Episode #1280: Your New Favorite Singer
August 9, 2026
Week two of our August Chagigot is here, and this time we're doing something a little different. Every single day, my inbox fills up with emails about new releases from Israeli artists I've never heard of - and more often than not, they never make it onto the show. So this week, we're fixing that with "Chagigat Omanim Pachot Mefursamim" - a celebration of less famous Israeli artists! We asked YOU, our listeners, to help us find the names that deserve more attention, and today we're playing an hour of music by artists who aren't exactly on our radar screen...but probably should be. Get ready to discover your new favorite Israeli artist - one you've probably never heard of before today!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/57vsmw5e

Episode #1279: Hugs and Kisses
July 26, 2026
It's time for our annual August Chagigot - four straight weeks of shows where we take one topic and dig up every great Israeli song we can find about it! This week we're kicking things off with 'Chagigat Shirei Chibukim V'neshikot' - a celebration of songs about hugs and kisses - in honor of Tu B'Av, the Jewish holiday of love, which just took place last week. For the next hour, we're playing nothing but songs that talk about hugging and kissing...because is there any topic more fitting for a holiday all about love? Get ready for an hour that's equal parts sweet, romantic, and maybe a little bit cheesy - just the way we like it!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/4cdctn6a

Episode #1278: From Sorrow To Joy
July 26, 2026
We've just completed a very interesting time on the Jewish calendar. Tisha B'av - the saddest day of the Jewish year, in which we mourn the many tragedies that have befallen our people throughout the ages - was observed last week. It was followed by Shabbat Nachamu, the Shabbat of comfort and consolation, where we remember that, no matter how low we've sunk, we always bounce back to greatness. On today's Israel Hour Radio, we share songs that came from our most recent national tragedy, echoing BOTH sentiments: songs of sadness and tragedy...and songs of strength and optimism...all released in the aftermath of October 7, 2023. We have a feeling you'll be inspired by ALL.
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/y2375f7c

Episode #1277: Voices Behind 'Da Voice'
July 12, 2026
Season 6 of Israel's ‘The Voice’ - or as it's known here, ‘Da Voice’ (yes, really) - just kicked off last week, and we figured there's no better time to look back at just how many of Israel's biggest musical stars got their start on that stage! Today's show is a celebration of ‘Voice’ alumni and the mentors who helped shape them along the way. You'll hear from breakout artists like Benaia Barabi, Yuval Dayan, Elkana Marciano, Sapir Saban, and others - all of whom turned a singing competition into full-blown music careers. And since this year's mentor panel includes some serious star power - Idan Raichel, Eden Ben Zaken, Noa Kirel, and Static - we're also spotlighting some of their biggest (and newest) hits too! Turns out reality TV and Israeli music have a longer, richer relationship than you might think. Turn it up and get to know the voices behind ‘Da Voice’! 
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/36we57n9

Episode #1276: America Turns 250 - In Hebrew
July 5, 2026
This July 4th, America turned 250 years old...and on Israel Hour Radio, we celebrated the only way we know how: with music! But not just any music - today's show is a full hour of your favorite English-language classics, translated and sung entirely in Hebrew. Turns out Israeli singers have been covering American hits for decades, and the results are somewhere between hilarious and beautiful. You'll hear Hebrew versions of "Stand By Your Man," "The Boxer," "Country Road," "What a Wonderful World," and a bunch of surprises you will NOT see coming. Some of these covers are so good you'll forget the original was ever in English! Happy birthday, America - this one's for you. 
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/4pefha8v

Episode #1275: New Israeli Music - June 2026
June 28, 2026
Summer is here, and with it comes your official Israeli summer soundtrack! It's time for our monthly look into the hottest tracks and the hottest singers - ready to entertain you in the hottest months of the year. And what a playlist it is! You'll hear Dudu Tassa, Benaia Barabi, Hatikva 6, Noam Bettan, Yuval Raphael, Shiri Maimon, Odeya, and SO many more. Judging from the feedback from our live audience, you're gonna LOVE these songs! And, honestly, how can you even THINK of starting summer without knowing what Israelis are listening to at the beach all season? 
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/yak6z4dz

Episode #1274: Singing About Dancing
June 21, 2026
Sometimes our broadcasts are emotional, sometimes our broadcasts are informative. And sometimes, our show is just plain fun...and today is one of those days. In honor of a couple of our favorite singers (Shiri Maimon and Eden Golan) appearing on the current season of Israel's 'Dancing With the Stars' - we decided to play songs about dancing. Turns out, there are a lot of them! And we promise...it's not going to be easy to stay seated for the entire show! Get up, dance like no one's watching, and have fun with this week's very upbeat playlist on Israel Hour Radio!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/3auyyjv7

Episode #1273: Israeli Music Time Machine - 2020 (Part 2)
June 7, 2026
Last week on Israel Hour Radio, we brought you the most popular Israeli songs of 2020, that crazy year in which the entire world shut down. But after the show, we realized that there were SO many more songs we didn't include - but should have. Throughout the pandemic, Israel's musical community kept us entertained, comforted, and inspired, over and over again. So this week, we present part 2 of our look back at the amazing Israeli music of the Coronavirus era - and we can't wait to hear your memories too!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/mrxbye9m

