Av ~ Milkweed

When the Babylonians destroyed the temple in Jerusalem, many Jews were forced into diaspora. When the temple was destroyed the second time by the Romans, again Jews were forced to move. Though these events were tragic on most accounts, they also led to the story of Jews moving throughout the earth. Diaspora is a sacred story of travel and sharing, of adaptation and innovation. During the month of Av we celebrate Tisha B’Av, a holiday commemorating the destruction of the temple, a holiday many Zionists use to validate the existence of the colonialist state of Israel. In our revisioning of time we want to orient this holiday towards representing grieving for all who have been displaced: by fascist governments, by abusive relationships, because of economic violence and settler colonialism.

Milkweed is a tree and a plant that spreads easily, hosting pollinators who bring love and bounty. Tu B’Av is the love holiday of this month. One where summer fertility is uplifted and celebrated. Milkweed is pollinated by monarch butterflies who’s lives have been threatened because of destruction of their habitats, including milkweed. This insect travels long distances to create new life, migrating north and south. As we celebrate our holiday of love and fertility, Tu B’Av, may we celebrate milkweed and monarchs in their gorgeous affair of diaspora and transformation and as beings who know no borders. True love is where all are free to move and travel knowing they will be received with open arms.