Melding world’s sounds, Ben Ari seeks harmony

By Meredith Price
Published on June 12, 2008

He's been called the Israeli Bob Marley and the king of Israeli soul. Others claim that he may be the call to prayer that we've all been waiting for from the Middle East

PBS brings David Broza’s multinational rocking ‘Masada’ to U.S. audience

By Tom Tugend
Published on November 22, 2007

"David Broza at Masada: The Sunrise Concert," starts at 3:30 a.m. at the foot of Masada, and as dawn breaks in the east, the outlines of the Dead Sea and the Moav Mountains beyond come into stunning view. PBS has caught the spirit and will show this different side of Israel in a 90-minute program airing Dec. 2 on KCET.

Ethiopian Jew finds harmony in spite of turbulent past

By Celia Soudry
Published on October 18, 2007

The self-taught artist, Alula Johannes Tzadik, who was totally unaware of his Jewish heritage while growing up, has become a renowned musician in Jewish circles. Inspired musically by Miles Davis and lyrically by Bob Marley, he adds his own flavor of soul to spiritual jams -- melodies that help him connect with the L.A. Jewish community.

Surprise: Raichel Is All About Love

By Amy Klein
Published on November 10, 2005

"Who lends his soul so you should be happy?/ Who lends his hand to build your house....?"

Idan Raichel does -- that's who.

Israel's latest world music pop sensation returns to Los Angeles next week with a concert to highlight his second album "From the Depths." The album and its eponymous song, excerpted above, allude to Psalm 31 in which one calls God from the depths. But here, Raichel calls out instead to his love.

Ugandan Rabbinic Student Up for Grammy

By David Finnigan
Published on February 10, 2005

University of Judaism rabbinic student Gershom Sizomu is deciding what he and his wife will wear to the Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13. "I'm confused," said Sizomu, 35. "Some people say I should put on Ugandan clothes; others say I should put on a tuxedo."