Israel Hour Radio - Israeli Music Podcast

Every so often on our show, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When we set out to share the newest Israeli music of the past few weeks, we quickly found some great new songs...but when you put them all together, you get one fantastic hour of unforgettable music - sure to remain on your personal playlist for the foreseeable future! You'll hear emotional new songs by Banaia Barabi and Eliad...fun songs by Hanan Ben Are and Noa Kirel (recorded at her recent wedding!)...empowering new songs by Eurovision queens Eden Golan and Yuval Rafael...some unforgettable collaborations...and much more! Plain and simple: you don't want to miss this spectacular playlist! Which new song is your favorite? (Original Air Date: December 7, 2025) 'The Emotional Soundtrack of Israel: Two Years in 20 Songs' - get it here! https://joshwave354.gumroad.com/l/emotional-soundtrack-israel Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/2p9ntnpd Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

The end of the Soviet Union. The Gulf War. Kan Noladeti. What do these things have in common? They all came to be in 1991! Let's take another ride in the Israeli Music Time Machine, and let's explore the Israeli music of 1991, shall we? This week on Israel Hour Radio, We take you back to a time when classic artists like Gidi Gov, Ethnix, Etti Ankri, and Yehuda Poliker ruled the airwaves...and the songs? Nothing like 'em. Enjoy a throwback to some old favorites you might remember, or learn some new favorites in this fun musical experience! (Original Air Date: November 30, 2025) 'The Emotional Soundtrack of Israel: Two Years in 20 Songs' - get it here! https://joshwave354.gumroad.com/l/emotional-soundtrack-israel Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/mtb4d47m Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

What are you thankful for? With Thanksgiving approaching in the USA, millions turn their thoughts this week towards gratitude. And although Thanksgiving isn't really celebrated in Israel, there are plenty of Israeli songs that express appreciation and thanks for the blessings in our lives. But this year, with hostages home and a fragile peace in place for now, many of us in Israel are feeling particularly thankful. So before you gather around the T-Day table, get into the holiday spirit by listening to these great Israeli tunes - perfect for the season! (Original Air Date: November 23, 2025) 'The Emotional Soundtrack of Israel: Two Years in 20 Songs' - get it here! https://joshwave354.gumroad.com/l/emotional-soundtrack-israel Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/mry9nbbz Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

What Israeli songs did the hostages ask to hear after their release from two years of captivity? What songs ran through their minds day after day, during their long and painful ordeal? Now that our living hostages are finally home, we've learned a bit more about their experiences: the torture and starvation, yes, but also the songs that gave them strength for more than two years. We shared a few of these songs on a previous show, but thanks to the folks at Kan Gimmel radio, we now have even more information, more firsthand stories, and more significant music. You may never be able to hear these songs in quite the same way again. (Original Air Date: November 9, 2025) 'The Emotional Soundtrack of Israel: Two Years in 20 Songs' - get it here! https://joshwave354.gumroad.com/l/emotional-soundtrack-israel Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/vsrkdvuk Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

Israel is breathing just a little easier nowadays, and our thriving music industry doesn't miss a beat. The songs on the radio don't ignore the harsh realities of the past two years, but they certainly aren't harping on them either. So, you may ask, what are Israelis listening to, now that war is (sort of) taking a back seat? We got you. This week on Israel Hour Radio, Josh shares the most-played songs on Israeli radio stations nationwide over the past week, featuring several artists never before heard on our show. We're proud to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest in Israeli music! (Original Air Date: October 26, 2025) 'The Emotional Soundtrack of Israel: Two Years in 20 Songs' - get it here! https://joshwave354.gumroad.com/l/emotional-soundtrack-israel Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/4evt3e43 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

THEY'RE HOME. Words we've been waiting to write for more than two years. While of course we know we won't be complete until all of the bodies held by Hamas are back home in Israel, we are breathing easier this week than we've been in a LONG time. Now that our living hostages are reunited with their families, we're beginning to learn the unimaginable details of their captivity. But we're also learning about how they managed to hold on to hope, stay strong, and survive - and for many, MUSIC played a large role. This week on Israel Hour Radio, we share the stories - and the songs - of our heroes. With much gratitude, we're so pleased to share this very emotional episode. (Original Air Date: October 19, 2025) 'The Emotional Soundtrack of Israel: Two Years in 20 Songs' - get it here! https://joshwave354.gumroad.com/l/emotional-soundtrack-israel Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/5aywbdpm Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

