Israel Hour Radio

10/31/2024

So we’ve now been living in Israel for a little over a year. Despite the chaotic times we’re living in, it’s been a wonderful experience. We truly feel like we’re part of something, rather than watching with concern from afar. We’ve made wonderful friends, and pinch ourselves regularly that we have the privilege to live in our homeland – especially after talking about it non-stop for more than 15 years.

But in any new adventure, the adjustment takes time.

Sure, we’re getting used to our new lives in Israel, but let’s face it, this is NOT the United States. There are a lot of changes taking place in our lives, and sometimes, they can be annoying, frustrating, and downright ridiculous.

Like what? Glad you asked. Here’s my list of
TEN ASPECTS OF LIFE IN ISRAEL THAT ARE HARD TO GET USED TO

Before I jump in, a quick disclaimer. I am well aware of how fortunate I am to fulfill a lifelong dream by living in Israel. By no means am I minimizing the admiration and appreciation I have for this country.

But everyone’s allowed to “kvetch” from time to time, no?

OK, here goes:

1. Let’s talk about our new home. Yes, it is MUCH smaller than the one we had in New Jersey, and it’s quite an adjustment…but we knew what we were getting into when we moved here. But for heaven’s sake, why oh why won’t Israelis put air conditioning in the bathroom? Do you know how hot it can get in there? Without getting too personal, some of us do our best thinking / reading / social media scrolling in the bathroom…but we can’t do it effectively if buckets of sweat are emerging from every pore! Can someone explain why they’ve made this work in most homes in the US, but Israelis won’t even consider a/c in the bathroom?

2. On a related note…in every room in my house, I walk in, and turn on the light. In the bathroom, I have to remember to turn on the light BEFORE I go in. The switch is outside. WHY?

3. Supermarkets. Oh, where do I start? Israeli supermarkets seemed delightful before making Aliyah. Now? I long for my New Jersey Shoprite in the worst way. A. The shopping carts here are much more difficult to maneuver, as all four wheels spin in all directions. B. The layout of the store makes no sense. Condiments? In the frozen food section. Pasta sauce? Nowhere near the pasta. C. And if you ask an employee for help, good luck getting answers!

Me: Do you know where you keep the sesame oil?
Employee: No. (walks away)

Seriously?!?

There’s more. D. The supermarkets are generally smaller than what we’re used to in the US. No big deal, right? Wrong. Employees stock shelves all day long, taking up most of the aisle with their pallets of merchandise. You can’t push a cart down the aisle! Can’t they do that after hours? Or with a little more courtesy? Ugh.

4. Coffee. I’m the furthest thing from a coffee connoisseur, but I do enjoy my daily cup o’Joe. And Israel is famous for its delicious coffee - and the quantities in which it’s consumed. In the “Old country”, I was never willing to pay Starbucks prices, so I’d “settle” for convenience store coffee (which I actually enjoy quite a bit). I’d pay about $2.50 for a pretty-decent 20-ounce coffee at Wawa, and I was a happy boy. In Israel, the coffee is a fraction of the size, and double the price. Huh? OK, if you want to jack up the price in an upscale coffee shop, I get it. But why can’t I go into a gas station, pour my own coffee, and pay a reasonable price? And have you seen the coffee cups? They’re tiny! Three sips and done! For a country that loves coffee, Israel should be able to figure this one out.

5. My Hebrew. OK, full disclosure. I live in an Anglo “bubble” and work from home, so I don’t have the chance to speak Hebrew out in the world nearly as much as I should. But when I do get out there and struggle to express myself in Hebrew, why am I forgetting Hebrew words I’ve known my whole life? Last week, I suddenly couldn’t come up with the word “mishpacha” (family). What the heck? The other day, I couldn’t remember the word for “far” (rachok). I’ve known these words since I was five! What’s happening to me?

6. Honking. I’m at a red light, and the drivers behind me START HONKING BEFORE THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN. Are you serious? Where do you want me to go???

7. Money. If I don’t whip out a calculator, I have no idea what I’m actually spending 90% of the time. 30 shekel for cereal? Sounds great. 200 shekel for a toaster? OK, must be fair. 450 shek total at the grocery store? Sure, whatever. Until my credit card bill arrives, it’s all Monopoly money to me.

