Tisha B\'Av - the saddest day of the Jewish calendar, on which both Holy Temples were destroyed some 2,000 and 2,500 years ago, respectively - begins this evening at sundown. Jews spend the day fasting, refraining from joyful activities including even the normal study of Torah, and remembering the Temples and other catastrophes by reciting and reviewing liturgical literature.
Israel\'s media, too, will mark this day with special broadcasts. Correspondent Chani Luz notes that on the public channel, Channel 1, special films will be screened this evening on these topics: The destruction of Gamla during the war on Jerusalem 1,930 years ago; sites in Jerusalem that are reminiscent of the destruction; and a Jewish community that was forced to convert to Islam - and came to the Holy Land under the guise of a trip to Mecca. Channel 2 will supplement some of its regular programs with special Tisha B\'Av content.
Radio listeners will also know it\'s Tisha B\'Av. On Channels Two and Three, only quiet Israeli songs will be played, with no commercials. The Moreshet (Tradition) Channel will broadcast special Tisha B\'Av programming throughout its schedule, and its music will be almost exclusively vocal, with no instrumentation. Army Radio will devote five special programs tonight and tomorrow to Tisha B\'Av and the exile.
Israel\'s media, too, will mark this day with special broadcasts. Correspondent Chani Luz notes that on the public channel, Channel 1, special films will be screened this evening on these topics: The destruction of Gamla during the war on Jerusalem 1,930 years ago; sites in Jerusalem that are reminiscent of the destruction; and a Jewish community that was forced to convert to Islam - and came to the Holy Land under the guise of a trip to Mecca. Channel 2 will supplement some of its regular programs with special Tisha B\'Av content.
Radio listeners will also know it\'s Tisha B\'Av. On Channels Two and Three, only quiet Israeli songs will be played, with no commercials. The Moreshet (Tradition) Channel will broadcast special Tisha B\'Av programming throughout its schedule, and its music will be almost exclusively vocal, with no instrumentation. Army Radio will devote five special programs tonight and tomorrow to Tisha B\'Av and the exile.