By the time you hear this podcast, you already know that on October 13, 2025, all living hostages held by Hamas were returned to their families in Israel. But when we recorded this podcast the evening before, we still weren't sure if the deal would hold. Sure, we were optimistic...but couldn't exhale until everyone was safely back home. Under that backdrop, we shared songs of homecoming, hope, optimism, and the promise of a better tomorrow - songs that are even more relevant now that we know THEY'RE FREE. It's hard to believe that our national nightmare is over (though we still pray for the return of 19 murdered hostages), but it is glorious to know that our country can begin to heal from two long, difficult, painful years of war and trauma. (Original Air Date: October 12, 2025) 'The Emotional Soundtrack of Israel: Two Years in 20 Songs' - get it here! https://joshwave354.gumroad.com/l/emotional-soundtrack-israel Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/edyxrrby Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

This week, we observe a excruciating anniversary - two years since the October 7 massacre. Two years of war. Two years of hostages. Two years of heartbreak. BUT - a ray of light is possibly on the horizon, as peace talks were set to begin in Egypt to end the war and free the hostages. While we watch, wait, and hope, we reflect on the emotions of the past two years. From devastation to jubilation...Israelis have experienced it all over the past two years, and it all came alive in some very meaningful Israeli songs. You'll hear some of the most meaningful Israeli music of the past two years, including some brand new songs, recorded specifically for this difficult milestone. Praying for better days ahead. (Original Air Date: October 5, 2025) 'The Emotional Soundtrack of Israel: Two Years in 20 Songs' - get it here! https://joshwave354.gumroad.com/l/emotional-soundtrack-israel Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/5yt4frp4 Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

Shana Tova from Israel Hour Radio! For our first broadcast of 5786, we continue a long-standing tradition of counting down the most popular songs of the previous year. And in a year full of war, hostages, and stress...most of the songs are surprisingly NOT related to any of those things. Instead, they are ordinary, run of the mill, 'vanilla' songs that, perhaps, were meant to take our minds off of the tense situation in and around Israel. What songs were voted best in 5785? What Israeli songs were YOUR favorites over the course of the year? Take a walk down memory lane with us, and explore the past year in Israeli music! (Original Air Date: September 28, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/8t77f49f 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 final episode of Israel Hour Radio for 5785, we tap into Israel's spiritual side which is so prevalent this time of year. So prevalent, in fact, that ALL of the spiritual songs we're playing are BRAND NEW for the 2025 High Holiday season! We'll look into the deep, moving emotions of this time of year, with wishes for a happy, healthy, peaceful, sweet New Year 5786. Shana Tova to all! (Original Air Date: September 21, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/5526px9e 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/

James Taylor sang,'Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you've gotr to do is call, and I'll be there, 'cause you've got a friend.' Well, in Israel, there happen to be a lot of people singing about friendship as well...'cause what are we without our friends? This week on Israel Hour Radio, we'll explore friendship in Israeli music - from childhood playmates to brothers in the IDF. Tell us: What Israeli song is like a best friend to you, always there when you need it? (Original Air Date: September 14, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/3huxmzvt 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/

Two years of war. 50 hostages. Disturbing images. Rampant antisemitism. Low public opinion. We're living in very difficult times for the Jewish State, and sometimes, there's little more we can do than pray. Recorded on Tisha B'av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, this week's show kicks off our annual August Chagigot with a show that just feels right for such a painful day: a show devoted to prayer in Israeli music. Whether or not you believe in God, no doubt you believe in a better tomorrow...and these songs yearn for just that. From songs about prayer to lyrics taken right from the Jewish liturgy, these tunes will undoubtedly uplift and inspire you - because it sure feels like we need a little boost of inspiration these days. (Original Air Date: August 3, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/32xnu9z8 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/

Kama cham ba'chutz! Man, it's hot outside! Yup, for most of our listeners, 'tis the season for hot temps, cold drinks, lots of sunblock, and doing literally anything you can to beat the heat. Anyone who's been to Israel this time of year knows well of the brutal, unrelenting heat throughout the country. So it makes sense that there are a lot of songs about summer, heat, and trips to the beach! Can we help you cool off with Israeli music? We'll certainly try, with an hour of Hebrew songs about kayitz (summer) fun in the sun. Stay cool, friends! (Original Air Date: July 27, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/56jjm7w6 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 dog days of summer are here, and you know what that means...it's time for the GREAT Israeli songs you'll hear all summer at the beach, the pool, the boardwalk, or just sitting in traffic to your next vacation destination during the 'chofesh hagadol' (the big vacation, aka summer break for schoolkids). Looking for some cool new summer songs to help you beat the heat? We've got 'em - and for the most part, they're upbeat and FUN! This week, we catch you up on the latest and greatest NEW songs from Israel, guaranteed to get you smiling or your money back! (Some restrictions apply.) (Original Air Date: July 20, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/46jcb2yv 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/

