Wednesday, July 15, 2026, moved us into the month of Av. In Tammuz we began the three weeks of mourning. These days culminate inside this month on the 9th of Av. The 9th of Av is known as the saddest day in history for God’s people.
HOW GOD COMFORTS US IN AV
“MENACHEM AV.”
“Menachem” means “consoler,” and “Av” means “father.” This name reminds us that God is always there to comfort us during times of tragedy.
FIRST TEMPLE DESTROYED
Historically, there was the incident of the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE. King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple. This led to the Babylonian exile of the Jewish people.
SECOND TEMPLE DESTROYED
Destruction of the Second Temple happened in 70 CE. The Romans, under General Titus, destroyed the Second Temple. This marked another pivotal moment in Jewish history.
What are the odds both Temples would be destroyed on the same date? Yet, this happened. It reconfirms the rhythms of time that were set into motion at the creation of the earth.
NEGATIVE REPORT OF SPIES
The Spies’ negative report, in 1313 BCE, happened after the Exodus. Spies sent by Moses returned with a negative report about the Promised Land. This led to a 40-year wandering in the desert.
We all like to ponder what would have happened if the people had not listened to the negative reports. The two who did not listen (Joshua and Caleb) were the only two who lived to walk into the promises. This is a lesson of being patient and enduring all things while listening only to God’s instructions.
Let’s endeavor to follow Joshua and Caleb’s examples. The reports and suggestions of men should never take precedence over God’s plan and instructions.
THE DEATH OF AARON
Aaron was the first High Priest of Israel. He was the brother of Moses and Miriam. Scripture records he passed away at age 123 on the 1st of Av of the Jewish year 2487 (1274 BCE). It’s the only date of passing explicitly recorded in the Torah. Read it for yourself in Numbers 33:38.
BAR KOKHBA REVOLT
The Bar Kokhba Revolt took place on this same date in 135 CE. It ended in failure. The failure of this revolt resulted in significant loss and further dispersion of the Jewish people.
JEWS EXPULSED FROM ENGLAND
On this same date, we hear about the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290.
EXPULSION OF JEWS FROM SPAIN
Then came the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492. During this same date In 1942, the deportation of Jews from the Warsaw ghetto to the Treblinka extermination camp began.
HISTORY IS NOT HAPHAZARD
Can you see that history isn’t haphazard? Even terrible events are part of a Divine plan. All of these times have spiritual meaning. The message of time is that everything has a rational purpose, even though we don’t understand it.
So, many now observe Tisha B’Av (the 9th of Av) with fasting and mourning. These rituals are about reflecting on historical tragedies. Their impact on followers of YHVH are all about the identity and resilience of God’s people .
The people of Israel have suffered greatly over time. God chose to reveal Messiah to us through these people. Yeshua came to us through the culture and traditions of the Jews. Those of us who follow Yeshua choose to mourn and grieve with them. Our constant prayer is for antisemitism to be conquered. It is our desire for all of God’s people to live together as One in Yeshua.
WHAT IF
One cannot help but wonder. We ask that familiar old question called “what if?” What if the spies had given a more positive report? Also, what if the people had put their trust in YHVH despite the negative report? After all, He did lead them through so many great miracles. Thus far, they had followed with all provisions provided. What if they had taken a deep breath, put their trust in God, and kept walking into the Promised Land?
KEEP THE VISION
That question is how I’ve come to focus on moving through the month of Av. Once the new moon of Rosh Chodesh Av appears, we have nine more days to keep moving through the straits.
Many of Yeshua’s followers pay attention to these waves of time. They recognize and follow their rhythms with faith. Some have learned to trust in God for guidance through even the hardest of times.
We’ve seen the evidence of these patterns for ourselves. The right decision is to trust God. We will keep walking in His ways. Those giants wanting to overpower us and steal our inheritance will be defeated. It happens when we keep our faces and our faith turned toward Yeshua. He has the answers for going through the straits. Yeshua reminds us to be obedient. He says to keep the faith. Now is not the time to be afraid. Never look back. Just keep moving forward.
With God, we can do this. When we reach the other side of this journey through time we will rejoice and be glad. Our God is bigger than all of the problems. He is greater than any of the problems mankind carelessly brings upon themselves.
