Mystical Month of Tamuz


1 Menachem Av (July 29) — First day of Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av. Yahrzeit of Aharon, the first High Priest. The beginning of strict mourning for the destruction of the two Temples. For more information click here.

2 Menachem Av (July 29-30) – Shabbat Massei (in Israel, outside of Israel Mattot-Massei). Torah Reading: Numbers 33:1-36:3; Haftorah Jeremiah 2:4-28;4:1-2 (the second Haftorah of affliction.)

5 Menachem Av (Aug. 2) — The yahrzeit of the ARI HaKadosh, (Rabbi Yitschak Luria, 1534-1572) among the greatest Kabbalists of all time, leader of the Kabbalists of Tsfat after the death of Rabbi Moshe Cordevero. Beginning of the 29th year in current Ascent building!

9 Menachem Av (Aug.5-6) — Shabbat Devarim, called Shabbat Chazon, (Vision) after the first word of the Haftorah, which deals with the destruction of the Temple and the resulting exile. Torah Reading: Deut. 1:1-3:22; Haftorah Isaiah 1:1-27 (third Haftorah of affliction). The fast day of the ninth of Av is postponed till Shabbat ends.

10 Menachem Av (Aug.6-7) – Fast day of the 9th of Av. Eating and drinking is forbidden from the end of Shabbat until Sunday night. All the laws of mourning observed during “The three weeks” come to an end with the end of the fast except for the eating of meat, the drinking of wine and listening to music, all these are possible again from Monday morning on.

15 Menachem Av (Aug.12) A day of great rejoicing, of which the Sages say: “There were no greater festivals among Jews than the 15th of Av; “Matchmaking Day”. On this date the girls would dress in white and dance in the orchards.

16 Menachem Av (Aug.12-13) — Shabbat VaEthChanan, Shabbat Nachamu: the first of the seven Shabbatot of Consolation after the destruction, with prophecies of the future when “G-d’s glory will be revealed.” Torah Reading: Deut 3:23-7:11; Haftorah Isaiah 40:1-26

23 Menachem Av (Aug.19-20) — Shabbat Ekev, Shabbat Mevarchim (blessing the coming month), Torah Reading: Deut. 7:12-11:25; Haftorah Isaiah 49:14-51:3

30 Menachem Av (Aug.26-27) — Shabbat Re’eh,. Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Elul, Torah Reading: Deut.11:26-16:17; Haftorah Isaiah 66:1-24