#Israeli music

[matan4il]

Today's the day when we celebrate Jerusalem, our eternal capital, the symbol of Jewish existence no matter where around the world we may live.

Two things I'm thinking of today.

First, I once heard an Ethiopian man recount the story of his family's journey to Israel. Specifically, how hard it was, starting their way by foot across a country torn by civil war back then, with antisemitic thugs lurking about. The man's dad was apprehensive, maybe they shouldn't go on this journey? But the mom was certain. "If I am going to die, I want to die facing Jerusalem." She did pass away before getting to Israel, but thanks to her determination, her son gets to live here. I can't even think of that woman without tearing up and feeling so grateful that I'm privileged to be a part of the same people as her.

Second, this day when I was at the Jerusalem Light Festival, waiting to go into the Cave of King Tzidkiyahu (from which it is believed the stones for the Temple and the Temple Mount Walls were carved). But the amount of people inside is limited for safety reasons, so there was a line to get in. As I stood there, waiting for my turn, I looked up at the upper part of the Jerusalem mountain rock (the cave's opening is found in its base), and saw a pigeon perched inside a naturally formed cleft in the rock. And immediately the words from the Bible, from the Song of Songs, sprang into my mind: "יונתי בחגוי הסלע" (yonati be'chagvei ha'sela, "my dove is in the clefts of the rock") and it suddenly occurred to me that it's very possible the man who first wrote down this sentence, and then wrote it down for posterity, who it's believed was a Jewish king ruling from Jerusalem, was standing right where I was, or somewhere nearby, looking at a sight just like I was. And the fact that I had his words in our language to describe the same kind of natural scene in the city that's holy and historical to us both, despite thousands of years between us, it struck me that THAT is what an indigenous experience, enabled by a land back movement, is all about. That's what Zionism has gives us back. I was and forever will be so grateful for that moment.

So to Jerusalem, most beautiful of cities, the beating heart of the world to me as a Jew, may we always celebrate what you were always meant to represent - our identity, as well as the peaceful existence of all humankind (as it's believed your name comes from the Hebrew words for "city of peace," ירושלים - עיר שלום).

For this occasion, here's an incomplete list of some of my fave songs about or mentioning Jerusalem that I know.

"And if you're gonna bring salvation, and if you're gonna bring peace, then bring it today."

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, city of my dreams..."

Jerusalem - Matisyahu ('coz apparently I'm not allowed to celebrate Jerusalem with more than 10 embedded vids, thanks Tumblr)

Sissu et Yerushalayim (Rejoice in Jerusalem)

Love you, my city. So blessed I get to live my life in you. I'm remembering that today more than ever.

[nesyanast]

Thinking about how in 1983 Ofra Haza, a Yemenite-Jew refugee, sang the song Chai at Eurovision in Munich, Germany 11 years after the Munich Massacre and only four decades after the Holocaust, with a song where the chorus says Am Yisrael Chai - The Nation of Israel Lives and it's all about joyous survival. (She placed second)

[xclowniex]

do you have any Israeli music suggestions?

I do! I get an ask like this at least once a month, so I thought I'd just make a playlist for anyone wanting to listen to Israeli music but doesn't know where to start.

I will update it periodically with new songs I find or any suggestions, so anyone feel free to leave suggestions either in the replies or through ask or dm

[edenfenixblogs]

Every song on Vandalist is a masterpiece and the whole album is put together to tell a story. But this one????

Obsessed.

She puts it all to words. I just want to blast this on every college campus.

And the fucking Shalom Aleichem melodic reference hits me in the gut.

Every line a masterpiece.

My G-d. Is this what it’s like to have mainstream music speak to stuff that directly affects you??? Intoxicating.

Lyrics

Wait for it, maybe, they'll come around, I'm not sure

Wait for my signal, I know we'll board the same shore

Stay with me, baby, I know America's far

Safe with me, baby, I know we pray the same god

Pray for the moment we get to put away guns

Pray for the parents, and Paris, devil, long gone

Wait for their blessing of me, I keep on forgetting

They tear up faces in campuses

Burn the flag, and I'm torn

You're too cold for my blood

There's no need to pretend

If you want me around - beg

I beg you not to leave me on my own

I swear that I loved you all along

I beg you not to leave me on my own

I swear that I loved you all along

Mommy from the desert, daddy from the snow

And I am everywhere because I got nowhere to go

Mommy from the desert, daddy from the snow

And I am everywhere because I got nowhere to go

Mommy from the desert, daddy from the snow

And I am everywhere because I got nowhere to go

And when you come back knocking on my door

You'll be the one to beg and I will say "I told you so"

I beg you not to leave me on my own

I swear that I loved you all along

I beg you not to leave me on my own

I swear that I loved you all along

[travelbasscase]

The party hasn't started until this song has played.

[israelihunks]

[chanaleah]

I’ve really been enjoying A-Wa today… just listening to Habib Galbi and Mudbira on rotation. I really like these two, especially the music videos.

[thatcaithness]

Imagining Ziva blasting some Israeli pop at home. Probably Mizrahi music, as in my headcanon she is at least partly Mizrahi.

Probably not from the David side, because, ehm, bubbe David. That´s Yiddish.

Like Sarit Hadad or A-WA.

[hebrewbyinbal]

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A post shared by Hebrew by Inbal 🇮🇱 Hebrew for English Speakers (@hebrewbyinbal)

/ha-teek-'vah/ התקווה which means "The Hope", and colloquially pronounced in Israel /ha-'teek-vah/, is not just Israel's national anthem; it's a testament to the resilience and enduring hope of the Jewish people.