Let’s reverse the attitude of those who chose to hear the negative reports. Now let’s move on into the land. Let’s be the generation to bring a good report to the next generations after us.
TRIBE OF SIMEON
The tribe correlating with the month of Av is the tribe of Simeon. Simeon, the oldest of Jacob’s sons, made terrible and tragic decisions. He wanted to avenge his sister Dina’s rape. Instead of seeking the proper instructions from his Father, he over-reacted. Simeon took judgement into his own hands.
Thus, Simeon and his brother Levi used violence against a whole community. All of the people were required to pay for the crime of only one man. This wasn’t about justice. It was about revenge. Instead of seeking God’s answers, they moved on their own human intuition. It was wrong.
Simeon and Levi tricked the whole community (not just the guilty man) into submitting to the laws of God. However, once the people complied, Simeon and Levi murdered the whole community. They committed this crime of murder while the people were helpless, physically disabled and unarmed. This isn’t playing fair. They even destroyed their horses.
REVENGE BELONGS TO THE LORD
This created great trouble for Jacob and his family. Therefore, neither Jacob nor Moses ever blessed the tribe of Simeon. This tribe of Simeon was a great example for showing all of mankind how NOT to react when tragedy strikes. To clarify, it isn’t right to take judgement unto ourselves. Revenge belongs to the Lord.
We do know that God always works for good, even in horrible situations and circumstances. At some point, all tragedies can begin to be reversed. It only takes one courageous and righteous man to change this pattern in time.
Meanwhile, the righteous man who changed things for Simeon’s future generations was another man named Simeon. He was the priest who received a prophecy from God. The prophecy was saying he would not die until he held the Savior in his arms. This is what happened on the 8th day after the birth of Yeshua.
Joseph and Mary took Yeshua to the Temple to be circumcised. Simeon was the priest in charge that day. He held Yeshua in his arms. This man named Simeon received a peace he sought from God his whole life. Now he could rest. He knew God was bringing a way out of all of the prevalent tragedies from the past. These tragedies had prevailed because of mankind’s inability to set sin aside. This Simeon was different. However, a new and better answer had finally arrived.
It was another miracle. The Messiah had come. God was reversing the curse of the first Simeon’s sins.
A REVERSAL FOR SIMEON
Once the future generations of Simeon’s descendants had enough faith to believe and move beyond the straits by trusting and obeying God, things began to change. Such transitions are why this tribe of Simeon is a good representative of Av.
In the book of Revelation, the Tribe of Simeon is mentioned again. I refer to Revelation 7:7. Here the tribe of Simeon is listed among the twelve tribes of Israel. In this passage, 12,000 individuals from the tribe of Simeon are sealed. This seal indicates their significance in the eschatological context of the text.
This sealing is part of a larger vision. In addition, in the larger vision, a multitude from various nations are standing before the throne of God. This symbolizes inclusivity and divine protection for the faithful from all backgrounds.
To sum it up, the mention of the Tribe of Simeon in Revelation emphasizes the continuity of God’s covenant with Israel. It fulfills promises made throughout the Old Testament. This sealing of 12,000 from each tribe symbolizes God’s protection over His people during times of tribulation. It reinforces the theme of hope and redemption in the apocalyptic literature of Revelation.
Therefore, we can be assured of God’s final mercy for Simeon. Perhaps this was made possible because people from generations later followed the example of the other Simeon. He was the one who held Yeshua in his arms. To embrace Yeshua is everything ever needed. The remnant of the Tribe of Simeon do become believers. Certainly, they will be followers of Torah in the last days. Moreover, and despite tragic beginnings, they have the hope of a great future. This is part of the message of Av.
GEMSTONE ON HIGH PRIEST’S BREASTPLATE
The high priest prefigured Christ, the ultimate Mediator. In Hebrews 8:1-6 we read:
Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.
Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.
They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.
LIVING STONES
Just as Aaron carried jeweled names over his heart, Jesus carries believers as “living stones” 1 Peter 2:5 tell us:
You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Yeshua carries those who have chosen to follow him close to His own heart. He secures their access to the Father.
12 FOUNDATION STONES
In Revelation 21:19-20 we hear of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem:
The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.
What the breastplate of the High Priest promised, the holy city fulfills.
