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The number fifteen alludes to the Name , the symbol of unity and
peace, which are causes of joy.
On Tu b’Av, the young maidens would dance outside in the vineyards. In
this manner, many Jewish homes were established. The wealthier girls
loaned their dresses to the poorer ones, thereby increasing peace and unity
among the nation.
The joy we feel on Yom Kippur results from our knowledge that Hashem
will have mercy on us and seal us for a good life. Moreover, before Yom
Kippur, everyone makes sure to appease his fellow. This increases peace
and joy.
“There were no greater days in Israel than the fifteenth of Av and Yom
Kippur.” This saying needs explanation. It implies that Tu b’Av was a
greater festival than the others. Furthermore, how can we call Yom
Kippur, replete with the fear of judgment, a day of joy?
Beginning with Tu b’Av, the days begin to get shorter and the nights
longer. People head home earlier and have more time for Torah study,
which gladdens their hearts and fills them with an inner light. This is a
cause for great joy.
Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness ceased dying on this day. Hashem indicated
that these people were now pardoned and ready to enter the Land. This
too, was cause for great joy.
15 moadey heshana
Reasons given for the destruction of the two Batei Mikdash are neglect of
Torah and baseless hatred. It is forbidden to learn Torah on Tishah b’Av,
since it gladdens the heart, contradicting the essence of the day, which is
sorrow and mourning.
“If there is no Torah, there is no good character” (Avot). Conversely,
“Good character precedes Torah.” The churban of the second Beit
Hamikdash was caused by baseless hatred, as demonstrated in the story of
Kamza and Bar Kamtza. The Sages were also culpable, as they did not
speak up on behalf of Bar Kamtza but continued to eat their meal as if
nothing was amiss.
These Torah Sages were, in some way, lacking good character. This is
why their Torah study did not stand by them and they were indicted for
contributing to the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash.
The Torah is the potion of life and a Code of Ethics. If one does not utilize
his Torah knowledge to advance in good character, his Torah knowledge
is sorely lacking.
The initials of the phrase (ninth Av) are numerically equivalent to
ten. The last letters of the phrase are numerically equivalent to
seven. The sum of these numbers is seventeen, the numerical equivalent
of the word (good). Torah is the only true good (Avot 6:3), as Mishlei
(4:2) states, “For a good teaching I have given you; do not forsake My
Torah.” Hashem forbids us from learning Torah on Tishah b’Av because
it is not fitting to be involved in this ultimate pleasure on a day of
mourning.
True love is unconditional. Be’ezrat Hashem, we will merit the rebuilding
of the Beit Hamikdash through increasing our Torah study and improving
our interpersonal relationships.