Many Jews in Israel are starting an annual fast at sundown, Wednesday, to mourn the destruction of their biblical temples in Jerusalem.
    
Tisha B'Av (the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av) commemorates the destruction of the two temples with a fast.

Thousands of Israelis will gather at the Western Wall -- the last remnant of the ancient temple compound -- and they will read the Old Testament book of Lamentations.

During the fast, no food or drink is consumed from one evening to the next. Participants also refrain from bathing or wearing make-up or leather shoes, as these are considered luxuries.

It is a 25-hour fast that reflects on the destruction of Solomon's Temple by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. and the Romans' destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D.

The fast was first implemented so people could repent of their corrupt ways, which were believed to cause the difficulties in the nation.