If there is one Jewish song known by Jews and non-Jews alike, it is undoubtedly Hava Nagila. From its obscure origins in early twentieth-century Palestine, the song has gone on to become a perennial favorite at weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and Jewish--and non-Jewish--cultural events around the world.Read More
Religious MusicSynagogue & Religious Music
An overview of various forms of synagogue and religious music.Synagogue Music
The music of the synagogue celebrates both the diversity and unity of the Jewish people.The Nigun
A mystical musical prayer introduced by Hasidism.Appreciating Cantorial Music
Learning to appreciate hazzanut.Nusah
Traditional musical motifs, called nusah, give each service of Jewish prayer a distinct sound.
Israeli MusicFolk Music
The music and lyrics expressed the dreams of a new nation.History
Israeli music has a rich history reaching back before the founding of the State.Popular Music
A unique sound emanating from a unique placeHatikvah
The colorful history of the Israeli national anthem.Ethiopian-Israeli Pop Music
Ethiopian-inspired music has hit the big time in Israel.
Hasidic rabbi Shlomo Carlebach composed and popularized catchy melodies for short liturgical texts.Debbie Friedman
A Jewish musical phenomenonNaomi Shemer
This Israeli songwriter is famous for lyrics of such songs as "Jerusalem of Gold" and "Lu Yehi".Ofra Haza
This Yemenite singer has played a prominent role on the Israeli and International music scene.Chava Alberstein
This legendary Israeli singer has created an unparalleled and multilingual body of music.
Klezmer music finds new life in America in the late 1900s.Rock Music
The Jewish contribution to the development of rock music.Bob Dylan
Dylan's Jewish influences are never far from the surface.Leonard Bernstein
The American composer, conductor, teacher, and pianist infused his work with his Jewish heritage.Hip Hop Hoodios
A Latino Jewish urban collective.