Israel Hour Radio - Israeli Music Podcast

In ancient times, Kohanim (priests) and Levi'im (Levites) were responsible for most of the holy work in the Temple in Jerusalem. While their role is now significantly diminished in Jewish life, today's Kohanim and Levites continue to trace their lineage all the way back to Aaron in the Bible. So if you know anyone named Cohen or Levy, they're probably connected to that lineage. It just so happens that some of Israeli music's most recognizable names are members of those tribes - and just for fun, we thought we'd share music by the Cohens and Levys of Israel. And if you're not a Kohen or Levite? Well, then, you're just a plain-old Israelite. We've got you covered there, too - with music by people named 'Israel.' (Original Air Date: February 22, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/f7cda839 Bring Josh Shron, 'Israel's Soundtrack Storyteller,' to your community, and help spread the joy of Israeli music around the world! Visit https://www.joshshron.com/ Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

There's a certain February holiday with non-Jewish roots that has to do with hearts, cupid, love, and overpriced outings. It also appears to be VERY popular in Israel. So it's as good a time as any to spotlight your favorite cheesy Israeli love songs! Sure, the lyrics may make you nauseous, but that what makes these songs so good, right? From classic love songs to contemporary romantic ballads, you're sure to hear some favorites this week on Israel Hour Radio. Grab someone you love and listen together, or steal this playlist for your next date night! (Original Air Date: February 15, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/3fs2eauc Bring Josh Shron, 'Israel's Soundtrack Storyteller,' to your community, and help spread the joy of Israeli music around the world! Visit https://www.joshshron.com/ Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

On Sunday, February 8, 2026, the Israeli music world lost Matti Caspi - one of the most significant, influential Israeli singer/songwriters of all time. Matti passed away at 76 years old following a long battle with cancer, leaving behind a treasure trove of some of Israel most beloved musical classics. We couldn't possibly do justice to Matti's amazing career in one hour, but we'll do our best to play some of his most beloved songs - many sung by Matti himself, and many sung by other Israeli superstars. No doubt Matti Caspi's musical legacy will be felt in Israel and around the world for decades to come. May his memory be a blessing. (Original Air Date: February 8, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/m66a76mm Bring Josh Shron, 'Israel's Soundtrack Storyteller,' to your community, and help spread the joy of Israeli music around the world! Visit https://www.joshshron.com/ Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

What are Israelis listening to RIGHT NOW? We consider it our solemn responsibility to connect you to the hottest sounds of TODAY - so each month, we make sure to bring you the latest and greatest tunes coming out of the Holy Land. This week, we present new Israeli music that's inspirational, sentimental, pratiotic, thought-provoking, and just plain wacky. We're also excited to introduce you to the artist representing Israel in Eurovision 2026 this May. You're sure to love it all! (Original Air Date: February 1, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/yd6hxup2 Bring Josh Shron, 'Israel's Soundtrack Storyteller,' to your community, and help spread the joy of Israeli music around the world! Visit https://www.joshshron.com/ Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

For reasons we don't quite understand, recently the internet has been full of people posting memories of 2016. Why? We have no idea...but we're happy to be followers, so we're jumping on the bandwagon. And we're glad we did! It turns out that 2016 brought us some amazing Israeli music that you're sure to love. Join us as we hop into the Israeli Music Time Machine, and land in the year of the Trump-Clinton election, Brexit, the beginning of the Israeli music phenomenon known as Static and Ben-El, and much more. You're going to love this fun, upbeat playlist from ten years ago! (Original Air Date: January 25, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/ycker64e Bring Josh Shron, 'Israel's Soundtrack Storyteller,' to your community, and help spread the joy of Israeli music around the world! Visit https://www.joshshron.com/ Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

On Shabbat, January 3, 2026, the Shron family was privileged to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of our youngest son, Tobey. He completely blew us away with his knowledge, skill, and confidence, and his parents are still bursting with pride weeks later. Against that backdrop this week, Josh couldn't help but share songs about children and childhood, along with the blessings that all parents wish for their children. With what hopes and dreams do you bless your children? What kind of life do you envision for them? If you're wishing for it, Israel's artists have probably already sang about it. You're going to love this optimistic playlist! (Original Air Date: January 4, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/mrhwuw4b Bring Josh Shron, "Israel's Soundtrack Storyteller," to your community, and help spread the joy of Israeli music around the world! Visit https://www.joshshron.com/ Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

What did Israeli music sound like in 2025? To get an understanding of the pulse of the country, all you need to do is turn on the radio. So for our final Israel Hour Radio broadcast of 2025, we proudly present the most played songs of the year on Israeli radio stations nationwide. While you're listening, tell us: What was your favorite Israeli song in 2025? Did it make our countdown? Find out here. (Original Air Date: December 28, 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/mr3y9b4y Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

On the eve of Chanukah, the world learned of the horrific terror attack in Sydney, Australia. Hours later, Israel Hour Radio was on the air, ready to play jolly, happy, upbeat songs in honor of Chanukah. How do we celebrate one of the joyous holidays of the year against the backdrop of tragedy? By doing what we always do...singing. Because at Israel Hour Radio, we sing in good times and bad. We sing through the pain. No matter how dark the world may be, we don't stop singing - because THAT'S how we bring light into a dark world. Enjoy a week of Israeli Chanukah music - and continue spreading light, long after Chanukah is over. (Original Air Date: December 14, 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/5f6j3hyn Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

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/mry9nbbz 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/