Naomi Shemer, known as the "First Lady of Israeli Song," wrote hundreds of popular Hebrew songs that capture the hopes and aspirations of Israelis. The title of one of her most famous songs, "Yerushalayim Shel Zahav," is based loosely on a Talmudic story about Rabbi Akiva, and it became such an international phenomenon that Israelis lobbied for it to replace "Hatikvah" as their national anthem.

Along with this hit, she wrote many songs about Lake Kinneret and kibbutz life. Though she died in 2004, she remains a powerful inspiration for musicians such as Craig Taubman and Debbie Friedman.