Episode #1272: Israeli Music Time Machine - 2020 (Part 1)
May 31, 2026
All aboard! The Israeli Music Time Machine is ready to depart 2026...and land in 2020! Who doesn't remember 2020? Probably the most interesting year of our lifetimes, 2020 was marked by the outbreak of a global pandemic that disrupted literally EVERY aspect of life. Thank God for Israeli music - there to comfort us, console us, and keep us company during some very difficult days. How was Israeli music woven into the history of this crazy time? What were the biggest hits of the year? You'll hear them all on today's episode of Israel Hour Radio!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/3p4r9pp3

Episode #1271: New Israeli Music - May 2026
May 24, 2026
Three words: NEW. ISRAELI. MUSIC. First and foremost, this show exists to bring you the latest and greatest in music from Israel...and it's been a while since we've lived up to that promise! So today, we'll catch you up quickly, so you know EXACTLY what to add to your next Spotify playlist. This week: new tunes by Omer Adam, Noa Kirel, Eden Ben Zaken, Mosh Ben Ari, Avraham Tal, and many more. These are the songs you'll likely hear on the Tel Aviv beach all summer long!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/4hfacryr

Episode #1268: Celebrating Our Musical Soldiers
April 26, 2026
Not all soldiers fight on the battlefield. Since before the founding of the State of Israel, some men and women of the IDF served their country in various IDF Musical Ensembles, entertaining the troops and uplifting the country. Through the years, these talented groups created some of the most beloved Israeli classics of all time. Some sing of the beauty of the Land of Israel. Some mourn fallen Israeli soldiers throughout the years. Some preach optimism, looking forward towards more peaceful times ahead. Some are just plain fun. But ALL offer a glimpse into the miraculous history of the Jewish State, while entertaining and inspiring us all the way. This week (with help from Kan Gimmel Radio), we count down some of the most popular IDF Entertainment Troupe songs of all time. We have a feeling you'll be singing along with quite a few!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/3726n6yw

Episode #1267: Yom Ha'atzmaut 2026 - Celebrating 78!
April 19, 2026
It's that time again...our favorite show of the year! Sure, Israel Hour Radio celebrates Israel EVERY week. But on Yom Ha'atzmaut, we get to play our favorite patriotic, blue and white, pride-inducing LOVE songs dedicated to the State of Israel! How many other countries regularly celebrate their nation with new songs, year after year? Only in Israel do the country's leading musicians create new songs of love for their homeland on a regular basis...and we can't get enough! Celebrate Israel's 78th birthday with a patriotic playlist of relatively new Israeli songs celebrating the wonders of the Jewish State! Chag Sameach!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/9ksbu758

Episode #1266: We Remember Them
April 12, 2026
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!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/udv5csv3

Episode #1265: Passover in Protected Spaces
March 29, 2026
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!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/hpyfysa5

Episode #1264: When Music Is Comfort Food
March 22, 2026
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!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/cb8cekjc

Episode #1263: New Israeli Music - March 2026
March 15, 2026
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.
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/4fdv324m

Episode #1262: Girls Rule
March 8, 2026
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!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/eje7nb5p

Episode #1261: A Purim Unlike Any Other
March 1, 2026
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!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/mswhdszc

Episode #1260: Cohen, Levy, Israel
February 22, 2026
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.'
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/f7cda839

Episode #1259: Love Is In the Air
February 15, 2026
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!  
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/3fs2eauc

Episode #1258: Remembering Matti Caspi
February 8, 2026
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.
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/m66a76mm

Episode #1257: New Israeli Music - February 2026
February 1, 2026
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!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/yd6hxup2

Episode #1256: Israeli Music Time Machine - 2016
January 25, 2026
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!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/ycker64e

Episode #1255: Blessings For Our Children
January 4, 2026
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 sung about it. You're going to love this optimistic playlist!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/mrhwuw4b

Episode #1254: Israeli Music 2025 Roundup
December 28, 2025
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.
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/mr3y9b4y

Episode #1253: A Light In The Darkness
December 14, 2025
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.
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/5f6j3hyn

Episode #1252: New Israeli Music - December 2025
December 7, 2025
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?
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/2p9ntnpd

Episode #1251: Israeli Music Time Machine - 1991
November 30, 2025
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!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/mtb4d47m

Episode #1250: An Attitude of Gratitude
November 23, 2025
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!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/mry9nbbz

Episode #1249: What Freedom Sounds Like
November 9, 2025
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.
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/vsrkdvuk

Episode #1248: New Israeli Music - October 2025
October 26, 2025
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!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/4evt3e43

Episode #1247: Musical Tales of Survival
October 19, 2025
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.
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/5aywbdpm

Episode #1246: Waiting For The BEST News
October 12, 2025
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.
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/edyxrrby

Episode #1245: Two Years
October 5, 2025
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.
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/5yt4frp4

Episode #1244: 5785 - The Year In Israeli Music
September 28, 2025
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!
YouTube Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/8t77f49f