8. The weather report. I listen to the radio whenever I’m driving in Israel, and at the end of the hourly newscast, they share the weather report. I laugh every time it comes on. In America, it takes at least 3 minutes to report the weather. The high pressure system, the 5 day forecast, the banter, etc. In Israel, it usually sounds something like this:

NEWSCASTER: And now, the weather.

RECORDING: Brought to you by KSP. This month, trade in your existing iPhone at KSP and get 1000 shekel off the new iPhone 16! That’s right, 1000 shekel! Offer expires November 15. Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply.

NEWSCASTER: Today’s weather – about the same as yesterday.

RECORDING (yes, again): Brought to you by KSP. This month, trade in your existing iPhone at KSP and get 1000 shekel off the new iPhone 16! That’s right, 1000 shekel! Offer expires November 15. Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply.

9. Produce. The produce here is incredible – among the best fruits and vegetables in the world. So what’s to complain about? They’re only available IN SEASON. So, the story usually goes something like this.

“Oh my God, these are the best grapes I’ve ever tasted!”
One week later:
No more grapes for six months!

10. Israelis (well, some of them). I’m sure many of you know EXACTLY what I mean.

Make no mistake: life in Israel is amazing, and I can’t recommend Aliyah highly enough. But anyone who’s been to Israel knows full well that there’s a lot to laugh about.

What did I miss? If you live in Israel, or have just come to visit, what are the hardest things to get used to in our beloved homeland?

10/31/2024

So what are you listening to today?

10/30/2024

Well, this is exciting! Yoni Rechter, Gidi Gov, Yehudit Ravitz, and David Broza have announced that they will collaborate on a joint concert, in which they will bring back many of the songs from the classic children's album, "HaKeves HaShisha Assar" (The 16th Lamb).

Based on a book of poetry written by the late Yehonatan Geffen, the album was released in 1978 and included such iconic songs as "Eich Shir Nolad" (How Is a Song Born) and "HaYalda HaChi Yaffa Bagan" (The Prettiest Girl in Kindergarten).

Concert dates have not yet been announced.

Do you remember HaKeves HaShisha Assar? What is your favorite song from the album?

יוני רכטר yoni rechter Gidi Gov - גידי גוב Yehudit Ravitz official יהודית רביץ David Broza

בשורה מרגשת: יהודית רביץ, גידי גוב, יוני רכטר ודויד ברוזה נפגשו לאחרונה לחזרות מוזיקליות לקראת מופע משותף!
זה יהיה המופע הראשון של הרביעייה על במה אחת מאז ימי הכבש ה- 16 והוא יכלול ביצועים משותפים לשירים של חברי ההרכב לצד הקלאסיקות של הכבש.

10/30/2024

Since we've all been feeling patriotic lately, how about celebrating a different side of Israel's beauty?

In his new song "The Girls of Israel", Shahar Saul achieves two very important things:

1. He squeezes a record number of Israeli girls' names into mere seconds: Noa, Dana, Maya, Lea, Naomi, Romi, Danielle, Amit, Agam, Noya, Mika, Noga, Yam, Anna, Tal, Adi, Liel, Liat, Libi, Gili, Roni, Shira, Shir, Shiri (did I miss any?)

2. He puts into words what most of us already know...that "Israeli girls know best how to make the world go 'round."

Like if you agree! 👍

שחר סאול - Shahar Saul

10/28/2024

Ishay Ribo somehow has a way of making a messed up world feel just right.

10/28/2024

Field trip? Roni Dalumi, Miri Mesika, Ran Danker and many others will star in a Hebrew adaptation of the musical "Chicago", beginning February 17. Who's in?
מירי מסיקה - Miri Mesika רוני דלומי Roni Daloomi רן דנקר Ran Danker

״שיקגו״ תעלה ב 15/2 במשכן לאומנויות הבמה בת״א
ומכירת הכרטיסים נפתחה!💃🏻✨

כרטיסים בתגובה הראשונה>>>

10/28/2024

Get tissues ready and watch the latest video from the IDF Musical Group, collaborating with Lee Biran: "The Next Battle."

