“We all hold different cards in life… part of the idea of Av is to see our cards and say: all right, how can I love this? How can I love where I came from, and how can I use this to improve my life?”— Idan Lumi

Av is a complex month. It’s a period during which we consider our own responsibility, in our lives and our history, but it also reminds us of the softer aspects of being human. Av begins in a time of heat, mourning, and destruction… then guides us through a period of grief to one of potential, renewal — and love.

Love plays a significant role in the month of Av. This is the month in which we celebrate Tu B'Av, known as the “Jewish Valentine’s Day.” This holiday has in the past been celebrated as a day of matchmaking, but now takes on the role of a celebration of love, playfulness, and connection (both with ourselves and others). It’s been described as one of the happiest days of the year, along with Yom Kippur.

This episode of Sacred Time revisits our exploration of Av and of the concept and practice of love — the shapes that it can take, the process of becoming more loving, and the links between love, accountability, and grief. Ganga Devi, Bluth, and guest Idan Lumi explore love of self, love of others, and love of the divine as they delve into the significance of this sacred month.

We wish you a love-filled and joyful Av!

“This month holds inside of it the whole process of taking responsibility and paying your dues, and then moving along and enjoying the flowering.”— Idan Lumi

This‌ ‌episode discusses:‌ ‌

• What it means to take responsibility during the month of Av — and how that process may look in our lives
• The history of the holiday of Tu B'Av, known as the “Jewish Valentine’s Day”
• Rich and enriching definitions of what “love” truly means, and why it requires vulnerability and wilful action

‌Highlights:‌ ‌

00:52 Introduction & Idan Lumi

01:57 Month of Av

03:09 Tu B'Av

04:51 Av & taking responsibility

08:26 “Response + ability”

09:53 Love is a struggle

10:49 Defining love

19:25 Energy & frequency

26:30 Accountability

28:58 Ganga’s New Years story

32:52 Integrating experiences & becoming more loving

36:29 Finding the “meaning”

41:21 Unlearning linearity

43:37 Grief & suffering

46:41 Tu B'Av & love

50:28 Practical parenting wisdom

56:16 Small daily practices

1:02:43 Gratitude & happy Tu B'Av

Links:‌ ‌

HeartSourcing: Finding Our Way to Love and Liberation by Ramgiri Braun, Ph.D.

https://skillsforawakening.com/book/

What's Love Got to Do With It? Guided Learning for Tu B'Av

https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/185368?lang=bi

To get in contact or learn more about Living Jewishly:

Visit‌ ‌our ‌website: https://livingjewishly.org

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Shalom!