Arik Einstein: “The Voice of Israel”

Israel is full of outstanding talents. For being such a small country, it is breathtaking to start thinking about the Nobel prizes Israelis have received, the outstanding films Israel is sharing with the world, and the phenomenal performances Israel has had in a number of Eurovision editions. We feel proud and honored to be Israelis and to share Israel’s extraordinary innovations and talents with the entire planet.

Today we don’t want to talk about big Israeli companies making a big entrance into NASDAQ, but instead, we want to stay in the field of music and tell you a bit more about a great reference in the world of Israeli music: Arik Einstein.

Remember when we talked about Naomi Shemer and the huge impact she had in both Israeli society and the entire Jewish world? Well, Arik Einstein is not far from that same reality. In this article, you’ll learn more about his life, career, and we will share with you some of his greatest hits.

Are you ready to sing? Bring your entire family and sing along together!

Arieh Leib Einstein: The voice of Israel

Arieh “Arik” Einstein, was born in Tel Aviv at the very beginning of the year 1939 and from the age of 17 years old, he started conquering the hearts of thousands of Israelis through his music, screenwriting and acting jobs.

In a successful career that lasted more than 50 years, Arik Einstein recorded over 500 songs, and was named “the voice of Israel”. According to many descriptions around the web, Einstein is the most influential Israeli artist of all times.

Believe it or not, Arik Einstein started his musical career at the IDF, where after a number of auditions he was accepted in the Nahal Brigade army band, which according to Wikipedia, “paved the way for many of Israel’s most talented and successful musicians (…)”.

Arik Einstein’s songs became real anthems for the Jewish world, enlightening hearts all over the world and helping thousands feel that they belong to something bigger. With songs like “Me and You” (אני ואתה) and “Fly, my fledgling” (עוף גוזל), he entered the houses and hearts of so many people.

When Einstein died, in November of 2013, his funeral gathered thousands of people, including the Prime Minister, hundreds of musicians, politicians, friends, fans, and family members. After his death, Israeli Prime Minister described his songs as, simply, “the soundtrack of Israel”.

Arik Einstein Greatest Hits

Even though Einstein was part of the trio “High Windows”, and released only one album while in it, his greatest hits are from his solo career. Many of his songs talk about the beauty of the land of Israel, and many others about the issues all Israeli families face every day.

Now, we bring you 4 of his greatest hits. Just click play, you don’t have to leave this page to enjoy some of his moving, thrilling, beautiful songs. Ready? It is time to bring the family and listen to these songs together!

His song Uf Gozal talks about that moment when parents need to let their children fly. That hard moment when you see they grew up and they have to leave home. Many Israelis find this song particularly meaningful when their kids turn 18 and have to join the IDF. Some schools, on the other hand, use this song in graduation ceremonies. What is for sure, is that when playing it during a meaningful moment of transition… you’ll make everyone cry.

Friendship, brotherhood, fatherhood, or maybe couple goals. This song talks about how “you and me” will change the world, together. It says, among its lyrics, that “many people have said this before, but it doesn’t matter… We will change the world”. Ready to listen to it?

Arik Einstein’s Pesek Zman became such a meaningful and important song, that even some modern Israeli Jewish communities, integrate it into their prayer books and have turned it into a gorgeous part of their Kabbalat Shabbat service. This song talks about the importance of taking some time for yourself, to be in front of the sea and do nothing.

The song Hofim is, simply, about how beautiful the land of Israel is. In this song, Arik Einstein talked about Israel’s beaches and coasts in a magical, breathtaking way. If you have been to Haifa, Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, Herzliya, or even Eilat, this song will definitely touch your heart.

Learn Hebrew today and sing along!

It is time to learn some Hebrew, and what better than learning this beautiful language through Arik Einstein’s songs?

Start off by listening to these songs a few times, learn the lyrics (even if you don’t know what they really mean)… and then, when you feel it is the right time, join one of the amazing Hebrew courses offered by the Rosen Hebrew School.

By joining one of these courses, you’ll be able to learn Hebrew online, live, and with some well-trained, charismatic instructors. Now… it is up to you!