We read about the causalities of this war on a nearly daily basis, and grieve for the brave heroes who have lost their lives fighting for our freedom.

But the casualty count is actually much higher.

A generation of IDF soldiers have lost limbs, motion, sight, hearing...and quite honestly, dignity while fighting on our behalf, They may no longer be on the battlefield, but for them, the fight has just begun.

Their "Next Battle" will last the rest of their lives, and it will be the most difficult battle they have ever faced.

And we are not afraid / to caress the wounds
Scars on the body / marks on the heart
We have planted pain, and hope will blossom
And we returned to life / life, because we have a reason
We are going to win / also in the next battle

צה"ל - צבא ההגנה לישראל Lee Biran לי בירן Israel Defense Forces

10/27/2024

New around here? I'm Josh Shron, and I've been hosting Israel Hour Radio for nearly 30 years.

I consider it my mission to help English speakers forge a deeper connection to Israel through Israeli music.

Or, as I like to say, "to build a stronger Israel, one song at a time."

How does listening to music help build a stronger Israel?

When you listen to Israeli music, you feel like you're part of Israel. You're more connected to Israel. You're more invested in Israel. You care more about Israel.

More people who care = a STRONGER Israel 💪

But I don't understand Hebrew?!?

Don't worry about it. Sure, you may get more out of it if you understand the lyrics. But most English-speakers who listen aren't fluent in Hebrew, and THEY DON'T CARE. They love the feeling of being in Israel, even if they're thousands of miles away.

Israeli music helps us feel like we're walking through the bustling shuk in Jerusalem, strolling on the boardwalk in Tel Aviv, or staring at the clear, blue water in Eilat. Whether you've never been to Israel, or visited 100 times, you'll love the positive feelings conjured up by the Sabra Sounds of yesterday and today.

(Plus, there are plenty of places online that can help you understand your favorite Israeli songs!)

And now more than ever, Israeli music helps us connect to our homeland during these difficult times. Like no other medium, music helps us connect to the intense pain, and also helps us connect to the immense pride we're all feeling. Our emotions have been all over the place ever since October 7. And when words fail us, the inspirational Israeli music of the past year has helped us put our runaway emotions into words like nothing else can.

I've immersed myself in Israeli music for the past 30 years, and it's brought me closer to Israel than I ever imagined. So close, in fact, that my family and I made Aliyah in August 2023!

How can you get better acquainted with the exciting world of Israeli music? Join the movement!
🟦 Listen to our weekly podcast
🟦 Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook
🟦 Follow us on Instagram or YouTube @ israelhourradio
🟦 Support us by becoming a member of Israel Hour Radio (MyIsraeliMusic-dot-com-slash-membership)
🟦 Join one of our live events at a community near you, or ask me about bringing "A Musical Hug From Israel" to your community!

Any questions? I'm here to help, so ask me anything. I look forward to being part of your Israeli music journey! We're very glad to have you as part of the community! 🇮🇱❤️ 🇮🇱❤️ 🇮🇱❤️

10/27/2024

Today has been designated as an additional day of mourning for the atrocities of October 7, 2023. It's an appropriate day to experience a powerful new musical project from Avraham Tal, in collaboration with ZAKA Search & Rescue. Avraham writes:

“Recently, I have been accompanying Zaka volunteers through a sensitive process they are going through, facing the PTSD that every single one of them has been dealing with since October 7th. I have never encountered such generosity as theirs. The events they have been exposed to, the horrors and smells they have witnessed, the way they jumped into harm’s way without thinking twice is something I will admire forever. Now that I have gotten to know you personally, spend time and talk to you – it has made me appreciate who you are even more. Thank you for who you are and for your mission.

I am moved, especially today on this national mourning day, to release Shema Israel, together with the Zaka volunteers who experienced and continue to experience all this hardship while still looking to the future with hope.

I invite you to support the important Resilience Unit, which is being established in order to support and treat the volunteers who undertake such a sacred mission:
https://did.li/4Fjx5

אברהם טל - Avraham Tal זק"א

10/25/2024

"Guy Ben Harush z"l made sure to choose the song that I would sing for him at his funeral.

