule their wedding ceremonies on this specific date. Others use the day to propose or arrange matches. The celebration emphasizes joy and community gathering rather than strict religious law.

When and where

It occurs annually on the fifteenth day of the Hebrew month of Av. It always falls six days after the fast of Tisha B'Av. The exact Gregorian date changes every year based on the lunar calendar.

The custom is strongest in Israel. It originated in Jerusalem during the Temple period. Modern celebrations also occur among Jewish communities in North America.

What Tu B'Av means

The white dresses worn by ancient dancers symbolized purity and equality. Dancing in the vineyards represented fertility and the harvest. The holiday signifies the removal of barriers between tribes and families. It represents hope, survival, and the joy of finding a partner.

Who takes part

• Unmarried women: Dance in the vineyards and seek partners
• Couples: Hold wedding ceremonies or propose marriage
• Congregations: Omit penitential prayers from services

If you are a guest

Guests at a Tu B'Av wedding participate in standard Jewish wedding festivities. They may join in celebratory dancing and feasting. The atmosphere is generally festive and romantic, reflecting the holiday's theme of love.

Then and now

The holiday has grown significantly in popularity since the establishment of the modern state. It is now a primary choice for wedding dates in Israel. Secular and religious Jews alike acknowledge the day, though they celebrate it differently.

On the wedding table

Symbols: The colour white

Tu B'Av dates: 2026, 2027, 2028

Questions people ask about Tu B'Av

See also

WimpelA linen sash made from a baby boy's circumcision cloth that binds the Torah scroll.MiaiA traditional Japanese matchmaking meeting where a man and woman consider marriage with the help of a go-between.Arranged marriage in the Indian subcontinentThe family-led matchmaking process that shapes most marriages across South Asia.Marriage marketPublic spaces where families gather to find spouses for their children through listings and brokers.

Good reading and sources

• Jewish Holidays: Tu B’AvJewish Virtual Library, Article
• Jewish Holidays: Tu B’AvJewish Virtual Library, Article

• Tu B'Av on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.