We’ve long believed that Israeli music immersion is a fantastic way to improve your Hebrew. Turns out we’re not alone.
“Café Oleh”, the popular virtual Hebrew-language class organized by Nefesh B’Nefesh, devoted this week’s class to Israeli music. Specifically, instructor Jay Rosen looked at Israeli protest songs, which have long provided Israelis with an outlet to express their frustrations about society.
“We teach modern Hebrew in an Israeli context,” Jay explains in the video. “So understanding Israeli culture is key to learning Hebrew.”
(YouTube screenshot)
Jay taught the lyrics of three songs:
- Shir L’shalom (Song For Peace) by Lahakat HaNachal – written in 1969, this classic Israeli song took on iconic status in 1995 when Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin read it at a peace rally moments before his assassination.
- Shtei Etzba’ot MiTzidon (Two ‘Fingers’ From Sidon) by Shimi Ron – telling the story of a soldier’s experience in the First Lebanon War
- Eizo Medina (What a Country) by Eli Luzon – a 1986 hit written during a time of economic difficulty and unemployment for many Israelis.
Each song reflects frustrations, grievances, as well as hopes and dreams of many Israelis. Jay helps us understand the lyrics of each song, as well as the circumstances that led to each song’s popularity.
An hour well spent for any Israeli music fan!