Chag Sameach! Sukkot is known as “Zman Simchatenu” – the time of our joy. But after the year we’ve had – and with the yahrtzeit of those who lost their lives on October 7 coming up this week - joy is not so easy to come by nowadays. Still, we’re going to try to lift your spirits just a bit this holiday by playing Israeli songs that can INSTANTLY put a smile on your face. Some songs can magically transform your day, after just a few notes. Thanks to our wonderful Israeli Music Community on Facebook, we've curated a playlist of Israeli songs that are sure to help you smile through the pain - and just maybe, that's exactly what we need as we approach Simchat Torah 5784. (Original Air Date: October 20, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1206 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

Whether or not you're a practicing Jew, we can all get behind the idea of praying for a good new year. That's why this year's Yom Kippur observance was probably the most meaningful, the most inspirational, the most powerful in most of our lifetimes. With concern for our troops in the north and south, Israel under constant missile fire, prayers for the 101 hostages held in Gaza, and increased antisemitism around the world, we certainly had a lot to pray for this year. So when Galgalatz radio asked its social media followers to share which songs were on their minds this past Yom Kippur, the 2,000+ responses they received really gave a good sense of the mental state of Israeli society right now. Today on Israel Hour Radio, we play some of the songs mentioned that were most impactful. (Original Air Date: October 13, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1205 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

Each year around this time, we look back at the most popular Israeli music of the past Jewish year. This, however, was no ordinary year. With war, hostages, loss, and fear dominating the headlines all year long, the music of 5784 had to rise to the occasion - providing comfort, strength, and inspiration. Well, sort of. While many of the year's most popular songs did just that, others offered a short respite...a diversion from the tragedies that unfolded around us. So as we look back at the top songs of 5784 on the eve of the October 7 anniversary, you'll hear a mix of the meaningful and the mundane - because that's exactly what Israelis needed to hear, all year long. (Original Air Date: October 6, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1204 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

Recorded on the day after Israel's elimination of Hassan Nasrallah, this podcast brings with it a wide range of emotions. We're elated over Israel's military success, but still feeling the pain of coming to Rosh Hashana with our hostages still not home. To make things worse, the anniversary of October 7th is only a few days away, and those painful memories are still very fresh in our minds. Yes, it's been a rough year for Israel, and for Jews around the world. But as we approach Rosh Hashana, we have the opportunity to look forward to a fresh start. So this week on Israel Hour Radio, the music you'll hear celebrates Israel's military might, prays for a good year ahead, longs for the return of our hostages, and closes the book on a year many of us would like to forget. Praying for a PEACEFUL 5785. Shana Tova! (Original Air Date: September 29, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1203 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

After WAY too many weeks away, Israel Hour Radio is proud to return to the airwaves - broadcasting from Israel! While we were gone, Israel's best and brightest musical stars released some amazing new tunes. As always, we consider it our solemn duty to make sure you're caught up on the latest in Israeli music! Join us this week for a countdown of the most-played songs on Israeli radio, and walk away with a snapshot of what Israeli culture looks like RIGHT NOW. Yes, Israel is going through some tense times. But here at Israel Hour Radio, we celebrate Israeli culture in good times and bad...and as always, there's a lot to celebrate! (Original Air Date: September 22, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1202 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

Welcome to Israel Hour Radio's annual AUGUST CHAGIGOT! Each week during the month of August, we'll devote our show to a particular topic in Israeli music. And today? We celebrate the Israeli weekend (regardless of how you celebrate it) with our Chagigat Shirei Shabbat...an hour of Israeli songs about Shabbat! While some spend their Saturdays immersed in prayer and study, others spend it at the beach, in the park, or in the club. For many, it's a combination of all of the above...with a festive Friday night dinner and quality family time at home. No matter how you spend your day, however, Shabbat in Israel is a very special time, with a feeling unlike anywhere else in the world. Shabbat Shalom! (Original Air Date: August 4, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1199 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

