Ab(av)
“Father”
Summary
The fifth month of the Hebrew ecclesiastical calendar (eleventh of the civil year), corresponding to July-August, known for commemorating the destruction of both Temples on the ninth day.
☩Calendar Position
Ab (also spelled Av) is the fifth month of the Jewish ecclesiastical year and the eleventh month of the civil year. It corresponds approximately to July-August in the Gregorian calendar and consists of thirty days. The name, meaning "father" in Hebrew, does not appear in Scripture but is used extensively in the Talmud and other Jewish writings.
☩Significant Events
Several momentous events in Jewish history occurred during this month. On the first day, Aaron the high priest died on Mount Hor, as recorded in Numbers 33:38. The ninth of Ab (Tisha B'Av) became the most solemn fast day in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the destruction of Solomon's Temple by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC and the Second Temple by Titus in AD 70. The fast of the fifth month mentioned by Zechariah refers to this commemoration of national tragedy.
☩Tu B'Av
In contrast to the mourning of Tisha B'Av, the fifteenth of Ab (Tu B'Av) was observed as a minor festival and is considered one of the happiest days in the Jewish calendar. This day marked the end of the mourning period and was traditionally associated with joyful celebrations.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ab," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Ab," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).