Live from Jerusalem... it's Tuesday night

The live broadcast, which encourages audience interaction, is part of a unique approach to Israel advocacy.

By ITAMAR GUR
tnl 88 224 (photo credit: )
tnl 88 224
(photo credit: )
To know the true voice of Israel, one must listen to the people of Israel," says Jeremy Gimpel, co-creator and co-host of Tuesday Night Live in Jerusalem (TNL), a new Israel-based Jewish television show, scheduled to air tomorrow night at 8 p.m. Though currently the show will only be available to viewers on IsraelNationalTV.com and TheLandofIsrael.com, negotiations are under way with major satellite and cable companies in the US with the goal of international syndication. "It's time to set the record straight," says Ari Abramowitz, Gimpel's co-host. "Life in Israel isn't defined by terror and corruption. We want the world to hear the positive voice of a country that has triumphed against all odds." Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, chief rabbi of Efrat, is scheduled to be TNL's first guest on January 1. "A leader who can transplant his congregation from comforts of Manhattan to the barren hills of Judea exemplifies the Jewish spirit that we want to convey," explains Gimpel. Other featured speakers and musical guests are already lined up for future shows every other Tuesday night. The live broadcast, which encourages audience interaction, is part of Gimpel and Abramowitz's unique approach to Israel advocacy. By lining up live music, dynamic Jewish leaders, and an audience of hundreds, they are attempting to create a new genre of entertainment in Israel. "Some people go to formal Torah classes in synagogue, some attend rock concerts in smoky bars or sing at karaoke parties, but for many, those options are just not that appealing," says Abramowitz. "We want to provide a new alternative for the Jewish community in Israel that will be inspiring and fun... We have people coming with long beards, long hair, earlocks, and eyebrow rings. In a society so fractured by politics, religion, and culture - we hope this show will bring some much needed Jewish unity." When asked about the show's ultimate purpose, Abramowitz says simply, "Inspire the world, ingather the exiles, and empower the nation. Isn't that what the Jewish people are supposed to be doing?" 'TNL' will film its first show tomorrow night at Hechal Shlomo, 58 King George St. Doors open to the public at 7 pm. The show begins at 8 pm.