Israel Hour Radio - Israeli Music Podcast

Every year at this time, Israeli society takes a trip on an emotional roller coaster. On Yom HaShoah we make time to pay tribute to the victims - and survivors - of the Holocaust. A week later, on Yom HaZikaron, we remember those who lost their lives while fighting for our freedom and our survival. Then, the very next day, Independence Day, we celebrate like there's no tomorrow. If we don't remember the sacrifices made for the State of Israel, the thinking goes, how can we truly celebrate? So this week on Israel Hour Radio, we mourn: remembering victims of the Holocaust, soldiers killed in action, and victims of terror. Next week, we celebrate Israel's 78th birthday in style. Get ready for two weeks of special programming not to be missed! (Original Air Date: April 12, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/udv5csv3 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

Why is this Passover different from all others? This year, as we ask that ancient question around the seder table, the answer feels closer than ever...because this year, we're celebrating Pesach in the middle of war. Israelis are running to shelters day and night, and yet somehow, we're still singing. This week, we share Passover songs old and new - many of them fresh, modern interpretations of our most ancient Passover traditions, from the Four Questions to the splitting of the sea. If there's one thing Judaism has always taught us, it's that even in the darkest of times, we SING. Chag Sameach! (Original Air Date: March 29, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/hpyfysa5 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

When life gets hard, we turn to comfort food — and when times are really scary, Israelis turn to their music. With the war with Iran weighing heavily on everyone's hearts, we asked our Facebook community a simple question: what Israeli song brings you comfort during difficult times? From songs of prayer to songs of unity to the most patriotic anthems you know and love, this week's playlist is a warm hug for your soul. If you need a little boost during these uncertain times, you're going to love this week's episode of Israel Hour Radio!\ (Original Air Date: March 22, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/cb8cekjc New Book - 'Legends of the Light: Illuminating Stories of Am Yisrael' - available here! https://amzn.to/4rDplk5 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

In the midst of war and uncertainty, Israel's vibrant music scene continues to thrive. So what are Israelis listening to RIGHT NOW? Even as the war with Iran rages on, the songs topping the Israeli charts aren't battle hymns — they're the same catchy, feel-good tunes that were popular before the fighting began. Sometimes the most powerful statement a people can make is simply to keep dancing! We're also thrilled to unveil Israel's official entry for Eurovision 2026 — "Michelle" by Noam Bittan - and we'd love to know what you think of it! Tune in for the sounds keeping Israeli spirits high during one of the most challenging periods in the country's history. (Original Air Date: March 15, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/4fdv324m New Book - 'Legends of the Light: Illuminating Stories of Am Yisrael' - available here! https://amzn.to/4rDplk5 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

With the Iran war still very much on our minds, International Women's Day takes on a special significance in Israel. From the brave women of the IDF, to the women left behind by the men of the IDF, the roles of Israel's women are more important than ever. We salute them every year on International Women's Day, but this year, we are especially grateful for the way women have kept us safe and sane throughout some very difficult situations. In their honor, we share an hour of powerful Israeli music for women, by women, about women. If you need a boost of inspiration during this difficult time, or you're looking for just the right words to say in Hebrew to someone you care about, you're going to love this playlist! (Original Air Date: March 8, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/eje7nb5p New Book - 'Legends of the Light: Illuminating Stories of Am Yisrael' - available here! https://amzn.to/4rDplk5 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

Why is this Purim different from all others? The day before this podcast was recorded, Israel attacked Iran, and 'Operation Lion's Roar' began. While we're all extremely optimistic about what the Middle East might look like as a result of this war, Israelis are extremely tense - and tired - in the meantime. We've been running in and out of shelters ever since the war began, and we've been disturbed at all hours of the day and night by warnings, sirens, and incoming missiles. The warnings we get from our phones, however, are incredibly jarring. Wouldn't it be great if we could change the sound to an appropriate Israeli song? And if we could, which song would we choose? A recent Kan Gimmel post asked that very question, and this week, we're playing some of our favorite suggestions. With wishes for peace and security, we proudly share this very patriotic playlist! (Original Air Date: March 1, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/mswhdszc New Book - 'Legends of the Light: Illuminating Stories of Am Yisrael' - available here! https://amzn.to/4rDplk5 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

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