Rosh Chodesh Av 🌙 : The Spiritual Secret Behind The Saddest Month of the Year

Hello beautiful people, Welcome to the new month of Av. This month has always felt like a bit of a mystery to me. For years, I only knew Av as the “sad month.” But I’ve discovered it to be one of the most profound months, and I’m excited to dive in. Before we do, I want to thank you for being part of this growing community. Every month, more people are choosing to reconnect to the wisdom of our roots and I’m so grateful we’re on this journey together. Remembering the Future Next Thursday is Tisha B’Av, the saddest day of the year. In Judaism, we have sad fast days and happy days, this one is the saddest we mourn the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples in Jerusalem 2000+ years ago. What was the Temple? The Temple wasn’t simply an ancient building. It was the spiritual heart of the Jewish people - where the Divine Presence (Shechinah) was felt, and where people came to reconnect with God, one another, and their highest purpose. Its destruction marked the beginning of exile and a sad homeless new chapter for our people - we were kicked out of our home and our land. Bye Bye Israel. But Judaism never asks us to mourn for the sake of mourning. We remember because remembering keeps a vision alive. For centuries, Jews prayed facing Jerusalem. At every wedding we broke a glass. Every Passover ended with the words, “Next year in Jerusalem.” Three times a day we pray. Long before neuroscience: Judaism understood something genius (as it tends to do) what we continually remember shapes the future we create. An entire nation refused to forget. I believe that this mourning and longing was a collective manifestation that came true - we came home. So Av is not about crying over the past but holding strong for a vision of the future - a future of NOW WAR, spiritual and moral clarity, and a spiritual home, a Temple that will be a “house of prayer for all the nations”. What kind of world are you helping to build? The 9 Days: Mourning to Make Space We started The Nine Days - a mourning period leading up to Tisha B’Av. We refrain from eating meat and drinking wine (except on Shabbat), music, swimming , buying new clothes, weddings etc These customs are not about punishment, The destroyed Temple & The Shechina (Feminine Divine Presence) that never left. The woman in black represents the exiled Am Yisrael, waiting to return home. Print by M Staying With the Pain One of the greatest gifts of the Hebrew calendar is that it gives us permission to experience the full spectrum of being human. There is a time to dance. A time to celebrate. A time to build. And there is also a time to mourn. We live in a culture that teaches us to escape discomfort as quickly as possible. We distract ourselves, numb ourselves, or rush toward the next thing. Judaism offers another path. Healing doesn’t come from avoiding pain. It comes from GOING THROUGH IT. As Rabbi Nachman of Breslov famously taught, “There is nothing more whole than a broken heart.” From Baseless Hatred to Baseless Love This month is about RELATIONSHIPS Our sages teach that the Second Temple was destroyed because of sinat chinam - baseless hatred. Therefore repair begins with ahavat chinam - unconditional love. This month we work on our relationships. Judging people favorably, being kind, seeing others with a “good eye” even when they drive us mad. Not speaking badly about others. FOCUS on relationships this month. From heartbreak to heartful (that’s not a word) Just six days after Tisha B’Av comes Tu B’Av, the Fifteenth of Av. The Mishnah tells us, “There were no greater festivals for Israel than Yom Kippur and the Fifteenth of Av.” It was a celebration of love, unity, reconciliation and new beginnings, when the young women of Jerusalem danced in white garments in the vineyards. This month starts in deep sadness and ends in the greatest joy. More on this later. Join Me for 30 Days of Elul Once a year, we are given 30 days to review the story we’re living, and begin writing a new one before our destiny is sealed on Rosh Hashana. Starting August 12, we’ll embark on a 30-day journey to make the most of the most spiritually powerful time of the year. Imagine walking into Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur actually feeling prepared. What you will receive: • 4 live teachings and Q&A • Weekly reflections inspired by Jewish wisdom • Guided journal prompts and practical exercises • 2 Meditations and embodied practices • A private community walking through Elul together • Gentle accountability to help you stay present Blessing you for an amazing month. Chodesh Tov. With love, Yarin As we head to the new year, next month I will be launching THE CALENDAR. It is a mash up of a life planner, a journal and spiritual companion and after years of prototypes I think we are almost there! BH Limited First Edition - World Wide Shipping