Summer Lovin’ By Julie Zorn
On the 15th day of Av, there is a lesser-known minor Jewish holiday called Tu B’Av. In Biblical times, the holiday was known as a “matchmaking” holiday intended for unmarried women to find their suitors.
In modern times, the holiday has seen a resurgence, and in Israel, there are often festivals and dances to celebrate this Jewish day of love.
As Jews, acts of love and kindness (gemilut chasadim) are simply part of our make up and one of our precious commandments. For us, love is a year-long commitment and venture, but it is nice to have a holiday to remind us to pay special attention to how we love and care for others.
In 2017, Psychology Today magazine posted “7 Ways to Express Your Love” explaining that “research has shown that giving and getting love is connected to happiness.”
In the spirit of Tu B’Av and in order to keep us all in check with the mitzvah of love and kindness, here are the 7 ways that Psychology Today suggests as an expression of this most vulnerable and fulfilling human emotion.
1. Offer the gift of listening.
2. Say please and thank you.
3. Tell your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them.
4. Offer to help someone in need.
5. Write a letter or send a card to someone you love and mail it.
6. Write your loved ones a poem of gratitude.
7. Practice the art of forgiveness.
As adults, we can all adhere and take value in these practices, but for children, it is important that we actually point out these actions, give praise when it is due and encourage these simple behaviors.
Though Tu B’Av is now behind us (it fell at the end of July this year), we can use the holiday as a reminder to spread love! There are many fun activities for children to try at home with their families. Here are a few suggestions to help your children find ways to express their love to their families and loved ones.
Suggested Activities to Celebrate Tu B’Av with Children
-Make cards for loved ones
-Bake cookies and deliver them to friends and family
-Encourage hugs and high fives
-Make friendship bracelets for your favorite people
-Plan a day to spend together
-Cook a meal and share it together
-Help with chores to lighten the load for your loved one
-Reward with praise or prizes for expressions of kindness