GEM OF THE TRIBE OF SIMEON
The gem representing the tribe of Simeon is Topaz. Topaz symbolizes divine wisdom and spiritual purity. Meanwhile, following God’s divine instructions through Av brings us from tragedy into a place of divine wisdom and spiritual purity. That is because we have walked through the fire. At this point, we have been refined. The dross has been removed from our souls. Most importantly, because of purification and gained wisdom, we receive a new divine authority. We are stronger and strengthened to continue our journey. Eternal glory waits for those who finish this difficult journey.
Job 28: 18-19 says: “Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned; And the acquisition of wisdom is above that of pearls. “The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold.
This scripture emphasizes the superiority of true wisdom over topaz. These references indicate topaz holds a revered position in biblical texts, symbolizing spiritual purity, heavenly wisdom, and the divine presence.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF TOPAZ
Historically, topaz was highly revered among biblical cultures. It was often associated with protection and healing. Theological interpretations underscore its role in reflecting God’s radiant grace and the quest for spiritual clarity. Consequently, topaz serves as a multifaceted emblem of God’s enduring presence and guidance in the believer’s life.
Similarly, believers of today are called to be “memorized gems” on Christ’s heart. That is to say, they are known by name, not lost in anonymity. As a result, the breastplate urges impartial ministry. Every tribe, tongue, and people group matters equally before God’s throne. Further, this calls for personal holiness. For example, if we are precious stones, we must “walk in the light” that makes our facets shine.
For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Consider 1 John 1:7 – But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
MAZEL OF AV
Few people understand the root meaning of the word “mazal”. This word symbolizes a complex belief system. It speaks of one believing in divine influence and destiny. Certainly, whether in religious texts, spoken language, or social media captions, mazal continues to evolve. In religious and spiritual settings mazal is believed to be a type of divine energy shaping a person’s life path. It doesn’t simply mean random good luck. In conclusion, it refers to the channel through which a person’s destiny is guided by a higher force. The word mazal has two main meanings. One meaning is related to divine or spiritual destiny. The other meaning is used to express joy and best wishes in daily life.
The root of the word מ-ז-ל (mem-zayin-lamed) means “to flow” or “to drip.” This root is connected to the belief that heavenly influence flows down to earth, affecting every person’s life. This brings a passage of scripture to mind. It is a passage where Jesus is at the water pouring ceremony of The Feast of Tabernacles. “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38.)
SENSE OF HEARING
In our study of Av, the word “mazal” refers to how a particular sense is affected in this time. There are 12 senses in Hebrew thought. Each sense might be called a “mazal.” The mazal of Av is the sense of hearing.
Additionally, when we refer to the sense of hearing, we mean the process of active listening. Scientist have discovered a huge gap between the act of hearing and the act of listening. Further, sometimes things said seem to go “in one ear and out the other.” However, if someone is truly listening, they absorb the words they hear. That person will connect the words they heard to understanding.
SPIRITUAL HEARING
The person who connects words they hear to understanding is listening in a spiritual way. Such a listener can connect sounds to meanings. They can grasp what the speaker is aiming to communicate and flow with it.
At an even deeper level, the spiritual sense of hearing strives to listen to what is not heard at all. Subsequently, they are listening to the simple presence of God which dwells behind all that is said and heard. This listening comes in the form of the silence beyond the sounds.
One Hebraic principle is to “accept the truth from whoever says it.” This teaches us to listen to everyone, no matter who speaks. It emphasizes the search is for their words of truth. In the same vein, if they utter a word of truth, we must accept it.
The key is to hear and accept only what is worthy of acceptance, and not to accept what is unworthy. In other words, the main point is not the listening itself, but the search for truth. The value of listening is not derived from a rigid principle of ‘listening for the sake of listening’. It comes from a deep recognition that something of the truth is hidden within everyone.
The Torah provides the criteria to define what truth is. Similarly, it provides structure which allows for containing multiple levels and aspects of truth.
CONSTELLATION FOR MONTH OF AV
The astronomy of Av is connected with a lion. The Lion of Judah is a kingly and compassionate lion. This “lion” has the ability to listen deeply. He desires to comfort others. The Lion of Judah can transform mourning into joy. The roar of a lion is said to dominate, intimidate, devour, or defend its territory. However, when refined, the lion represents courage, dignity, protection and strength under righteous authority.