It's always challenging to prepare the show when it falls out on a Jewish fast day, traditionally sad days on the Jewish calendar. So what do you do when you discover that you're broadcasting on the fast of the 17th of Tammuz? The Israeli Music Community came to the rescue, suggesting a show with songs about crying and tears. Sounds pretty depressing, right? Well, it's not what you think. Sure, some songs are sad, but others are upbeat, thought provoking, or just plain fun. And what a playlist - with Jane Bordeaux, David Broza, Rami Kleinstein, Sarit Hadad, and even a Hebrew cover of a classic song by Sting! So stop what you're doing and tune in to this week's edition of Israel Hour Radio. We promise you won't shed any tears over it. (Original Air Date: July 13, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/5n75fahw 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/

With the recent war in Iran - and the POSSIBILITY of a 'new day' in Iran - still on our minds, we thought it might be fun to take a look back at the year in which the Iranian Revolution took place and Israel-Iran relationship changed forever. That means we're setting the dial on the Israeli Music Time Machine back to 1979, and looking back at the most popular Israeli music of the year. 1979 also happened to be the year Israel signed a historic peace treaty with Egypt, and the year the Sony Walkman was released - changing the music business forever. Join us for a fun walk down memory lane, with lots of songs you can sing along to! What are your memories (if any) of 1979? (Original Air Date: July 6, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/48mdkepd 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 war with Iran is over (for now), and there's lots of hopeful talk in the news these days: an end to the war in Gaza, expansion of the Abraham Accords, and who knows what else? Despite never knowing a day of peace, Israelis have always been hopeful that it was just around the corner. Of course, Israeli music reflects that hope in so many tunes, past and present. This week on Israel Hour Radio, Josh latches on to that hope, bringing you a selection of songs about hope and optimism, old and brand new. Enjoy this hour of positive, uplifting Israeli music, presented with hopes for better days ahead. (Original Air Date: June 29, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/yc3w6pvs Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join our new Facebook Group - 'Only In Israel - Everyday Magic': https://www.facebook.com/groups/israelimagic Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

Amidst the backdrop of war with Iran...amidst the euphoria of America's (hopefully) successful strike on Iran's nuclear program...amidst a week of sirens, safe rooms, and stress...the Israeli music scene continues to thrive. While Israelis found themselves running to shelters at all hours of the day and night, Israeli radio stations did their best to maintain a sense of normalcy, keeping us entertained with the voices of our favorite Israeli artists. What's playing on the radio during this time of war? This week, Israel Hour Radio brings you a countdown of the most-played songs on Israeli radio stations nationwide. No, most are not songs of patriotism and inspiration. Instead, they're (mostly) run-of-the-mill, ordinary songs of love, life, and relationships - with a few powerful songs thrown in for good measure. What's hot in Israel right now? We'll catch you up on the latest and greatest, this week on Israel Hour Radio. (Original Air Date: June 22, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/56uaudjn Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join our new Facebook Group - 'Only In Israel - Everyday Magic': https://www.facebook.com/groups/israelimagic Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

Israel is at war. Israelis are running to shelters multiple times throughout the day and night. Despite a growing string of simply miraculous events, many lives have been lost and many homes and structures have been destroyed. And yes, we are all a little on edge. But no matter what our enemies destroy, they can't destroy our spirit - the greatest weapon Israelis possess! Join us for Josh's firsthand perspective into the past few days of war, and stay tuned as we attempt to put our minds a bit more at ease with songs of strength, victory, and optimism. You'll leave the hour with renewed faith in the State of Israel! (Original Air Date: June 15, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/5522zkwj Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join our new Facebook Group - 'Only In Israel - Everyday Magic': https://www.facebook.com/groups/israelimagic Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

Recorded mere hours after Yuval Raphael brought immense pride to her country, this week's podcast finds us all in great spirits. So while still basking in glow of Israel's SECOND PLACE finish in this year's Eurovision, we figured today is a good day to hop into the Israeli Music Time Machine, whisking us back to the last time Israel won the contest. It also happened to be a fantastic year for Israeli music! Welcome to the Israeli songs of 2018 - filled with incredible tunes by Hanan Ben Ari, Static and Ben El (remember them?), Omer Adam, Stephane Legar, Idan Raichel, and many more! Join us on a walk down memory lane, and sing along with some of your favorite songs from seven years ago! What are your memories of 2018? (Original Air Date: May 18, 2025) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/n6hx6cxf Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership Join our new Facebook Group - 'Only In Israel - Everyday Magic': https://www.facebook.com/groups/israelimagic Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/