Podcast

Israel Hour Radio - Israeli Music Podcast

Judaism, Places & Travel, Religion & Spirituality, Society & Culture

Want to create a stronger connection with Israel? For more than 30 years, Josh Shron's Israel Hour Radio has presented the very best in Israeli music - with news, discussion and FUN in English! Tune in each week for a front row seat to the latest in Israeli culture, and connect with others who share your passion for Israel!

Episodes
407
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
1 hr 4 min
On air since
2016
Latest episode
1 month ago

Episodes

407 episodes, newest first

  1. Episode #1283: Earth, Wind, and Fire

    Show notes

    When you hear the words “adama,” “ru’ach,” and “eish,” what Hebrew songs come to mind? This year, our August Chagigot spilled into September, as we concluded the series - and the Jewish year - with a collection of Israeli songs about earth, wind, and fire...apparently, all topics Israelis like to sing about! For our last show of 5786, we become one with nature through song - sending you into the new Jewish year with an hour that’s down to earth, full of fresh air, and on fire! Shana Tova from Israel Hour Radio! (Original Air Date: September 6, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/2ryk7bju

    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 Israel Hour Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr
  2. Episode #1282: Don't Take It Seriously

    Show notes

    Our August Chagigot continue with an hour that doesn't take itself too seriously! "Chagigat Shirei Shtuyot" is a celebration of the dumb, wacky, funny, irreverent, and downright silly side of Israeli music, and it turns out there's no shortage of material. Expect songs that will make you laugh, maybe cringe, and sing along despite yourself, with utterly ridiculous lyrics that somehow became classics. Who said Israelis don't have a sense of humor? From Eurovision favorites to Kaveret absurdities, and everything in between, all of them prove that Israeli music can be just as goofy as it is heartfelt. Turn it up and get ready to laugh while singing along! (Original Air Date: August 30, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/yt56hhpj

    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 Israel Hour Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 2 min
  3. Episode #1281: Somebody's Getting Married

    Show notes

    Week three of our August Chagigot is a personal one. Today we're playing "Chagigat Shirei Chatuna" - an hour of Israeli wedding songs - and there's a reason this one hits close to home: Josh's daughter got married the very next day! That's right, this episode was recorded the night before her wedding, so you can imagine the mood in the studio. In honor of the occasion, we're playing an hour of the best Israeli songs about weddings and celebration. We also asked our listeners for their most interesting - and sometimes craziest - stories from Israeli weddings they've attended, including a few genuine wedding horror stories! Some great responses came in from our Facebook Live audience, and if you're listening to the podcast and have your own story to share, call or text our WhatsApp hotline at 732-844-9778 - we'd love to hear it! Mazal tov to the happy couple, and enjoy the music! (Original Air Date: August 23, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/4yvw82fx

    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 Israel Hour Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 5 min
  4. Episode #1280: Your New Favorite Singer

    Show notes

    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! (Original Air Date: August 9, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/57vsmw5e

    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 Israel Hour Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 4 min
  5. Episode #1279: Hugs and Kisses

    Show notes

    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! (Original Air Date: August 2, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/4cdctn6a

    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 Israel Hour Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 2 min
  6. Episode #1278: From Sorrow To Joy

    Show notes

    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. (Original Air Date: July 26, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/y2375f7c

    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 Israel Hour Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 7 min
  7. Episode #1277: Voices Behind 'Da Voice'

    Show notes

    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’! (Original Air Date: July 12, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/36we57n9

    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 Israel Hour Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 2 min
  8. Episode #1276: America Turns 250 - In Hebrew

    Show notes

    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. (Original Air Date: July 5, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/4pefha8v

    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 Israel Hour Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    56 min
  9. Episode #1275: New Israeli Music - June 2026

    Show notes

    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? (Original Air Date: June 28, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/yak6z4dz

    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 Israel Hour Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 2 min
  10. Episode #1274: Singing About Dancing

    Show notes

    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! (Original Air Date: June 21, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/3auyyjv7

    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 Israel Hour Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr
  11. Episode #1273: Israeli Music Time Machine - 2020 (Part 2)

    Show notes

    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! (Original Air Date: June 7, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/mrxbye9m

    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 Israel Hour Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 1 min
  12. Episode #1272: Israeli Music Time Machine - 2020 (Part 1)

    Show notes

    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! (Original Air Date: May 31, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/3p4r9pp3

    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 Israel Hour Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 6 min
  13. Episode #1271: New Israeli Music - May 2026

    Show notes

    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! (Original Air Date: May 24, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/4hfacryr

    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 Israel Hour Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr
  14. Episode #1268: Celebrating Our Musical Soldiers

    Show notes

    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! (Original Air Date: April 26, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/3726n6yw

    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://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 11 min
  15. Episode #1267: Yom Ha'atzmaut 2026 - Celebrating 78!

    Show notes

    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! (Original Air Date: April 19, 2026)

    Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/9ksbu758

    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://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 4 min
  16. Episode #1266: We Remember Them

    Show notes

    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://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 6 min
  17. Episode #1265: Passover in Protected Spaces

    Show notes

    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://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 8 min
  18. Episode #1264: When Music Is Comfort Food

    Show notes

    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://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 2 min
  19. Episode #1263: New Israeli Music - March 2026

    Show notes

    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://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 2 min
  20. Episode #1262: Girls Rule!

    Show notes

    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://www.patreon.com/c/MyIsraeliMusic

    1 hr 10 min