A weekly feature of Torah Tidbits to help clarify practical and conceptual aspects of the Jewish Calendar, thereby better fulfilling the mitzva of HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem... Adar is a joyous month because it is the "month that was turned for them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning to a holiday". Av begins as a sad month because of the tragedies that are associated with it, and perhaps because the month hasn't yet turned for us. However, the month definitely perks up after the 10th of Av, because it can - and because it will - turn from mourning to Yom Tov, from sadness to great joy. And part of the flavor of the second part of the month, the second and third thirds of Av, is hopefulness and resolve (hopefully) to help bring about that great change. Will the Mikdash descend in fire from heaven or will we build it? Maybe some of each. Will the Geula arrive or will we bring it? Maybe some of each. Let us work diligently to do our share. [The
Parshat Eikev Homepage]
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