Israeli & Jewish Music Affinity Group

July 27, 2025
Israeli & Jewish Music Affinity Group “Melodies Across Time”

Join us as we journey through the melodies that weave through our most cherished prayers – from the whisper-like Andalusian nigunim of Sephardic tradition to the soaring Ashkenazi chazzanut of Eastern Europe.

You’ll experience how tunes for Hinei Ma Tov, Modeh Ani, Lecha Dodi and Shema Yisrael evolve across communities and eras, reflecting history, geography and spiritual longing. We’ll feature soul-stirring performances by the Revivo Project, whose choral arrangements bring modern polish to ancient texts, alongside singer-songwriter Joe Buchanan, whose country-inflected Torah songs add an Americana twist to our liturgical soundscape.

We’ll cap the session with an “Adon Olam-a-thon,” an uplifting medley of Uzi Hitman’s modern Israeli melody (various adaptations), followed by Shalom Aleichem — an inspiring musical duo that might just inspire you to start Shabbat on a Sunday with song and community.

July 3 – July 6, 2025
Convention Special (Including an Amazing Playlist)
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Note: This was done in person at the convention on Shabbat and there is no video of what was shown. Jason picked a few people to talk about and also provided QR codes for the slideshow and videos. Jason also provided a playlist of some of the artists and songs that were discussed at previous sessions as well as extra songs that he thought people might like to hear. 

January 26 2025
Israeli & Jewish Music Affinity Group: Mizrachi Music 2

Learn about and hear Mizrachi Music?  Music featured by artists Eyal Golan, Dudu Aharon, and many more. (Part 2)

November 18, 2024
Israeli & Jewish Music Affinity Group: Mizrachi Music 1

This presentation will include some interactive audience participation — Mizrachi Jews who immigrated from the Arab countries have, over the last 50 years, created a unique musical style that combines elements of Arabic, Turkish, and Greek music. The quiz is available if you wish to take it at Jason’s Website.

May 8, 2024
Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest

Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest: the backstories, selection process, politics, notable entries, wins and, of course, lots of music.

December 3, 2023
Hanukkah & a tribute to the organizations and people that protect Israel

Join us for a presentation that will definitely get you into the spirit of Hanukkah.  The session will include hits performed by Six 13, Sam Glaser, Shlock Rock, Sarit Haddad, and more. Towards the end of the presentation we will also focus and share some songs in a tribute to Israel and the people protecting our homeland. 

September 10, 2023
Musical Collaborations Part 2

Get ready to enjoy some of the best Collaborative Pieces of Music and learn a little bit about the artists and events that made them possible. This is also a Special High-Holiday Edition of Israeli Music. (Part 2)

July 16, 2023
Israeli Collaborations Duets and More – plus Israel at 75 (Part 1)

Get ready to enjoy some of the best Collaborative Pieces of Music New and Old and learn a little bit about the artists and events that made them possible. From Pablo Rosenberg, Shlomi Shabat, David Broza, and many more. We’ll have a few extra music videos covering Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day for Israel) and a really unique video you don’t want to miss that came out recently just in time for the 75 years of israel.

April 2, 2023
Passover Parodies and more!

Some of the best music and videos including the Macabeats, Six13 and much more.

January 09 2023
Israeli & Jewish Music Affinity Group – Introduction

This group will explore new and old Israeli / Jewish music (from Israeli artists to American Jewish artists. At this first meeting, Jason Hecht will introduce you to songs that came out in 2020 as well as songs that – you wouldn’t believe your ears – are sung in Hebrew. Jason picked out a few artists of the many artists available online to introduce you to at our first meeting. We will also explore ways to listen to Israeli music and how easy it is.