City of love

When the fiery summer sun had gone down and the night breeze would start to drift through the ripened vineyards and olive groves of ancient Judea, young men and women dressed in white would dance under the full moon. This sounds like something out of Game of Thrones, but actually describes the largely unknown holiday that takes place on 15 Av, less than a week after the saddest day on the calendar – the fast of Tisha Be'av. The Babylonian Talmud in Ta'anit has a single passage mentioning this serendipitous day for love: “There were no holidays so joyous for Israel as the Fifteenth of Av (Tu Be'av)… daughters of Jerusalem would go out dressed in borrowed white clothing (so that they would all look the same)... and the daughters of Jerusalem would go out and dance in the vineyards located on the outskirts of the city.” The reasons behind this day of celebration are varied and somewhat vague. Some given by the Sages include God's forgiveness for the sin of the spies in the desert; the ban on intermarriage between the tribes of Israel lifted; the start of the grape harvest; and the Roman occupiers permitting the burial of the victims of the massacre at Betar during the Bar Kochba rebellion, among others. Over the generations, Tu Be'av was remembered as a minor celebration at best. Some traditions that were preserved over the generations included the omitting of the daily Tahanun – a solemn part of the prayers that is typically omitted on other holidays and joyous days as well – and considering it an auspicious day for weddings. But today, especially in Israel, Tu Be'av is experiencing a resurgence as a celebration of youth, romance and dancing– and in this country filled with turmoil, another day to celebrate love is nothing to complain about. This year, Tu Be'av begins at sunset on August 18. Enjoy In Jerusalem's roundup of several events happening around the city to celebrate (all events are August 18 unless otherwise noted): Tu Be'av Rock Celebration A concert by Cohav Anise (Star Anise) will offer a lovelorn Mediterranean rock celebration... painful as an Arak hangover and sweet as baklava. 10:30 p.m. Abraham Hostel, 67 Hanevi'im Street, first floor bar and lounge Price and more information: abrahamhostels.com/jerusalem/ Tu Be'av Acroyoga for Couples Take part in an Acroyoga Couples Session in central Jerusalem, featuring an hour and a half of partner- based yoga, acroyoga, massage and stretching followed by chocolate and treats by candlelight. No prior yoga/acroyoga experience necessary. 7 to 10 p.m. NIS 225 per couple Reservations: Rachel Jetter-Cohen and Daniel Cohen, rajetter@gmail.com or 050-842-2231 Nothing But Love – KeepOlim Young Social Community Party For the city's new immigrants, the KeepOlim Young Social Community is throwing its first party here. Come meet olim from around the world in the heart of the holy city. 9 p.m. Cactus 9, 4 Shushan Street Free Lovers in Tmol Shilshom Celebrate with dinner theater – a hilarious romantic comedy – at the charming Tmol Shilshom cafe. Ticket includes dinner (soup and a main course) and wine. 7 p.m. 5 Yoel Moshe Solomon Street NIS 220 Tickets: www.tixwise.co.il Tu Be'av Festival in Jerusalem Park Even Yerushalmi invites all to join in on this day of love with music, partying, and friends. There will be a live performance by artist Ariel Zilber, a silent disco party, a BBQ, board games and more. August 17, 8 p.m. Jerusalem Metropolitan Park Free Continuous Night at the First Station Come in the early evening and continue partying through the night. There will be a variety of special events, art shows, dance performances and live music. 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. First Station, 4 David Remez Street. Free

City of love

For Jerusalem’s lovebirds – and those in search of an excuse for a good time – a Tu Be’av event roundup.

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City of love

For Jerusalem’s lovebirds – and those in search of an excuse for a good time – a Tu Be’av event roundup.

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