"And in our country, a dear friend told me, brave young men sometimes choose the song for their funeral, before they choose the song for their wedding."

😥😥😥

עידן רייכל - Idan Raichel

10/23/2024

Just when you thought this song couldn't get any more inspirational, Hatikva 6 / Hope 6 / התקווה 6 has partnered with חיל החינוך והנוער to bring us a renewed, powerful version of the hit song, "Giborei Al". As we approach Simchat Torah and the yahrtzeit of those slaughtered one year ago, let's remember the heroes who have been fighting for our lives and our freedoms ever since that dark day. We are, indeed, a nation of superheroes.

10/14/2024

I’m still catching my breath from one of the most emotional evenings I’ve experienced in a long time.

Back in May, I had the opportunity to interview Israeli singer Gilad Segev. He had embarked on an important, beautiful endeavor called “Project Heroes”, in which he wrote and recorded songs about the many heroes of October 7. He turned the resulting album into a concert, and was getting ready to bring “Heroes” to the US for a series of shows.

I found Gilad to be intelligent, thoughtful, and full of heart (you can watch the full interview on our YouTube channel), but I was pretty bummed that he was only performing in the US at the time. I REALLY wanted to experience this event.

So as soon as I learned that Gilad was bringing “Heroes” to Tel Aviv on October 14, I knew I had to be there. Heading into Tel Aviv (passing by many painful reminders of October 7 on the way), we knew we were in for an intense experience. What we didn’t know is that many of these heroes’ families were invited to attend the concert as well.

All I can say is WOW.

With a giant video screen behind him, surrounded by three additional musicians, Gilad beautifully and lovingly paid tribute to the amazing heroes of October 7 in song. Gilad told stories of several brave young people who saved many, many lives - before ultimately giving up their own.

Like the story of Yonatan Elazari. On the weekend of October 7, Yonatan went to visit his friends in school in Ofakim, where he studied before being drafted into the army. When the attack began, Yonatan, who was unarmed, decided not to stay in the shelter and went outside to fight the terrorists - with nothing but stones in his hands. During battles until his fall, Yonatan managed to fiercely fight the enemies and beat them, as well as to help evacuate the wounded who were hit by gunfire and thus save their lives. Gilad compares Yonatan to King David, who bravely defeated Goliath with nothing but a stone.

Or the story of Liron Barda, who attended the Nova festival. Despite having the option to escape for her own safety, Liron chose to stay, providing heroic medical treatment to the wounded and caring for them until her very last moment.

Gilad also celebrated paramedic Amit Mann. Instead of hiding when the attack began, Amit ran to the clinic in Kibbutz Beeri to treat the wounded and bravely did so under heavy fire for many hours – before losing her life when terrorists stormed the clinic. Amit dreamed of singing on the world’s biggest stages, and so Gilad made her dream come true – sharing a video of Amit covering Adele’s “Hello” while singing along.

I truly felt honored to be there, and we shed a lot of tears over the course of this very emotional evening. But the most powerful experience of our night came AFTER the show.

As we left the theater, we noticed large posters in the lobby telling the stories of so many additional heroes of October 7. As we stopped to read the story of one such young woman, we saw some stickers on the floor next to the poster. “Didn’t Tobey (our 11 year old son) just bring home that same sticker from school?” Mairov asked. At that point, a woman came over and said to us, “that’s our daughter”.

Our hearts sank.

We spoke to Sharon and Michael Nimri, parents of Captain Eden Nimri z”l, for the next several minutes. It turned out they live very close to us in Modiin. Sharon told us Eden’s heroic story. Eden and the members of her unit were all still in pajamas when Hamas terrorists attacked their army base on the morning of October 7. Eden sprang into action and fought them off for 90 minutes, saving 12 female soldiers’ lives before ultimately sacrificing her own.

Sharon also told us how Eden was a star swimmer who competed internationally. She could have devoted her life to competitive swimming, but decided instead to enlist in a piloting course. She was a member of the elite Skyrider unit of the IDF.

