ISRAEL MUSIC AND ARTS

1. Traditional

Jewish Music

Liturgical Music:

Sung during synagogue services, often in Hebrew or Aramaic.

Uses chants like the cantillation of the Torah (melodic reading).

DESPITE DIFFERENCES, MUSIC HELPS PEOPLE CONNECT BEYOND LANGUAGE.

Sephardic Music:

Influenced by Spanish and North African traditions.

Features Ladino songs (a Judeo-Spanish language).

Ashkenazi Music:

Rooted in Eastern European traditions, often performed in Yiddish.

2. Folk Music

Israeli Folk Songs:

Known as Shirei Eretz Yisrael (Songs of the Land of Israel), they are

inspired by Zionism and life in Israel.

Examples: Hava Nagila (a celebratory song), Yerushalayim Shel

Zahav (Jerusalem of Gold).

DESPITE DIFFERENCES, MUSIC HELPS PEOPLE CONNECT BEYOND LANGUAGE.

Hora Dance Music:

A lively, circle-based dance accompanied by traditional folk

melodies.

3. Middle Eastern and

Mediterranean Music

Mizrahi Music:

Developed by Jews from the Middle East and North Africa.

Combines Arabic, Persian, and Turkish influences with Hebrew

lyrics.

Instruments: Oud (string instrument), Darbuka (drum), and Kanun

(zither).

DESPITE DIFFERENCES, MUSIC HELPS PEOPLE CONNECT BEYOND LANGUAGE.

4. Modern Israel Music

Genres:

Pop, rock, jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music.

Artists often incorporate Hebrew, Arabic, and English lyrics.

Famous Artists:

Ofra Haza (known for blending traditional Yemenite music with

pop).

Idan Raichel (famous for the multicultural Idan Raichel Project).

Netta Barzilai (Eurovision winner with the song Toy).

DESPITE DIFFERENCES, MUSIC HELPS PEOPLE CONNECT BEYOND LANGUAGE.

5. Religious and Spiritiual

Music

DESPITE DIFFERENCES, MUSIC HELPS PEOPLE CONNECT BEYOND LANGUAGE.

Includes Klezmer (Eastern European Jewish instrumental music,

often played at weddings) and Piyyutim (Jewish liturgical poems

set to music).

DESPITE DIFFERENCES, MUSIC HELPS PEOPLE CONNECT BEYOND LANGUAGE.

5. Religious and Spiritiual

Music

DESPITE DIFFERENCES, MUSIC HELPS PEOPLE CONNECT BEYOND LANGUAGE.

Includes Klezmer (Eastern European Jewish instrumental music,

often played at weddings) and Piyyutim (Jewish liturgical poems

set to music).

5. Religious and Spiritiual

Music

DESPITE DIFFERENCES, MUSIC HELPS PEOPLE CONNECT BEYOND LANGUAGE.

Includes Klezmer (Eastern European Jewish instrumental music,

often played at weddings) and Piyyutim (Jewish liturgical poems

set to music).

1. Traditional Crafts

Hamsa (Hand of Fatima) – A symbol of

protection, often made into jewelry, wall

hangings, or ceramic art.

Ceramics & Pottery – Inspired by ancient

pottery found in archaeological sites, many

artists create hand-painted plates, bowls, and

decorative tiles.

1. Traditional Crafts

Embroidery & Textiles – The diverse Jewish

communities in Israel have brought different

embroidery styles, such as Yemenite and

Eastern European patterns, often seen in prayer

shawls (tallit) and decorative fabric art.

2. Judaica (Jewish Ritual Art)

Menorah – A seven-branched candelabrum,

symbolizing Jewish heritage and used in religious

ceremonies.

Mezuzah – A small decorative case containing a prayer

scroll, placed on doorposts for blessings and protection.

2. Judaica (Jewish Ritual Art)

Torah Crowns & Pointers – Silver or gold-plated

ornaments used in synagogues to honor the Torah.

3. Modern Israel Art

Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design – Established in 1906, this

institution has influenced modern Israeli art, combining traditional

Jewish symbols with contemporary styles.

Street Art & Graffiti – In cities like Tel Aviv, artists use murals and

graffiti to express political and cultural themes.

Recycled Art – Many Israeli artists use recycled materials to create

sculptures and eco-friendly designs.

4. Mosaic

Mosaic art in Israel has a history dating back

to Roman and Byzantine times. Today, artists

continue to create intricate mosaic designs

found in synagogues, public spaces, and

galleries.

EXAMPLES ARTWORKS IN ISRAEL

HAMSA (HAND OF

FATIMA

EMBROIDERY

& TEXTILES

CERAMICS &

POTTERY

EXAMPLES MOSAIC

MENORAH

MEZUZAH

TORAH CROWNS &

POINTERS