For many, the dream of becoming a professional musician is not an easy goal to obtain. To do so takes persistence and perhaps a lucky break or two. Hallelujah, a global singing competition hosted in Israel, looks to make that transition easier for one new star. Among the 30 contestants is Shani Shousterman, a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles. Since graduating from the University of Southern California with a master’s degree in music, Shani has worked to make her dreams a reality, but needs some help. …More

Last night marked the start of Yom Ha'atzmaut, an annual celebration of Israel's independence 64 years ago. Jewish groups across the globe honored the day in style, with a series of parties, events and series aimed at paying tribute to the Jewish state. With so many Jews living it up, Yom Ha'atzmaut 2012 turned into one giant birthday bash in honor of the Holy Land. Jspace got in on the fun, throwing an Israeli Independence Day celebration at LAVO, a New York City nightclub. Hundreds showed up for the dance …More

Israeli President Shimon Peres was so inspired by his visit to Jerusalem’s Reshit elementary school last week that he penned a poem celebrating the history of Ethiopian Jews. Entitled “The Eyes of Beta Israel,” the poem was then sent to Israeli singer-songwriter Idan Raichel, who put Peres’ words to music, creating a celebratory song. Raichel, who is known for working with many Ethiopian singers and musicians during his career, performed the song for Peres and others at Jerusalem’s …More

The 14th annual Jewish Summer Festival kicked off on Sunday in Budapest with a concert featuring the pleasantly contradictory musical stylings of the Adler Trio and violinist Katica Illenyi. The festival, which still employs Dohány Street Synagogue as its central venue, features international stars, popular Hungarian groups, solo performers, and, of course, plenty of Klezmer music. Tomorrow the annual cantor concert fills the Frankel Street Synagogue with music. Featuring some of the most prominent cantor …More