“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…

The Three Weeks, the period between 17 Tamuz when the walls of Jerusalem were breached and 9 Menachem Av when both Temples were destroyed. These twenty one days are observed as a time of national mourning.

The level of mourning intensifies from merely not engaging in joyous activities like celebrating a wedding or holding a concert. Once the Month of Menachem Av enters one diminishes one’s sense of joy which is expressed by not eating meat or drinking wine or not wearing freshly…