Keshia Gallagher writes and teaches profoundly beautiful thoughts of the Hebraic months. She has written about the month of Av and the processes of grief. For example, in one article she says the following:
“Yeshua is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah in Revelation 5:5, but what is striking is that when John looks, he sees a Lamb standing as slain. Lion strength is revealed through Lamb surrender. True power or strength is power under authority. It is holy restraint. It is power that is also humble. In Av, we ask God to help us hear our grief before it becomes a roar that harms others or ourselves. Grief, when brought into the presence of God, can become wisdom, compassion, courage, and repair.”
And one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, overcame to open the scroll and to loosen its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5
Above all, even in tragedy, Av represents a month of enormous potential. Just as healing and redemption follow the fires of destruction, this month’s challenges are divine gifts. The challenges help us to move forward.
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF AV
SHABBAT CHAZON
Firstly, the Shabbat before the 9th of Av is called “Shabbat Chazon.” This name is translated to “Shabbat of the Vision.” On this Shabbat the reading from the Prophets begins with the words “Chazon Yeshayahu,” the vision of Isaiah regarding the destruction of the Holy Temple.
In Chassidic teachings, we learn every Jewish soul is shown a vision of the third Holy Temple. This inspires us to do mitzvot to turn this vision into reality. Those who have followed Yeshua now understand our bodies are the third temple. That doesn’t mean a building will not be built. It may or may not happen. However, those who have been saved by Yeshua’s blood now have God’s Holy Spirit living within them. This puts emphasis on the importance of our bodies as living sacrifices for service to The Kingdom of Heaven. Our bodies have become the third temple.
READING LAMENTATIONS ON EVE PRIOR TO 9TH OF AV
In the book of Lamentations the prophet Jeremiah recorded the imminent destruction of the First Temple. Additionally, he recorded the exile of the Jewish people.
YHVH instructed Jeremiah to write down the words. Likewise, Jeremiah spoke about Israel and Judah in order to warn the House of Judah about tragedies if they did not repent. Jeremiah, imprisoned at the time, dictated three chapters to his student, Baruch ben Neriah. Therefore, he wrote down the impending tragedies in past tense, as though they had already occurred. Per Jeremiah’s instruction, Baruch read the scroll to the Jewish people gathered at the Temple.
Also, Rashi relates the scroll was read before King Jehoiakim. History records the fact that after hearing just a few verses King Jehoiakim threw the scroll into the fireplace.
As Jeremiah prophesied, on the 9th of Av, the Temples were destroyed. The Jews were led into captivity. Therefore, as a result of this tragedy, the book of Lamentations is traditionally read on the eve of the 9th of Av.
FINALLY TU B’AV
This day, Tu B’Av, signifies rebirth after destruction. It is a day for new beginnings. On this day, the daughters of Jerusalem borrowed linen garments in order not to embarrass those who did not have beautiful clothing. Afterward, they danced in the vineyards in order to find prospective grooms.
As the “full moon” of the month of Av appears, it is the festival of future Redemption. This festival marks the end of the tragedies that happened the first part of this month. Until this day, all prayed together, studied YHVH’s instructions and meditated upon them. It also became a time to gave to charity with hopes of mitigating all the sadness. This was done in hope of hastening the Redemption.
Today, on the 15th of Av, we are no longer sad. Forty-five days before Rosh Hashanah, this is also the first day we begin to wish each other to be signed and sealed for a good year.
HOPE OF REDEMPTION AND WORLD PEACE
Followers of Yeshua could relate this to the waiting and hoping of His return. For example, those who follow Yeshua are now thought to be The Bride of Yeshua (whether Jew or Gentile). All that matters is belief on Yeshua. The white linen clothes symbolize our cleansing in His blood. To sum it up, we have been made pure like Him only because of Him. Wearing these garments of white linen symbolizes our desire to be ready for His return. Like many other feast days, this too is a dress rehearsal of things to come.
Two of the most fundamental tenets of the Jewish faith are listed by Maimonides among the Thirteen Principles of the Jewish Faith. First is the belief in the ultimate redemption, an awaited era of world peace, prosperity and wisdom. Second is the belief that the dead will be resurrected at that time.
