Is there an Israeli music fan out there who isn't just a little obsessed with the music of Rita? For nearly 40 years, Rita's cranked out hit after hit in Israel, and her music still blares on radios throughout the country every single day. Rita turned 60 on March 24, and we wanted to join the Israeli music community in showing our love. So this week, we present an hour of Rita's greatest hits...some sung by her, and others by adoring fellow Israeli artists. What's YOUR favorite RITA song? (Original Air Date: March 27, 2022)

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Episode #1117: Happy 60th Birthday, Rita!

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We recorded this episode moments before Yom HaZikaron began in Israel, not sure of what to expect in this very strange and difficult year. So much has happened since last year's national 'high holiday season' in Israel. So much pain, so much fear, so much destruction, so much anxiety. How can we bear the burden of Memorial Day this year? How can we CELEBRATE Independence Day in a year like this? Well, perhaps music can help. This year, Israel's musical community has worked hard to create songs that capture this year's unique spirit, from sounds of pain to sounds of pride.  Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut may be behind us, but this week's songs will help you hold on to the powerful emotions you’ve undoubtedly felt all week long – and throughout the past seven months.  (Original Air Date: May 12, 2024)

Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1189

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Episode #1189: From Darkness To Light

What does it mean to be a hero? What does it mean to be a JEWISH hero? And what can we learn about heroes from the tragic events of October 7? This week, we are honored to welcome Israeli singer Gilad Segev, creator of "Project Heroes". Ever since October 7, Gilad has spent his time gathering heroic stories from that Black Shabbat...stories of heroes who sacrificed their own lives to save countless others. These stories inspired Gilad so much that he set many of them to music, and now he's presenting them in a series of special concerts throughout the US and Canada. Gilad has a lot to say about the lessons our heroes can teach us. Don't miss this inspiring interview! (Original Air Date: May 5, 2024) 

Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1188

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Episode #1188: Heroes Don't Wear Capes

Passover is here, and by all accounts, this year's celebration will be a lot different than most years'. Like every year, we'll gather around the seder table with family and friends. But this year, so many will be missing from the table. This year, we'll save empty seats for hostages and for active soldiers, all who SHOULD be joining our seder. We'll also see many empty seats, vacated by the souls we lost on October 7. As Israel remains under attack, our observance of Passover is marked by a strange mix of celebration, frustration, and trepidation. Have we ever experienced Pesach quite like this? As we celebrate Passover 5784 on Israel Hour Radio, sure, we'll share the usual mix of joyous Pesach favorites. But this year, we also include new songs for 5784, with painful reminders of our loved ones who are missing from the table. (Original Air Date: April 21, 2024)

Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1187

Love the show? Support us by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

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Episode #1187: Why Is This Night Different?

This week, we acknowledge a grim milestone: six months since the October 7 massacre, kidnapping of hostages, and the resulting Operation Swords of Iron. As we watch events unfold, we remain sick with worry for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Israel and around the world. At the same time, we stand united in the belief that the State of Israel will emerge from this conflict stronger than before. In expressing a roller coaster of emotions, the music of this conflict has been nothing short of inspiring. This week, a recap of the most significant songs of the past six months, with prayers for a brighter future. (Original Air Date: April 14, 2024)

Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1186

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Episode #1186: Six Months - A Musical Retrospective

With Israel still very much at war, the country's 'new normal' continues to permeate its music. Yes, some of the new music is very raw, very painful, and very powerful. Other songs are as seemingly as mundane as can be, as Israeli music continues to shift onto topics other than the war. Still, nearly every song you hear these days can be interpreted differently due to today's complicated reality. Take, for example, Israel's 2024 Eurovision entry, 'Hurricane.' Even though the song sounds completely 'pareve,' we all know it's about Israel's current state of affairs and the pain so many of us are feeling. You'll hear the song this week, along with many other new releases...all guaranteed to make you think, make you cry, make you smile, and make you connect to Israel on a deeper level. (Original Air Date: March 17, 2024)

Full playlist at https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1185

Love the show? Support us by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

Join the Israeli Music Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/IsraelHourRadioFans/

Episode #1117: Happy 60th Birthday, Rita!

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