To say that we were moved by Eden’s bravery and heroism is an understatement. It was an honor to meet Sharon and Michael, and we promised we would stay in touch. You MUST read Eden’s incredible story... Link in comments.

Tonight was an experience that will stay with me for a very long time. A TREMENDOUS thank you to Gilad Segev for inviting us, for bringing these unbelievable stories to life, and for enabling us to be in the presence of true Israeli heroes.

Passerby Music - Gilad Segev

10/13/2024

Yesterday was my first ever Yom Kippur in Israel, and to say the least, it was quite an experience! I had a few of those uniquely-Israeli moments that I'd love to share with you:

1. I've always heard that Israeli radio and TV stations in Israel go "silent" on Yom Kippur, but I never really experienced it for myself. It's about 5:20 on Friday afternoon, and I was driving my son to his high school (about 5 minutes away) where he would be spending Yom Kippur. There were VERY few other cars on the road, maybe one or two passing us by during the drive. Along the way, I flipped through the channels on the radio. EVERY SINGLE ONE was silent, 30 minutes before the holiday began. The scene felt almost eerie, yet peaceful. You could actually FEEL Yom Kippur in the air.

Suddenly…”hatra’ah” (warning). The serene experience was shattered by a few warnings on the radio of incoming rockets up north. All radio station programming nationwide is interrupted by these warnings, whether or not the stations are currently broadcasting. Such is life in Israel in 2024.

2. It's well known that Yom Kippur in Israel is also known as "Chag Ha'ofanayim" - the bicycle holiday. Due to the complete absence of cars on the road, bikers have complete control of Israel's streets, even highways. I've often read about this phenomenon, but never had the chance to see it for myself.

Walking home from Kol Nidrei services was quite the experience! Kids of all ages, some with parents, exploring the empty streets on bikes, scooters, even roller skates. Teenagers congregating freely on street corners, enjoying the peaceful night. Adults bringing lounge chairs outside into an otherwise busy communal driveway, enjoying each other’s company on a cool October evening. Religious and secular, young and old…everyone taking advantage of the deserted streets in a variety of beautiful ways. It was an amazing sight to witness throughout the city.

3. If, like me, you spent any time in the synagogue over Yom Kippur, you know full well that this year’s service was unlike any other; perhaps more meaningful than it’s been in generations. With October 7, the hostages, the soldiers, and an extremely painful year (that’s still going on) fresh in our minds, the messages of “who shall live, and who shall die” were almost too difficult to bear. But I suspect this was the case in just about every synagogue around the world.

Here in Israel, however, it was deeper. All around me, parents sat next to empty chairs - chairs where their children serving in the IDF were *supposed* to be sitting. The prayers in the room were not only for our country, our nation, and our people. They were for our children, our neighbors, our fellow synagogue members. By the end of the day, the Ne'ila service was the most powerful, heartfelt Yom Kippur service I’ve ever experienced.

All in all, my first Yom Kippur in Israel was a fascinating, uplifting, gut-wrenching, powerful, meaningful, spiritual, tearful experience. Wishing one and all a Gmar Tov. May we all be inscribed in the book of life for a wonderful, peaceful 5785!
(Photo: The Times of Israel)

10/11/2024

Time for a fresh start, and boy, do we need one this year. This is one of our favorite pre-Yom Kippur videos, emphasizing the opportunity to exit this holy day with a clean slate. May we all take advantage of the opportunity!

Wishing one and all a Gmar Chatima Tova... may you be inscribed for a good, healthy, happy, prosperous, music-filled New Year!

(YouTube link in comments)

10/07/2024

Wow, just wow. Keren Peles - קרן פלס sings - in ENGLISH - along with young survivors of the October 7th massacre, as a powerful response to those who claim the atrocities never took place.

10/07/2024

We're joining as a community to watch the 10/7 commemoration ceremony in Israel, beginning at noon Eastern. Link in comments.

10/02/2024

In the final moments of 5784 - a year many of us would like to forget - allow me to take one final opportunity to wish you a Shana Tova - a happy, healthy, safe, and PEACEFUL new year! May the new year bring blessing, peace...and of course, great Israeli music.
🇮🇱🎶🇮🇱🎵🇮🇱
Love you all!
-Josh

10/01/2024

Each year at this time, we exchange pleasantries and wish one another a new year of health and happiness.

