If ever asked for advice, I always tell new immigrants to buy their appliances in Israel; they’re suited to the local lifestyle and can be repaired without hassle.
If you’re looking to buy a new washing machine in Israel, the good news is that the market is full of solid, well‑reviewed options across a wide range of prices.
After ten years of loyal service, our 7‑kg Samsung washing machine suddenly washed its last load. In that time, our needs have changed quite a bit, and even though the kids are no longer at home, we still run at least five loads of laundry a week.
Courtesy: Unsplash
The advice I got from friends and colleagues was inconclusive, but a friendly repairman finally gave me some clarity. He told me to stay away from Samsung because it’s not what it used to be, and only buy Bosch if it’s made in Germany. He also warned me against models with too many digital features. “Stick to machines with simple control knobs and basic cycles—they’re cheaper to fix and far less likely to give you trouble,” he said.
In the suburb of Tel Chanan, just outside Haifa, there’s a shopping complex with at least five electrical appliance stores, so I headed over there to see what I could find.
To my horror, I discovered that small‑capacity washing machines—anything under 8 kg—are now few and far between. Noisier than front-load machines, there is also a limited selection of narrow top-load machines. On the bright side, a smaller washing machine means a smaller price tag and that is never bad.
Most models I saw could handle eight to twelve kilos of dry laundry. We simply don’t have the hanging space for that much, and I prefer to use the dryer only when I absolutely have to. There’s something lovely about laundry drying naturally in the sunshine and breeze.
The price of washing machines starts below 1,000 shekels for budget brands like Neon, Midea or Beko. Typically, mid-range models are upward of 2,500 shekels, while premium, high-end brands like Miele and Siemens can reach 6,000 shekels.
Energy efficiency and noise level are two important considerations. An A or B energy rating is ideal, and if you’re already buying a new machine, choosing one that saves electricity isn’t just good for your wallet — it’s better for the environment too.
While I prefer a basic machine, most automatically weigh the laundry and adjust the wash cycle accordingly. I did notice a couple of interesting features on the mid-range models among them auto-clean and steam or hygiene modes that could actually be useful. I even came across a 12‑kg washing machine with a built‑in dryer, which makes perfect sense if you’re a large family.
Personally, I like a machine with a high spin speed and won’t consider anything below 1,400 RPM. I really appreciate this in the winter because the laundry comes out much drier — which means a shorter run in the dryer.
From my research, top marks go to LG and the Bosch series-8 (only if made in Germany).
Electrolux is a good top-load choice – the machine is only 40cm and great for small spaces.
If money is no object, then Miele is the undoubtedly the best.
Coming in at around 600 shekels, the 6-kg Neon is available at Osher Ad. While Shufersal’s 8-kg Pilot retails for 900 shekels.
Our main issue was a narrow 55‑cm doorway, so the selection of front‑load machines that fit this requirement was extremely limited. All the larger‑capacity models are 60 × 60 and simply wouldn’t have fitted the space. In the end, we bought an 8‑kg front‑load Electra that’s 53 cm wide for 1,300 shekels. Electra is an Israeli company, though their machines are manufactured in Turkey.
I don’t expect the machine to last more than five years — that works out to about 1.5 shekels a day, and as long as the laundry comes out good and clean and fresh, it feels like a real bargain.
Every year, thousands of travelers fly from Tel Aviv to destinations across Africa—most of them via Ethiopia. Whether you’re trekking up Kilimanjaro, visiting the Serengeti, seeing family in South Africa, or heading to Morocco, chances are you’ll be connecting through Ethiopia.
For Israelis, Ethiopia holds an additional layer of connection. Over the past 30+ years, Israel’s Ethiopian community has grown to nearly 200,000 people.
We’ve flown to South Africa several times via Addis Ababa, and this year, when the opportunity arose for a four‑day stopover to experience Ethiopia’s unique culture, food, and sights, we seized it. But planning a visit to Addis is more than simply booking a flight, choosing a hotel, downloading the RIDE taxi app, Google Translate, and buying a $5 SIM card at the airport—careful preparation makes all the difference.
We scoured the internet and watched countless YouTube videos—Mark Wiens’ food adventures, Davud Akhundzada’s experiences, and many others—each heightening our excitement.
Every post on TripAdvisor and similar platforms recommend hiring a local guide. Through a chain of connections, I was introduced to tour operator Dejene Hodes. Born in Ethiopia, he was one of four children adopted by a Jewish-American physician doing humanitarian work in Ethiopia.
Dejene was raised in the US and then returned as an adult to reconnect with his roots. He is deeply knowledgeable about Ethiopia, Israel, and Jewish heritage, and regularly arranges tours for MASA participants. His background made him uniquely suited to craft a personalized itinerary for us.
We spoke, exchanged emails, and he sent links to his website, and YouTube channel to help us make informed decisions. Our interests were broad but with only four days, we didn’t want to travel far outside Addis. Sadly, that meant skipping Gondar, the heart of the Jewish community. Hopefully next time.
