Music as an Educational Tool
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Music can be a powerful and meaningful tool of engagement with Israel and Israelis. It is through music that we can gain an understanding of Israel’s culture and at times, its national mindset. Songs can be used in a variety of ways with our learners—we can study them as a text, give our space a more “Israeli” atmosphere, or create whole programs exploring certain events through the music of the time. We invite you to engage with the various musical resources we have curated and encourage you to continue your exploration into Israeli music and culture. While some are focused on the specific reality of life post-October 7, many of the musicians and songs are timeless in their message and appeal, such as שלווה בארמונותייך, Serenity in Your Palaces, by one of Israel’s leading artists, Ravid Plotnik, a beautiful song integrating prayer and hip-hop, that has gained renewed recognition after October 7.
SONGS OF COLLECTIVE MEMORY
“U’me’poh Nakum” (“ומפה נקום”) longs for life in Israel before the war. Finalists on “HaKokhav HaBa La’Erovision” (The Rising Star to Eurovision) performed the song in a video filmed in Kibbutz Shefayim, where evacuees from Kfar Azza were housed.
“Bamakom Bo Ani Gar” (“במקום בו אני גר”), by Jimbo J, depicts both the blessings and challenges of living in Israel, and specifically in the Gaza Envelope. Ironically, the song was written prior to October 7, after which the lyrics bear a much stronger, chilling meaning.
Originally released in 2021, this new version of “Shalva B’Armonotecha” (“שלווה בארמונותיך”) integrates words of prayer from Tehillim (Psalms) and uses a slower, more relaxed beat than Plotnik’s usual style.
“Lashuv Habaitah” (“לשוב הביתה”), released by Ishai Ribo in 2017, reached #2 on the charts—unusual for an Orthodox Jew in Israel’s music scene. Since October 7, its poignant lyrics have been interpreted as a passionate hope for captives’ safe return.
“Choref 23” (“23 חורף”) came out on October 22, less than two weeks after the October 7 massacres. It describes feelings many Israelis felt during the attack still feel today.
“Choref 73” (“חורף 73”) is a song originally performed by the Education Corp Band. The song is a poignant tribute to the Yom Kippur War, which took place in October 1973.
“Ein Lach Ma Lid’Og” (’’אין לך מה לדאוג’’) depicts the lives of IDF soldiers on the front lines during the Yom Kippur War and ensuing battles. The song became associated with the memory of the war, and decades later, it is still occasionally heard on radio stations.
In 2023, Ester Rada recorded a new version of the 1974 song “Ein Lach Ma Lid’Og” (“אין לך מה לדאוג’’) from the perspective of a female IDF soldier in the Miluimiot community (women serving in the reserves), highlighting the contribution of women on the front lines.
Full Trunk’s “Ein Lezeh Le’an” (“אין לזה לאן”) spotlights an issue not often addressed in popular culture: post-traumatic stress disorder. The band’s popularity has drawn more attention to this important issue.
Shlomi Shaban’s “Canaan” (“כנען”) tells the Biblical story of the 12 Spies sent by Moses to the land of Canaan as an allegory for contemporary questions about Israel’s leadership and the Land of Israel.
Doron Talmon, lead singer of Jane Bordeaux, wrote a new song, “Lo Levad” (“לא לבד”), meaning “Not Alone,” to help process the October 7 attacks. In the video, she opens with a brief poem about the emotions people are feeling after the attacks.
Hanan Ben Ari released “Moledet” (״מולדת״), “Birthplace,” which explores how Israelis have pulled together in times of difficulty. Ben Ari said, “This song is dedicated to my nation. The one that we’ll create again when all this is over.”
In “T’filat Haderech” (“תפילת הדרך”), “The Traveler’s Prayer,” Shai Tsabari blends the traditional blessing with present-day challenges, offering comfort and unity to Israelis since October 7.
PLAYLISTS
ISRAELI BACKGROUND MUSIC
SONGS OF A HOPEFUL HEART
SONGS OF AN ACHING HEART
MUSIC RESOURCES
In Beit Avi Chai’s new video series and educational resource package, Israeli performers talk about the music that brings them hope and comfort. Watching them play songs by fellow Israeli musicians is breathtaking and inspiring.
Music has the power to calm, heal, and give voice to emotions that can be difficult to express. It connects people across time and space. Explore this selection of songs, old and new, curated for the uniquely challenging days since October 7.
Israel is filled with stories of musicians who are making their art and themselves available to the public. Many musicians are advocating for the hostages and creating beauty in times of hardship. Here is a sampling of some of those songs and stories.
Hatikvah took an untraditional path to becoming Israel’s anthem. Its story is one of growth and transformation, complete with unexpected turns and questions about identity that still resonate today.
Israel’s participation in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, was marked by controversy. Organizers took issue with Israel’s entry. Explore how and why Israel’s original entry “October Rain” became “Hurricane” and what meaning the lyrical changes hold.
Music brings the sounds of Israel to our youngest learners. Played in the background, music creates an immersive environment. In the foreground, it offers opportunities to learn songs and dances, engage with basic Hebrew words and phrases, and spark curiosity and joy.
Music and song play a central role in Israel’s culture. These materials harness the power of music to inspire connections to the land and people of Israel. Mixtape, an Israel Story podcast miniseries, explores Israel’s ultimate playlist.
Hang out and cook with Israeli farmer and chef, Hedai Offaim, as he hosts some renowned Israeli musicians in his kitchen. Together, we will explore the flavors and soundtrack that makes us who we are.
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