The Month of Menachem Av
23 June 2026 · 7:42
Av holds both the deepest descent — the Three Weeks and the churban of the Beis HaMikdash on Tisha b'Av — and the seed of the greatest ascent, the comfort of Nachamu and the promise of the final redemption.
The Month of Menachem Av
The month of Av contains the Nine Days and the fast of Tisha b'Av, when both Batei Mikdash were destroyed. Chassidus teaches that the very depth of the churban conceals the highest light: the Beis HaMikdash was destroyed so that a greater, eternal one can be built. This is why the month is called Menachem Av — Av of comfort. The Shabbos after Tisha b'Av is Shabbos Nachamu, 'Be comforted, be comforted My people.' The avodah of the month is to transform mourning into longing, and longing into the active building of a dwelling place for G-d, hastening the geulah.