From Addis, you can take day trips to the Blue Nile Gorge, the crater lakes at Wenchi or Bishoftu, Debre Libanos Monastery, and more. You can also stay within the city—experience the panoramic views from Entoto Park, visit museums, and enjoy the food. Dejene took our wish list and turned it into an adventure.
Hotels are scattered across Addis, though many are close to Bole Airport. Choosing a local hotel offers a very different experience from staying at an international chain like Best Western or the Hilton.
The shopping culture differs from ours. You won’t find expansive malls, H&M, or Zara, but you will find shops selling traditional Ethiopian clothing—beautifully embroidered fabrics, hand‑woven scarves, and leather handbags crafted by local designers.
And no, you won’t find Starbucks. Instead, you’ll enjoy coffee where it was born. Ethiopia, the birthplace of Coffea arabica, serves some of the world’s finest brews. Small cafés offer rich, aromatic coffee for less than one US dollar—strong enough to power you through the day.
A visit to Tomoca, a family‑owned coffee chain established in the 1950s, is a pleasant interlude. Antique roasters and grinders fill the shop, and my husband declared their coffee “the best cup ever.” We brought home a bag of ground beans and have been savoring it since.
Antique coffee roasters and grinders at Tomaco – All photos: Anglo-List
The traditional coffee ceremony is an essential cultural experience. At Entoto Park, we sat on low stools as coffee beans were roasted over coals, ground, brewed, and poured into small espresso‑sized cups. The ceremony also includes the burning of incense resin, which added to the atmosphere.
Ethiopia is also Africa’s largest producer of honey—another must‑buy. We were drawn to the raw honey, thick and white like condensed milk. Since we were on our way to visit family in South Africa, it made a perfect gift.
No trip of ours is complete without exploring the markets. Merkato, the largest market in Africa, stretches for miles and sells everything from Berbere spice to kitchen sinks. Its sheer size felt overwhelming, so we opted for the smaller Shola Market, not far from our hotel.
You can buy live chickens, fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, spices, wool, household goods, and more, but Shola is nothing like an Israeli shuk. Don’t wait to buy souvenirs at tourist shops or the airport—pick up colorful straw baskets at the market. They come in every size, are beautifully woven, and cost next to nothing. At the markets, you may be approached for money, but we chose to buy a bag of fruit and offer it instead—a gesture that felt more meaningful.
Across the way from Shola is an eatery where you can wash down a burger and chips with Spris. Spris is a layered fruit smoothie combining juices such as mango, papaya, or banana with—wait for it—avocado purée and lime.
Spris
In every country we visit, we make sure to visit a supermarket. With a reported average monthly wage of $50, the convenience of supermarket shopping is out of reach for most. We found ourselves at Bambis, stocking plenty of canned goods and non‑perishables. The selection of perishables was limited and the fruit at Shola was better, but we ended up buying a tray of passion fruit to take back to our hotel. We tried the local chocolates and chips but couldn’t find any diet drinks or lactose‑free products. We found dried meat that looked like biltong. I’ve yet to meet a South African who doesn’t enjoy biltong, so we bought a packet in the hope it was—it wasn’t.
While on the topic of food, we wanted to taste whatever we could. American hotel chains provide an extensive breakfast, but our local hotel offered a modest breakfast with some traditional and some basic Western dishes.
Two large restaurants provide a tourist‑oriented traditional cultural experience: Yod Abyssinia and Totot—we chose the latter. There was an extensive menu of vegetarian and non‑vegetarian dishes. We ordered the largest platter on the menu (one is more than enough for two people)—Tibs, Shiro (from chickpeas), lentils, greens, and more, all served with Injera. Injera is the staple, and as you eat with your right hand, it forms a handy “pocket” for your food. Everything was tasty. The meal was served on a large flat basket (get one at the market) and accompanied by Berbere, a chili‑based Ethiopian spice blend. Be warned!
I ordered Tej—an Ethiopian drink similar to mead. The waiter told me that it wasn’t alcoholic, but my head was spinning after a few sips. My husband tried the local beers, but his favorite was Habesha, a pale lager.
The evening included more than two hours of thoroughly enjoyable traditional dancing and singing.
Dejene had arranged a countryside tour for us; however, at the last minute, we had to cancel as my husband wasn’t well. But the next day, he arranged for one of his guides–Tekalign Feyisa and a driver to take us to sites we hadn’t yet seen in the city. Teka is a seasoned tour guide specializing in Addis city tours as well as historical, cultural, and nature tours way beyond Addis. He is also a guide at the Ethnological Museum, once the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. He guided us through its exhibitions and explained the history of Ethiopia, its communities, and its rich culture. It was great to be able to ask questions and get the answers you don’t without a guide.
If you’ve visited the Sterkfontein Caves and Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg or are interested in anthropology, you’ll appreciate the National Museum, where “Lucy”—the skeletal remains of a female of the hominin species Australopithecus afarensis—is on display. The exhibit includes several hundred pieces of fossilized bone comprising about 40 percent of the three‑million‑year‑old skeleton.
