Today is Tu B’av, the Jewish “Valentine’s Day.”

Tu B’Av, the 15th Day of Av, is both an ancient and modern holiday. Originally a post-biblical day of joy, it served as a matchmaking day for unmarried women in the second Temple period (before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.). Tu B’Av was almost unnoticed in the Jewish calendar for many centuries but it has been rejuvenated in recent decades, especially in the modern state of Israel. In its modern incarnation it is gradually becoming a Hebrew-Jewish Day of Love, slightly resembling Valentine’s Day in English-speaking countries. (MORE)

I don’t know too many people who celebrate this holiday, but I do know that it’s a popular day for summer singles events (not every event can be a Matzo Ball).

For some more reading on the holiday check out:

• Our own article on Love in Judaism.
• Tamar Fox of Faithhacker and an exploration of virginity in connection with Tu B’av.
• OyBay’s primer on the holiday.
• Ynet reports that only 21% of Israelis will celebrate the day.
• And in the spirit of the holiday’s origins, a call for better salaries for matchmakers.

Happy lovin’ to all.