Tu B’Av: The Jewish Valentine’s Day

Each summer, as the sun begins to set a little earlier and the Hebrew month of Av comes to a close, a lesser-known but deeply meaningful holiday appears on the Jewish calendar: Tu B’Av.

While it’s often referred to as the Jewish Valentine’s Day, Tu B’Av is far more than just a Hallmark moment. With roots in the times of the Second Temple and traditions that celebrate unity, love, and new beginnings, this holiday offers a beautiful reminder of how joy and connection can bloom even in the shadows of sorrow.

Tu B’Av Meaning and Origins

So what is the Tu B’Av meaning? Literally translated, “Tu” (ט״ו) represents the Hebrew numerical value for 15, and “Av” (אב) is the name of the month—making Tu B’Av the 15th day of Av.

Historically, Tu B’Av marked the beginning of the grape harvest and was celebrated with dancing, matchmaking, and communal joy. In the Talmud, the Sages call it one of the happiest days on the Jewish calendar, second only to Yom Kippur. Why? Because it was a day when the “daughters of Jerusalem would go out in white garments and dance in the vineyards,” inviting eligible bachelors to find their match. It was a communal celebration of love, hope, and new beginnings.

Tu B’Av also commemorates several historical events related to unity and reconciliation among the Jewish people. These include the lifting of certain tribal marriage restrictions and the end of the generation doomed to wander the desert after the sin of the spies. In that way, Tu B’Av’s meaning is not only romantic, it’s restorative, symbolizing the healing of past divisions.

Modern Traditions: The Jewish Valentine’s Day

Today, Tu B’Av is widely known as the Jewish Valentine’s Day, though it predates its secular counterpart by more than a thousand years. Modern observances are simple but heartfelt: flowers, romantic dinners, weddings, and proposals. In Israel, it’s common to see couples celebrating with moonlit picnics, music festivals, or gifts of love.

In religious communities, it’s also considered an auspicious time for matchmaking and marriage proposals. Many weddings take place on Tu B’Av, taking advantage of the day’s joyful, love-filled energy.

Unlike more solemn holidays, Tu B’Av has no formal commandments—no fasting, no special prayers, no abstentions. It’s a day of lightness, music, connection, and possibility. It’s a celebration that belongs to everyone.

Celebrating Tu B’Av with Lasko Spirit

At Lasko Getaways, we believe that joy and community are central to every Jewish experience—and Tu B’Av is a perfect example of that spirit. Whether you’re marking the day with a spouse, a soulmate, or simply soaking up the beauty of summer and the people around you, Tu B’Av is a reminder to open your heart.

After all, the vineyards of ancient Israel might be a world away, but the feeling of dancing under the stars, surrounded by love and laughter? That’s something we recreate every year.

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