Shalom Chaverim, 

As we start a new year on the Jewish calendar, I hope you are able to join with family and friends in worship.

Did you know that some of our favourite liturgical melodies actually come from Israeli pop music?

Israeli culture is a melding of old and new, traditional and modern.

In this spirit, secular Israeli pop musicians have set ancient verses to modern melodies.

And, many of these versions have become so rooted in our prayer that we assume they are old, traditional tunes.

For example, pop musician Uzi Chitman wrote this popular, rousing version of Adon Olam.  Here he performs for contestants of Israel’s annual Bible quiz.

Click image to watch

This universally known version of Al Shlosha D’varim was written by Israeli musician Chaim Tzur, here performed by singer Yigal Bashan. 

Click image to watch

And composer Nurit Hirsch introduces her version of Oseh Shalom by observing that “many people believe this is an ancient melody but, as you can see, I’m not so ancient”. 

Click image to watch

As we join together in song to celebrate the new year, let’s renew our commitment to supporting our friends in Israel who work every day for our shared values.