<Ul> <Li> Lyrics that relate to the Israeli experience . As one might expect in a country that has faced major wars and military conflicts since its inception, army life and wars are common themes in Israeli songwriting . Very few of the war songs are marching songs, and none denigrate the Arab enemies . Most are melancholy, focusing on separation and loss during war, and the longing for peace . Many songs are about pioneering, building up the land, and love of hiking and nature . Others are based on biblical texts . A typical pioneer marching song is Anu Nihiyeh HaRishonim (We will be the first), with words by Yosef Haftman to a traditional melody . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Lyrics that relate to the Israeli experience . As one might expect in a country that has faced major wars and military conflicts since its inception, army life and wars are common themes in Israeli songwriting . Very few of the war songs are marching songs, and none denigrate the Arab enemies . Most are melancholy, focusing on separation and loss during war, and the longing for peace . Many songs are about pioneering, building up the land, and love of hiking and nature . Others are based on biblical texts . A typical pioneer marching song is Anu Nihiyeh HaRishonim (We will be the first), with words by Yosef Haftman to a traditional melody . </Li> <Ul> <Li> A distinctive vocal style . Israeli singers--especially those of Yemenite origin or who specialize in more middle eastern style songs--tend to sing with a guttural, throaty enunciation . A folk legend contends that these singers would drink water from goatskin watersacks, and the hairs of the goat would stick in their throats . An example of this style can be heard in the song Ein Adir KeAdonai, (There is none so great as God), a traditional liturgical melody sung by Bracha Zefira . </Li> </Ul> <Li> A distinctive vocal style . Israeli singers--especially those of Yemenite origin or who specialize in more middle eastern style songs--tend to sing with a guttural, throaty enunciation . A folk legend contends that these singers would drink water from goatskin watersacks, and the hairs of the goat would stick in their throats . An example of this style can be heard in the song Ein Adir KeAdonai, (There is none so great as God), a traditional liturgical melody sung by Bracha Zefira . </Li>

What is the role of music in the religious practices in israel