Av (month)
| Av | |
|---|---|
Francesco Hayez, The Second Temple in flames, 1867. The 9th of Av, Tisha B'Av, is a fast commemorating what has been called the saddest day in Jewish history, which is when the Holy Temple was set aflame. | |
| Native name | אָב (Hebrew) |
| Calendar | Hebrew calendar |
| Month number | 5 |
| Number of days | 30 |
| Season | Summer (Northern Hemisphere) |
| Gregorian equivalent | July–August |
| Significant days | |
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Av (also Menachem Av, Hebrew: אָב, Modern: ʾAv, Tiberian: ʾĀḇ) is the eleventh month of the civil year and the fifth month of the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar. It is a month of 30 days, and usually occurs in July–August on the Gregorian calendar.
The Babylonian Talmud states that "when we enter [the month of] Av, our joy is diminished". This is because the darkest events in Jewish history occurred during the first week and a half of this month, particularly the Nine Days which culminate in Tisha B'Av, the 9th day of Av. However, the month also contains a holiday called Tu B'Av which was, in ancient times, considered one of the happiest days of the year.