Now a word about the master of the genre, Emanuel Zamir. He was very worried about Israeli culture becoming Westernised. He wanted to keep it closer to the roots. Emanuel studied the music of the Bedouins very intently, as well as their culture. Some of his songs, such as Debka Ha'chamor (The donkey's debka) were based on melodies and words he heard them sing, others, entirely original compositions, written in the same style. The lyrics are very biblical and very poetic. Zamir was a virtuoso on recorder, so most of the songs were composed on that instrument and it features in most of the performances. He had a band which he would travel the country with, giving free performances. Sadly, he died in 1962 in a car accident. Here is a recent collection, with free samples. http://mooma.keshet-tv.com/Discs.asp?ArtistId=29&AlbumId=40092 The first song, Megadim Lere'i (fruit for my friend), is arguably his most famous one. Megadim (sing. meged) are mentioned in the Song of Songs 4:13, translated as precious fruits. "Thy shoots are a park of pomegranates, with precious fruits; henna with spikenard plants"
Precious fruit for my friend who has hid modestly? How green is the laughter of leaves in the rain? My joy is mad from her heady wine Her repose - fountains kissing the shores...
Hang on for me, blessed nights and days my path in the heavens - hold for me come my friend, come my lover, the leaves are moist They are for you and you are for me.