The Jewish festival of Tu B'Av is often celebrated as a holiday of love and reconciliation. There are therefore deep thematic connections to Jewish veganism. The holiday has historical roots in agricultural cycles in ancient Israel, and Tu B'Av noted the beginning of the grape harvest. In celebration of the holiday, unmarried women dressed in borrowed white garments to dance throughout the vineyards in full moonlight in hope of finding love.
From a modern Jewish vegan perspective, the agricultural and egalitarian origins of Tu B’av reflect fundamental ethical principles. Many jewish vegan scholars will cite important halachic principles such as tza'ar ba'alei chayim (preventing unnecessary cruelty to animals) and bal taschit (do not wast). The decision to shift towards a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle honours Tu B'Av’s harvest roots by celebrating the earth’s natural offerings like fruits, grains, and summer produce without relying on animal exploitation.
Furthermore, the festival of Tu B'Av represents love far more broadly; the principles of ahavat chinam (unconditional love) and compassion (chesed) should relate to love beyond human relationships to encompass all living creatures on Earth. Moreover, on Tuesday B’av women would dance in borrowed clothes ensuring that no one felt lesser due to their economic circumstances; Jewish veganism similarly advocates for universal respect, empathy and inclusivity. When we actively love all of humanity, animals, and the planet, Tu B'Av can represent a meaningful opportunity to celebrate plant-based living as a spiritual expression of compassion.