It is thought that the Messianic Era will be ushered in by a Jewish leader. He is generally referred to as the Moshiach (Messiah: Hebrew for “the anointed one”.) This leader will be a righteous scion of King David. Therefore, the Jews will believe in Yeshua for the first time in history. Meanwhile, those of us who have already been following Yeshua will see this as His second coming. Our lives are centered around this future event. The Jewish culture will participate with Him in the rebuilding of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. After that, He will gather His people (both Jew and Gentile) from all corners of the earth. He will return them to the Promised Land.
DO NOT BE DECEIVED
However, we must be very careful to worship and follow the TRUE Messiah and no other. There will be counterfeits. Certainly, now is the time to be drawing closer to learn everything we can about our Groom.
This is the time to KNOW Him with all of our hearts. That is to say, if we know him now we will not be easily deceived when the false leaders rise to power.
JEWISH BELIEVERS
This should give comfort to those who do not realize that the Jews too will come to know and believe in Messiah. It is going to happen. Therefore, this is actually a central event which all Jews are looking forward to.
Many Christians do not yet realize this. You have to understand the calendar and the flow of time from the rhythms of creation to grasp how it all is going to come about. Once you get a glimpse of the vision; you can’t deny it.
Jewish writings note at that time, “delicacies will be commonplace like dirt.” All the nations will “beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” Yeshua’s followers refer the confirmation found in Micah 4:3.
Consequently, when that day finally arrives, humankind will be preoccupied with only one pursuit: the study of Godly wisdom. “The earth shall be filled with knowledge of God as water covers the seabed” Isaiah 11:9 confirms this.
ONE NEW MAN
The Torah teaches there is purpose to our world. The Messianic Era is the actualization of that idea.
From the dawn of time, God envisioned for Himself a “dwelling place” right here on the Earth. He put us here to fashion this home. To transform darkness into light.
Soon, a day will come when God’s glory is revealed. ALL, Jews and Gentiles together, will enjoy the fruits our millennia-long work, the end-product of our labor of love.
The curtain will be ripped aside. All flesh will perceive God. It will be the culmination of His master plan.
The belief in Moshiach has sustained believers throughout a 2,000 year exile. It has been fraught with pogroms, expulsions and persecution. Our ancestors’ (both Jew and Gentile) held a firm belief in a better time to come. They had faith and trusted they would be resurrected to witness such a day. We must do the same.
THE THRESHOLD OF REDEMPTION
This observance of the 15 of Av reminds us that today we stand at the threshold of redemption. One more good deed by one more person may be all that’s needed to seal the deal. The last soul to be saved will happen. Then the Groom we’ve all be waiting for will appear.
The Talmud considers this day of Tu B’Av to be the greatest festival of the year, followed by Yom Kippur, as its essence represents so many details of the future redemption. July 29th is the day of this celebration of Tu B’Av in the year of 2026 of the secular calendar.
SUMMARY
The Hebraic month of Av begins with struggles and hard circumstances. History often repeats in other unexpected events. We move on through the three weeks and sail between the straits holding the hand of Yeshua. He teaches us, like He did for Peter, to have the faith to walk on water. We can do the impossible when God is with us.
On the 15th of Av we celebrate the victory of moving into our true place of inheritance. We have been tested and tried in the straits. Now God will reveal more of our true destiny and purpose. God begins His annual reversals. What men have devised as evil, He will turn to good. If we obey Torah and continue to follow Yeshua, our purpose on this earth will be served. The hope of better things will hold firm for our future. God is good – all the time.
VERSE
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
PRAYER
Father, when will our redemption come? When will we actually be able to see Your face? How long until we are invited to The Marriage Supper of the Lamb? When will we be wed to Yeshua for all of eternity? How long? The waiting is the hardest part. We ask for strength to be patient as we endure all that You have planned in order to bring us to this amazing day. We know the 9th of Av is always a hard time for this earth. Please protect and deliver us from evil. Bring us safely through the straits and let us see Your Glory on the other side. Your will be done on earth as in Heaven. Amen
SONG
Carolyn Hyde – FINE LINEN https://youtu.be/wu1nSwczno4?si=ZKskGPK5DzAjrUIK
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