The Jewish year is rich in holidays, each with its own atmosphere, customs, and music. In spring and fall it seems as if there is not a moment’s rest between the various holidays! Modern Israel has contributed several new holidays to the traditional cycle, namely, Holocaust Memorial Day, Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers, and Independence Day, which are celebrated after Pesach (Passover) each spring. Around each of these new holidays has developed a collection of new songs. In this series of books, Shimon Cohen, well-known composer and arranger, has prepared a representative selection of traditional and modern holiday songs enjoyed in Israel and throughout the world.

This is a collection includes songs sung on Passover by Jews around the world together with some of the most beautiful songs that have been composed about Jerusalem and the longing for peace.

Contents

Hatikva

Passover
Ma nishtana
Avadim hayinu
Dayeinu
Echad mi yodei-a?
Chad gadya
V'hi she-amda
L'shana haba-a
Chasal sidur Pesach
El ginat egoz
Simcha raba

Holocaust Memorial Day
Ani ma'amin
Shir hapartizanim (Partisans' song)
S'brent

Memorial Day and Independence Day
Ma avareikh
Harei-ut
Livkot l'kha
Ben yafe nolad
Lalekhet shevi acharayikh
Ha-amini yom yavo
Kum v'hithalekh ba-arets

Lag B'omer
Bar Yochai
Kashteinu al shichmeinu
Lag b'omer

Jerusalem Day
Zot Y'rushalayim
Simchu et Y'rushalayim
Mei'al pisgat Har Hatsofim
Shuvi bat Y'rushalayim
Or Virushalayim
 

Shimon Cohen, winner of the 1998 "Alim" and "Eshkolit" prizes for a lifetime's contribution to music was born in Rishon LeZion in 1937. He is the great-grandson of one of the founding fathers. Shimon began his musical career as a pianist. He is a graduate of the Rubin Academy of Music in Tel Aviv, and furthered his studies in composition with A.A. Boskovitz and Paul Ben-Haim, and in piano with Gorochov. With time, Shimon diverted his interests from playing to composing and conducting.

Among Cohen's works are symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and many songs. He has also composed music for Israeli feature films and documentaries and for the Israeli stage. 

Shimon Cohen founded the Israeli Symphony Orchestra of Rishon LeZion and served as Musical Director and Conductor during its first season. Cohen also founded the Ashdod Chamber Orchestra and held similar positions for two seasons.