Its origins date back to the 19th century, with the poem "Tikvatenu" תקוותנו by Naftali Herz Imber, and it has since evolved into a melody that stirs the soul, composed by Samuel Cohen.

More than a song, "Hatikvah" encapsulates the millennia-old longing for a homeland, a dream realized with the establishment of the State of Israel.

The anthem's words speak of a 2000-year desire to be a free people in the land of Zion and Jerusalem, echoing through the collective memory of Jews worldwide.

Sung in Hebrew, its verses resonate beyond language, carrying the collective aspirations and shared history of a people dispersed yet united by their hope and vision.

"Hatikvah" remains a powerful symbol, a poignant reminder of our endless struggle, and an anthem that continues to inspire a future of peace and prosperity.

Each rendition, whether in quiet contemplation or at spirited national events, reaffirms the persistent and optimistic spirit that characterizes the heart of the Jewish nation.

[koenji]

מי לי יתן שתי אהבות כקדם

Who will give me two loves as before

כך אתחזק בעצב הנעורים

thus I'll gather strength in the sorrow of youth.

מי לי יתן שתי אבוקות של זהר

Who will give me two torches of glow

כך אדלק כנוער האהבה

thus I'll light up as the youth of love.

גלגל הזמן גולש

The cycle of time boils over

ואיש לאיש לוחש

and a person whispers to another

תראה הזמן עבר

look, time has passed

הזמן עבר

time has passed.

מי לי יתן שתי עלמות של חמד

Who will give me two delightful maidens

שתי עלמות בחסד השקיעה

two maides at the grace of sun-down.

מי לי יתן חטא מחייך בבוקר

Who will give me sin smiles in the morning

חטא מחייך באושר האהבה

sin smiles in the bliss of love.

גלגל הזמן גולש...

The cycle of time boils over... (x2)

מי לי יתן

Who will give me.

[matan4il]

my congregation's music tech played a beautiful song today and I thought you'd like it, it's called Olam Chesed Yibaneh / Build this World from Love by Rabbi Menachem Creditor

It was so BEAUTIFUL. I'm still in tears and it's been 20 minutes lol.

💕💕

Hi Nonnie!

Oh, I absolutely love this rec, thank you for it! Here it is on YouTube, for everyone to hear, because it's so soft and gorgeous indeed. Sending you lots of love and hugs, dear! xoxox

Oh, and to share something back, I think I meant to post this song here, but never got around to it? But it's so stunning, I couldn't forgive myself if I didn't share it here at least once. This is the concert with the biggest ever number of musicians playing together in Israel. It was recorded at the Caesaria Ancient Theater. The song was written before Oct 7, but got a whole new meaning after it... Months after I've first heard it, this performance still strikes a chord, and I'm not over it, especially since 120 people, are still being held hostage and denied the peace of returning home, some to get their last, eternal rest.

And I hope it's okay if I add here another ask, because they both felt like little gems...

Happy Birthday Alice!!! I don't say a lot on here but I read you all the time. Thank you for the effort you put in. Your post are always educational but soft and moving. The story you told about someone complaining about you to the director. I literally wanted to fight them for you. I can tell the goodness in you so it was shocking to think anyone could misunderstand your words. I know it's stressful right now. I hope the hostages are released and Hamas is removed so you guys can start the healing process. Happy Birthday!!!

Thank you so much, sweet Nonnie! This is really lovely of you. I can't tell you how much it means, to hear your perspective on my posts, and why they have value, even when I myself am not entirely sure there is any, and I mainly write because of the need to express certain things and get them out. It makes me content I can help in whatever way, and happy that I got to come across wonderful people such as yourself, who are a reminder that there are still so many good, caring humans out there, despite those doing their best to prove otherwise. And those bday wishes from you, I don't think I've ever hoped for any to come true as much as I'm wishing that these ones will. Thank you again, you're so very kind, and I hope all the good in the world comes your way! Love and hugs from Jerusalem, you have a friend here, always. xoxox

[sunnenfinster]

What are your favourite songs by Israeli and/or Jewish artists? Open to any genre, language, ...

Please share your recommendations. <3

[xclowniex]

do you have any israeli music reccomendations

oh boy do i!

So my fave artist is Stilla. I really like his song with Ness, באמפרים (bamperim). (stilla is also my celebraty crush, idk he just makes me feel some type of way 😳). Stilla's stuff with Helem Tarbut is also good. Im not sure if they have disbanded yet as they have released stuff in ages.

I also like תיקו תיקו by Shahar Saul. Was the first Israeli song I listened to and really got me into Israeli music.

פאק על אנשים by balulu and shae is also good.

Anything by Eden Manaiov is good too. I really like his songs אלכוהליסטים and slow wine.

Agam Buhbut is also good.

[ladelbarrio]

"Bassa Sababa" - Netta

[beautifulpaxiel]

Israelis on Jumblr (plus anyone with an interest)

I really want to listen to more Israeli artists and add to my playlist of Israeli music. To get an idea of which way my taste leans, here are the artists I have on the list so far:

Ofra Haza (the QUEEN!)

Zehava Ben

Teapacks

Noa (Achinoam Nini)

Does anyone have any recommendations based on this list? I'm also open to exploring other genres beyond pop/rock/ethnic music - but no heavy or death metal please.

Looking forward to getting people's thoughts!

Thanks and stay safe. :-)