But this is no ordinary year.

For our nation,
it's been a year of tragedy, of anger, of sadness, of fear.
It's also been a year of unity, of caring, of strength, of optimism.

For me personally, it's been the most significant year of my life. We made Aliyah just a few weeks before last Rosh Hashana, so this was the year in which we learned what it really means to live in Israel. New EVERYTHING...from friends to doctors to grocery stores to bureaucracy and everything in between.

We also learned with horror what was unfolding just a few miles away from us on October 7. We learned what it's like to be woken up by sirens alerting us to incoming rockets and missiles. We learned what it's like to run into a mamad (protected room) in the middle of the night or in the middle of synagogue services.

And yes, we also learned what it means to be a part of Am Yisrael...living in Eretz Yisrael...during this turbulent time. We learned how to support our chayalim in the tiniest of ways. How to support grieving families whose loved ones were taken way too soon. How to be there for neighbors and community members in any way we could.

This year, I've truly felt like I was part of Am Yisrael more than ever before. Sure, it's been rocky and scary...but I wouldn't change a thing.

When times are tough, Israeli music is arguably at its best. And the musical moments we've experienced together this year will undoubtedly stay with us forever. It's been an honor to share them with you each week on Israel Hour Radio, and an INCREDIBLE privilege to share them with communities around the world as part of "A Musical Hug From Israel."

Shana Tova, dear friends. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a huge part of my journey from New Jersey to Israel. Your support and enthusiasm keeps me going more than you'll ever know!

Wishing you, your family, and all of Am Yisrael a happy, healthy, prosperous, safe, and PEACEFUL 5785!

10/01/2024

The heroic volunteers of the Zaka organization have experienced unspeakable horrors this past year. For months, they meticulously combed through the destruction of October 7, to ensure every tiny fragment of human flesh and blood was buried in accordance with Jewish law.

Many of these brave volunteers suffered deep psychological trauma as a result of their work. Many still cannot speak about the horrors they've experienced and endured.

But when words fail, music often can heal.

In a new video, these heroes gather to sing a niggun - a wordless melody - originally composed by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Watching the video, you can almost feel the pain...and appreciate the healing power of the melody they sing.

זק"א ZAKA Search & Rescue

09/27/2024

We had one of those cool "only in Israel" moments this morning. 🇮🇱

A few weeks ago, we received a note home from my son's 6th grade teacher about an upcoming program taking place on Friday, September 27. I skimmed the letter and didn't think much of it.

As the date approached, however, it became clear that we were expected to show up at 5:45 am!!

Huh? What kind of program was this?

We went to bed early, only to be woken up at about 12:45 am by sirens 🚨 courtesy of our Houthi friends in Yemen. Great.

After finally falling back to sleep, the cursed alarm (one that *I* actually set) went off what felt like 10 minutes later.

5 am. Why am I doing this?

Turns out it was well worth it. The event was a community-wide, musical sunrise Selichot concert and Tashlich, specifically for sixth grade students and their parents. The park was PACKED at 6am!

And despite the early hour, it was something very special.

The morning began with a very talented Shofar-blower, who was able to play "Adon HaSelichot" and "Avinu Malkeinu" ... on the SHOFAR.

Shortly afterwards, the main entertainment was introduced: a beautiful concert by ליאת יצחקי Liat Itzhaki- העמוד הרשמי, joined by special guest Sagiv Cohen - סגיב כהן . The two of them sang religiously-themed songs of the season, like "Modeh Ani" (Omer Adam), the classic "Avinu Malkeinu", "Shir HaMaalot" from Psalms, and much more.

All this, just as the sun came up.

After the concert, the kids gathered by the lake for an early Tashlich, followed by a communal breakfast and some free time in the park.

I shot lots of video so you could get a taste of this magical morning, helping Modiin's kids prepare for Rosh Hashanah. Shana Tova! 🍯🍎🍯🍏

עיריית מודיעין מכבים רעות