Today is Tu B'Av (15th of Av) the Biblical and Holy equivalent to the "world's valentine's day". The pressure of the three weeks is winding down.
On this day the barriers to Jerusalem were lifted between the House of Yehudah and the House of Yisrael. Unfortunately, the Ten Tribes did not appreciate the worth of Jerusalem and Temple Service anymore, they chose to remain in idolatry which subsequently led to their exile by the Assyrians. Today, many of the Tribes are still steeped in idolatry, but a global awakening has been taking place over the last few decades.
Let us make a worthy Return to Zion! May we soon see the full unification of the two houses, and may we soon stand together under the joyful service of the ONE G-d in rebuilt Jerusalem.
This Sunday we are also entering the 7 weeks of Consolation:
"נַחֲמוּ נַחֲמוּ, עַמִּי יֹאמַר, ה'. דַּבְּרוּ עַל-לֵב יְרוּשָׁלִַם, וְקִרְאוּ אֵלֶיהָ--כִּי מָלְאָה צְבָאָהּ..."
Comfort, comfort my people says your G-d. Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, tell her that her days of service (paying back her debt) are over....
-Isaiah 40:1-2
Wishing you a LOVEly chag and a comforting and peaceful Shabbat!