Hebrew music makes a wonderful gift – it's food for the soul 365 days a year.

Hebrew music has a strong appeal to many Jewish people around the world. Hebrew is an ancient language as well as sacred, and it has a very unique sound to it. The use of Hebrew in music is more common these days. Looking back 60 years ago, it is astonishing to think that Hebrew wasn't used on a daily basis until Israel was established.

Popular Hebrew music often originates in Israel who has exported lots of talented male and female singers.

I have chosen to introduce you to Hebrew music that gives voice to the unique cultural diversity in Israel. Popular Hebrew music today includes western and eastern influences, often accompanied by traditional hymns and prayers. A great example would be The Idan Raichel Project . Today Idan Raichel and his fellow singers tour America and around the world. Watch the interview with Idan Raichel project.

The Idan Raichel Project is an example to how extremely different cultures merge together in Israel, and to how much soulful Hebrew music can be. Many of the artists who sing in these two projects are Israeli immigrants: Hebrew is their second language, they have learned it as they emigrated to Israel or in Hebrew school in their mother countries.





Gaya is an Israeli music group of Israeli newcomers from Africa, both East and West. Gaya's hit song "Yachad" which means together, has literally become a national anthem. Click here to listen to it, I assure you won't be able to resist their energies!
The famous and catchy chorus translates to: together, heart to heart, we will open our hearts and see the light in the sky, we will open our hearts to love".

This moving music expresses pain and optimism at the same time. Hebrew music unfolds the amazing story of Jewish people who have returned to Israel after two thousands years with many difficulties and lots of hope and dreams.

Israel in 2009 Eurovision – There must be Another Way - Israel sings for Peace

Israeli singer, Achinoam Nini, who is internationally known as Noa, has recently collaborated with Israeli-Arab singer Mira Awad. Together they will represent Israel in the annual European Songs Contest, 2009 Eurovision in Moscow.

Noa has become internationally known as the performer of the theme song of Oscar-wining film Life is Beautiful.

As Noa has told the press, witnessing the last conflict in Gaza, she decided to bring some hope back to the Israelis and Palestinians. And so Noa contacted Mira Awad and offered a duet. This fantastic song"There Must be Another Way" (Your Eyes) is the result of this unusual artistic collaboration. The song was written by Noa and Mira and Israeli musician, Gil Dor.



In this context, I want to introduce you to this special piece by Israeli Judaica designers. I call this item the peace or Shalom pendant. As you can see, this Star of David pendant beautifully shaped as a dove (the golden part), the eternal symbol of peace. This unique piece is also made according to Kabbalist method: the blending of five metals (gold, silver, lead, tin and copper) when Jupiter rules the moon, is believed to draw divine protection to the bearer.

Good luck to Israel in the Eurovision contest which will take place in the 16.5.2009, let us keep our fingers crossed. I'll keep you updated.

To read more about the duo in Haaretz.com click here