Tzvi Moshe: From Tisha B'av To Tu B'av - Bringing Back The Glory

Chazal have told us that the cycle of the Jewish calendar is a methodical process. Every step along the way, from one holiday to the next, is part of a systematic set-up. For example such literature has discussed the Pesach-Sefira-Shevuos sequence. The months of the year have been written about at length. The list goes on.

Perhaps we can take a moment to analyze the chapter of the year that we just experienced. We just left Tisha B’Av, the saddest day on the calendar; we cried and mourned over the Beis HaMikdash. And then less than a week later we entered intoTu B’av; hailed as the polar opposite – the gladdest day of rejoicing, a momentous occasion in the Jewish Gigul HaShana - cycle of the year.

How is this at all methodical? Does where is meaningful transition that we have been taught to expect. Perhaps with a more careful analysis of the components involved we will be able to walk away with not just a deeper understanding of the essence of these times, but also a more inspiring view of how to help perfect the future. Let’s begin.

The Gemara goes to great lengths to hide outward references to Kabalah, the Jewish mystical tradition.

That being said, from time to time , Chazal give us little tid-bits, small insights here and there to deeper, hidden aspects of the Torah.

One such example can be found in the Gemara in Bava Basra. There is a lengthy discussion there detailing various names, references and descriptions of the Beis HaMikdash. One important line is the following: Hod HaBeis HaMikdash - ‘When you see the word Hod (Glory) it means the Beis HaMikdash.

On the surface the understanding is very simple. The Beis HaMikdash is glorious, thus it would follow that scriptural appearances of Hod which means that exactly would be pointing to the Beis HaMikdash.
This is where the deeper understanding comes into play.

We know that Hashem operates the world through various Attributes, Names, systems of ‘behavior’ and the like – lots of terms are thrown around. We are also taught that these systems find their parallels in the way man functions within the world.

For example: Chessed is the attribute of extension. To give without limits – that’s an expression of Chessed. Gevura is another. The word literally means ‘Strength’ and we come to understand that it means strict judgment. Being very exact with my actions is an expression of that.

One such attribute that appears in mystical literature is the Mida of Hod - ‘The Attribute of Glory’. What is the power, the direction, of this attribute? Inner nullification. The ability to empty out one thing to make room for another. And this is the key to understanding “Hod Zu HaBeis HaMikdash.”

How is the Beis HaMikdash a manifestation of Hod? Well we know that nothing physical can survive without a spiritual essence. A prime example is the body. My physical body cannot survive with out the spiritual essence within – the soul.

The Beis HaMikdash accomplishes this role for the world. The Beis HaMikdash is THE location where physicality is opened up to let the spiritual enter within – thus sustaining its existence. This is the very core of what Hod is all about! The ‘Glory’ of the Beis HaMikdash is the role that it plays in making physicality ready to become a vessel that contains the spiritual. The Beis HaMikdash is the location of Hod in the world.

But obviously we see how Hod can be an important factor in Bein Adam L’Chaveiro - in interpersonal relationships as well. It is my ability to tap into my inner sense ofHod that allows me to remove myself of my biases and my prejudices and instead take the other persons feelings, his standpoint, his emotions and his background into account.

This gives us a deeper understanding of why the second Beis HaMikdash was destroyed via a lack of proper Bein Adam L’Chaveiro. If the Hod of the Jewish people is a state of break-down, then the Hashem’s obvious response would be to take away the Hod of the Beis HaMikdash.

So what’s the next step? Less than a week after we grieve the loss of Hod Zu HaBeis HaMikdash we enter into Tu B’Av - what the Gemara tells us is the quintessential day of love.

The Gemara in Ta’anis tells us that Tu B’Av was so joyous because bans that prevented tribes from intermarrying were lifted. And then when one specific tribe received it’s own personal intermarriage ban, that too was lifted on Tu B’Av. Not only all of that but on this day every year, the daughters of Jerusalem, the Benos Yerushalayim would go out into the fields dressed in white and matches would be made. Historically Tu B’Av has been regarded as the holy corresponding version of a secular holiday I’d rather not mention – but in our regards it is a day quite apropos and auspicious for engagements and weddings!

So now we return to our original question: What is the process of Tisha B’Av to Tu B’Av trying to teach us?

Now things should be coming together. Tu B’Av is the answer to the problems of Tisha B’Av! Hashem is trying to tell us that if we want to avoid all the problems of losing Hod Zu HaBeis HaMikdash then we need to work on our ability to love someone other than ourselves – for is there no more important ingredient to a healthy marriage; or any relationship for that matter, than Hod!?

It is through my ability to tap into, and fix my inner Hod that we leave a Tisha B’Av headspace and enter into a Tu B’av state of mind.

B’Ezras Hashem we should be Zoche to achieve such levels in our Bein Adam L’Chaveiro. Because this chapter of the Jewish calendar is teaching us that in order to make our way back to Hod Zu HaBeis HaMikdash we need to worry a lot about theHod in the way we treat one another.

If we can really try to remove and eliminate our biases and prejudices; when we can do away with our assumptions and single-sided, narrow-minded perspectives, when we can really dig deep and try to appreciate other people for who they are and where they are coming from we will be fixing our inner power of Hod. And if we can do that then there is no doubt that we will live lives of meaning, moving closer to the Creator and ultimately to Hod Zu HaBeis HaMikdash - the Redemption!