Dr. Hanna Katan Urges Singles to Resist Pressure Ahead of Tu B'Av
In a special video column for Channel 7, Dr. Hanna Katan addresses singles ahead of Tu B'Av, the Jewish holiday associated with love. She encourages them not to succumb to societal pressures regarding relationships and marriage, emphasizing that "the heart does not operate according to a calendar." Dr. Katan highlights that modern society often imposes expectations and timelines about when a person should be married, but reality is far more complex.
She recalls an ancient custom from the Mishnah where young women of Jerusalem wore borrowed white garments on Tu B'Av to minimize social and economic differences, conveying a revolutionary message that a person's worth is defined by character and virtues rather than status or appearance. Dr. Katan urges singles today to adopt this perspective amid the challenges of social media, constant comparisons, and endless demands.
She stresses that a good relationship does not begin with perfection but with two people willing to truly see each other. Addressing singles directly, she advises them not to let external voices undermine their self-worth, reminding them that a person's value is not determined by a ring but by personality, kindness, faith, and chosen path. She concludes with a prayer that Tu B'Av will bring good news, honest matches, and homes filled with love, trust, joy, and divine presence.
