Tu B’Av; From Preschool Friends to Pitch-A-Friend
In July, we celebrate Tu B’Av, the 15th day in the month of Av. This joyful Jewish holiday centers around connection, community, and a little bit of romance. Often compared to the modern-day Valentine’s Day holiday, Tu B’Av has ancient roots as a matchmaking festival, where unmarried women would gather wearing white to symbolize social equality and dance in the local Jerusalem vineyards in hopes of finding a partner. The holiday has seen many iterations through generations.
Though today, the holiday looks a little different, the spirit remains the same: creating meaningful connections and celebrating relationships in all forms. Recently, the holiday has seen a revival in Israel among secular communities with concerts, festivals, and celebrations. The holiday has become a modern celebration of connection and togetherness while still honoring the traditions that made it meaningful generations ago.
At the JCC Denver, we bring that same spirit to life through programs and events that encourage people to gather and build community in authentic ways. This month, that includes Pitch-A-Jewish-Friend, a collaborative event with Pitch-A-Friend Denver and Trybal Gatherings that offers our young adults a fun, low-pressure opportunity for Jewish singles and friends to connect in person. Through humor, storytelling, games, and conversation, the event creates space for real-life connection and community-building in a way that feels approachable and genuine.
In many ways, the event mirrors the spirit of the ancient Tu B’Av celebrations. While the vineyards of Jerusalem may have been replaced with community gathering spaces and playful slide presentations, the heart of the holiday remains rooted in bringing people together. Whether you’re coming to meet a romantic partner, cheer on a friend, make new connections, or simply soak in the joy of community, this event celebrates the same spirit of belonging and connection that Tu B’Av has represented for generations. We’re especially grateful for our incredible partner, Trybal Gatherings, whose mission of creating meaningful Jewish experiences and connections for young adults beautifully reflects the holiday’s enduring focus on togetherness, joy, and community.
Who Says Tu B’Av Is Just for Grown-Ups?
That sense of belonging at the JCC Denver starts early, too. Through the guidance of Judaic Specialist Stephanie Leen and conversations with our Shinshinim, Early Learning School students are exploring the meaning of Tu B’Av through kindness, connection, and love. During a recent Judaics lesson, the children in the Busy Bee class learned about the holiday from Shinshin Tomer, who shared how Tu B’Av is celebrated in Israel and sparked a thoughtful conversation about what love means to them. Inspired by meeting Tomer’s father, Yaron, the week before, the children decided to create drawings and heartfelt notes for both Tomer’s family in Israel and their own families, a sweet reminder that even our youngest community members understand the power of connection and appreciation.
From first friendships in preschool to finding your people as an adult, Tu B’Av is a reminder that all love is important. And honestly, making friends shouldn’t stop after summer camp. Whether you’re joining us for Pitch A Friend, signing up for an art class, joining a fitness program, or just showing up to something new, our space is full of opportunities to laugh, connect, and maybe even meet your next brunch buddy. So come say hi, try something creative, and let community happen.
