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From our Sages' expression, "The Jews never had festivals as great as the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur," we can infer that the 15th of Av possesses a quality which surpasses Yom Kippur itself (and for that reason, our Sages mention the 15th of Av before Yom Kippur).

The advantage possessed by the 15th of Av can be explained by the AriZal's interpretation of the name Yom Kippurim (ìëÿàöï ìàë) as "a day like Purim (ìëÿàö-ï ìàë);" i.e., a day which approaches the peaks reached on Purim. The revelation on Yom Kippur surpasses all connection with material worlds. It is a day of fasting when the Jews stand as angels. For this very reason, however, its effect on our material world is limited. Purim, in contrast, is a day of celebration amidst feasting and festivity. Indeed, "a person is obligated to become intoxicated on Purim to the extent that he does not know the difference...;" [i.e., Purim reveals a level above knowledge within the context of our physical world].

A similar concept applies in regard to the 15th of Av. The 15th of Av represents a transcendent revelation, the number 15 being equivalent to the letters ä-ë. These two letters, themselves, constitute one of the Names of G-d and are on a higher level than the letters ä-ë when considered as the first two letters of the name ä-à-ä-ë. When considered as part of the name ä-à-ä-ë, these letters represent limited levels which are reflected within the order of spiritual worlds. When considered as a Name in its own right, these letters represent a level which transcends that order and cannot be contained within knowledge. On the 15th of Av, this level is revealed through the activities of eating[149] and drinking.2

[150] Similarly, as mentioned yesterday, the 15th of Av should be connected with a Chassidic farbrengen. There should be mashkah at such a farbrengen -- the limits established in regard to its use should be followed so that one's thinking processes are not confused, but the mashkah should be at the farbrengen -- to add to the joy of the gathering as the verse states, "Wine gladdens the heart of G-d and men."

This farbrengen must be of a unique nature, reflecting the fact that "The Jews never had festivals as great as the 15th of Av." It must lead to an increase in Torah study as our Sages explain that from the 15th of Av onward, one must increase one's Torah study at night. Our Sages also promised: "Whoever adds nights to his days in Torah study will have additional life added to his life." Through adding to Torah study -- referred to as "our life" -- one will merit additional life and health.

The study of Torah will bring about additional material benefits including the revelation of the ultimate material good which will be in the Messianic Age. Then, there will be a feast of the Leviathan, the wild ox, and the like.[151]

Therefore, anyone who did not participate in a Chassidic farbrengen yesterday should do so tonight. Similarly, those who did so but have a feeling that there was something that could be added to those farbrengens, should participate in another farbrengen today. This will be in a manner of "doubled salvation."[152] To emphasize the concept of doubling, two dollars will be given out to be distributed to tzedakah instead of the usual one.

May the happiness of the 15th of Av be unbounded, like the happiness of Purim and may the dances of the 15th of Av bring about the Messianic Age when G-d "will make a dance for the tzaddikim in Gan Eden."[153]

   

Notes:

149. (Back to text) On a normal weekday, it is frequent for people to eat at least two meals. Indeed, at present, out of consideration for health, there are people who eat three meals a day. Even though the practice of eating three meals a day is associated with Shabbos -- and by extension also to festivals -- there are those who follow this practice on a weekday as well.

150. (Back to text) The positive nature of these activities is enhanced when one remembers the laws applying to eating and drinking and the concepts in Torah -- including P'nimiyus HaTorah -- associated with these activities.

151. (Back to text) There are some opinions which maintain that there will be no eating or drinking in the Messianic Age and that the "feast" and the like concepts mentioned by our Sages must be understood as metaphors for spiritual concepts. The sages of the Kabbalah, however, maintain that there will be actual eating and drinking in that era. The commentaries have offered a resolution to this difficulty, explaining that there will be two eras in the Messianic Age, one involving eating and drinking and one which will transcend activities of this nature.

152. (Back to text) The Talmud explains that the word ä'ëÖàÜ translated as salvation also has the connotation of "weakening," i.e., weakening all worldly influences. (This is associated with the 15th of Av, the day on which "the power of the sun is weakened." The sun is associated with the world's physical nature (in contrast to the moon which is associated with the Jewish people).

153. (Back to text) Though the Sages mention that the dance will be held in Gan Eden; however, the intent is that Gan Eden should be revealed within this world. Just as the Tzemach Tzedek told a follower, "Make Eretz Yisrael here," through the Jews service, they can cause Gan Eden to be revealed within this physical world.