Ever hear of Tu B’Av? Didn’t think so.
Don’t feel bad, most American Jews haven’t.
Traditionally, Jews are supposed to contemplate the marvelous and mysterious ways of love during this minor Jewish holiday, which this year will be observed in August. In ancient times, Tu B’Av (the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Av) commemorated the start of the grape harvest season and encouraged the young unmarried maidens of Jerusalem to dress in white and dance in the vineyards.
The objective: to woo a potential suitor.
But let’s face it, that type of mindset just isn’t going to fly in 21st-century America. Love and finding the right match is arguably a far more complicated endeavor today, with the proliferation of dating apps, services and online sites serving as hard evidence. Not to mention a pandemic that just won’t go away and the fact that most people consider frolicking in a vineyard to meet your beshert a rather antiquated notion.
Since February is the month when folks tend to think about relationships, romance and the power of love (to borrow from that great sage, Huey Lewis), Jmore offers its annual “Love Issue,” profiling four couples who somehow make it all work and embody the Jewish proverb, “Only love gives us the taste of eternity.”
‘Trust Your Gut’
Pikesville residents Talia and Aaron Jordan met in college and have been married for four-and-a half years. Jmore talked with the pair about their love story.
Young At Heart
Who says it’s ever too late to find love? Just ask Rosalie Raim, 91, and Maurice “Maysh” Fried, 94, who started dating three years ago.
The Chai Life
Aviva and Rabbi Moshe Schwartz recently celebrated their 18th (chai) wedding anniversary. Jmore talked with the pair about how they met, the secrets to a successful relationship, and their advice to others seeking love.
‘We’re Each Responsible for Ourselves’
Hamilton Hills residents Jodie and Sam Zisow-McClean got married six years ago. Jmore talked with the pair about their love story.
Mansoor Shams is known for carrying around a sign proclaiming, “I’m a Muslim and a U.S. Marine. Ask anything.” Now the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks community engagement and outreach officer is running for Baltimore County Executive.
Baltimore native Susan Landsman recently celebrated her rite of passage surrounded by family, friends, fellow residents and staff.
Founded by Marci Yankelov, Julie Kichline, Elizabeth Miller and Lila Perilloux, the Bmore Community Fridge Network serves a crucial role in feeding the hungry.
The German-born rabbi, scholar and activist, who served Temple Emanuel from 1963 to 2000 , was a prominent figure in the local Jewish community for more than six decades.