Rosh Chodesh (first of the month, new moon) represents the realm of hard judgement. This month, Av, on the ninth of which we fast to remember the destruction of the both holy Temples as well as a myriad of other tragedies that have struck the Jewish people throughout history, is the hardest of the months. So today, Rosh Chodesh Av, is the hardest of the hard, and as Israel battles for its very survival against the terror regime in Gaza, and while it’s under diplomatic attack by its major “ally”, we indeed experience today the hardness within the hardness.

Two weeks from now, at the full moon of Av, is Tu (ט״ו–the Hebrew numerals for 15) B’Av, described as the most joyous day of the year. The full moon represents fullness, chesed, loving kindness. Following our deepest struggles, it is more than mere relief, but the joy of victory, the joy of rebuilding, the joy of hope and future.
May it be so this year.