Hebrew Month of Av

The month of Av, whose name means “father,” is the fifth of the twelve months of the Jewish calendar and spans thirty days between July and August. It is associated with the tribe of Simeon, reminding us of the importance of listening carefully to the voice of God. In Israel’s history, Av is considered the lowest point of the calendar, as the 9th of Av marks the day the people chose to believe the negative report of the spies, refusing to enter the Promised Land. This same day, centuries later, witnessed the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, making this a month that calls us to spiritual vigilance, genuine repentance, and the strengthening of our faith.

Spiritually, Av is a month of transition: the Hebrew letter Tet, which represents a womb, symbolizes that the earth contracts and that what has been hidden begins to move, like a pregnancy that will soon bear fruit. It is a time when we can either be transformed or fall apart, depending on our obedience and the alignments we choose. The green color/emerald stone and the constellation of Leo (the lion) reflect the divine will of the Father in action. This month invites us to sharpen our discernment, guard what we hear, and allow God to destroy what is not from Him so that He can rebuild us to fully enter into His promises.