“When the month of Av arrives one diminishes one’s joy” The Talmud (Ta’anit 29a) explains the nature of a month is evident at its beginning. The month of Adar when Purim is celebrated is seen as a season of enhanced joy. Consequently the month of AV which is characterized by the mourning observed in memory of Temples’ destruction begins with the first of Av.

The First of Av historically is noteworthy as the anniversary of Aaron’s the High Priest A’H ZY’A passing. Unlike other Biblical…