The Summer Olympics are taking place this week in Paris, France, with the spirit of brotherhood, unity, multiculturalism, and competitiveness on full display around the world. These are values shared by every Israeli, and we wish more than anything that our biggest conflicts with other nations were settled on the playing field rather than the battlefield. Israelis love to sing about their own country, but they also love to sing about other countries they admire around the world. So this week on Israel Hour Radio, in the spirit of multiculturalism - and in hopes for world peace - we bring you Israeli songs about countries around the world. Fasten your seatbelt, because we're taking you on a whirlwind journey to France, England, Iceland, Brazil, the UAE, Greece, and many more exciting destinations! You don't even need your passport! (Original Air Date: July 28, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1198 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

This week on Israel Hour Radio, it’s the return of MY ISRAELI PLAYLIST...where our listeners share their favorite Israeli songs of all time! This time, please welcome Debbie Corwin of Mahwah, NJ! Debbie first visited Israel was with her family on a two week vacation when she was 10 years old. She then spent 7 1/2 weeks in Israel with a ZOA program, 'Summer in Moshav', when she graduated high school. She's been back to Israel 11 times since then, most recently this past March. Since 2011, she and her husband, Jan, have been involved with Zahal Shalom, a non-profit organization that brings 10 wounded Israeli veterans to live with host families in Northern New Jersey. They now serve on the Executive Board. The 2024 Zahal Shalom delegation just returned to Israel, and Debbie and Jan were honored to have hosted their 8th veteran. Debbie graduated University of Delaware as a music major and had an eleven year career in the music industry in New York. She worked for Tony-award winning playwright Rupert Holmes, serving as the production coordinator, script editor, musical supervisor and orchestrations assistant for three Broadway shows written by Rupert. The highlight of her music career was working with Barbra Streisand in 1990. She then went on to have a successful 20-year career in senior living, before working as the Director of Israel Engagement at the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. While working there, she met and began working with Israeli musician, Gilad Segev. Debbie is thrilled to share her favorite Israeli music this week on Israel Hour Radio! (Original Air Date: July 21, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1197 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

Summer 2024 is here...and amidst the backdrop of war, hostages, and global antisemitism, Israelis are still prepared to celebrate the season in the only way they know how: By celebrating LIFE with MUSIC. The sounds of summer 2024 in Israel are surprisingly similar to those of any other year - with upbeat tunes to accompany you to the beach, the pool, or anywhere you go to enjoy the season! This week, you'll hear from Netta Barzilai, Noa Kirel, Anna Zak, Sarit Hadad, Narkis, and many more. Plus - Josh is back in New Jersey for a few weeks, and that means he's broadcasting from his 'happy place'...the studios of 88.7 WRSU! Doesn't the show sound better from there? (Original Air Date: July 14, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1196 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

OK, reality check. 2009 was FIFTEEN years ago. Yup, you heard that right. While it may seem like only yesterday to many of us, 2009 marked a significant year in history and music, leaving a lasting impact on our lives (and our Spotify playlists!). It was also the year Michael Jackson passed away, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was indicted for corruption, and Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States. What were the most popular Israeli songs of 2009? Let’s take a trip in the Israeli Music Time Machine - and a walk down memory lane — to find out! What are your memories and milestones of 2009? (Original Air Date: July 7, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1195 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

In this special episode, we pay tribute to Naomi Shemer, one of Israel's most beloved songwriters and composers, on the 20th anniversary of her passing. Often hailed as the 'First Lady of Israeli Song,' Naomi Shemer's music has left an indelible mark on Israeli culture. Join us as we celebrate her life and legacy through her timeless songs that continue to resonate with listeners of all ages. We'll delve into her most iconic compositions, including 'Yerushalayim Shel Zahav' (Jerusalem of Gold), 'Lu Yehi' (Let It Be), 'Al Kol Eleh' (Over All These), and so many more. We'll share stories behind the music, and reflect on the profound impact she had on the Israeli music scene. Tune in to honor and remember Naomi Shemer, whose melodies and lyrics remain a cherished part of Israel's cultural heritage. (Original Air Date: June 30, 2024) Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1194 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/