If the Ethiopia–Italo war interests you, you may want to visit the Adwa Museum commemorating the 1896 battle where Ethiopia defeated the Italian colonial forces.
Entrance fees to museums are minimal.
After a full-day’s activity, at Teka’s recommendation, we ended our outing at the Finfine restaurant where my husband and I shared Derek Tibs—a grilled meat dish. Finfine is known for its authentic Ethiopian cuisine capturing the essence of local flavors. The décor and furnishings were traditional: carved furniture, low tables, and elaborate wall and ceiling panels, added to the atmosphere.
We exchanged currency at our hotel; it was easier. You must have local currency as credit cards are not widely used. They’re accepted at hotels but not at all eateries.
Derek Tibs – grilled meat
Connect the RIDE taxi app to your credit card and you’ll avoid the hassle of negotiating cash fares. We used taxis for most journeys, and they were very reasonably priced — often cheaper than a single adult public transport ticket back home.
Crossing the road was an experience in itself. With unguarded intersections, cars weaving across lanes, and vehicles turning in every direction, it looks chaotic, yet somehow it all flows. We walked whenever possible, though navigating with Google Maps proved challenging — only the main roads seem to have names, while most others are simply numbered.
The majority of Ethiopians are devout Christians with strong ties to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Their faith shapes daily life, including dietary practices: pork is avoided, and numerous fasting days are observed throughout the year, during which people follow a strictly vegetarian diet (hence the extensive vegetarian menu at restaurants).
Addis Ababa has many churches and cathedrals, and one of the highlights of our visit was meeting a friendly woman at the National Museum who offered to take us to the nearby Holy Trinity Cathedral. We couldn’t go inside because a baptism was underway. The grounds are dotted with small shrines, and we watched devout worshippers prostrating themselves in reverence. It was a powerful glimpse into the spiritual life that shapes so much of Ethiopian culture.
During our walks we also visited Unity Park, the Lion of Judah statue, Meskel Square, and Menelik II Square.
With a population of around six million, Addis Ababa is a city of contrasts. Its skyline mixes modern high‑rises with Italian‑influenced Art Deco buildings, simple concrete block structures, contemporary apartments, and modest homes where even basic services like electricity aren’t always guaranteed. The blend of old and new, formal and improvised, gives the city an energy that’s both dynamic and unpredictable. Above all, its people are warm and friendly and we always felt safe.
The Land of the Queen of Sheba was an unforgettable experience. Landlocked, with Djibouti as its sole gateway to the sea, Ethiopia is not constrained by its borders. Opinions about the current government vary, but that tension is part of the country’s evolving story. Much of the infrastructure is being modernized, yet it remains a nation still very much in development. If you’re seeking a destination that feels truly different from anywhere else, Ethiopia more than delivers.
In light of the current security situation, the Home Front Command has issued new guidelines to help protect all citizens and visitors across Israel.
Your safety and well-being are a top priority, and we kindly ask that you follow these directives closely:
Starting Friday, June 13, 2025, at 03:00, the entire country will shift to essential activity only. Only essential services will remain operational–supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, health fund, and the like. Your shoemaker, manicurist, and favorite pizzeria, are closed.
Public gatherings are currently prohibited including synagogue services.
Israel’s airspace is closed; all incoming and outgoing flights are suspended until further notice.
Please stay within close reach of a protected area (bomb shelter) at all times. Try this website for a list of the public shelters near you: www.safewayil/.ovh
In case of a security threat, sirens will sound, providing approximately 10 minutes’ warning. Note, in the past few days, this gap has narrowed.
For real-time alerts and guidance, install the official Home Front Command app: 👉 https://www.oref.org.il/eng
Stay safe. We are thinking of you and sending strength to all those affected.
Here are a few words you might find useful:
English
Transliteration
Hebrew
Bomb shelter
Miklat
מקלט
Protected room (room in your apartment) Abbreviation: MAMAD
When I finally reached the point where spare hoses for my beloved Hoover wet‑and‑dry vacuum were no longer available—and my duct‑tape patch jobs became more trouble than they were worth—I had to accept that it was time to replace the Hoover wet-and-dry barrel model that had served me faithfully since before our Aliyah in 1989. True to form, I dove into the world of vacuum cleaners with my usual thoroughness. My family joke that I don’t need to write a full thesis for every major purchase, but I can’t help myself. Now that I’ve done the research, I’m sharing what I learned with fellow olim who might find themselves in the same situation.
As I get older and bending down becomes more of a mission, the idea of an upright vacuum cleaner makes more sense. And lo and behold, I discovered that the upright vacuum world has come a long way since my 1989 purchase. They no longer weigh a ton, they don’t use bags—paper or otherwise—to collect the dust bunnies, and they’re portable, lightweight, cordless, and nothing like the workhorses of years gone by.
But, like most of us in Israel, I work full-time, and housework does not appeal to me, so after looking into state-of-the-art upright vacuum cleaners, I discovered the robot vacuum, or iRobot, as it is often referred to. The iRobot is smart, and some models can be controlled remotely through an app. Even if I were willing to settle for a not‑so‑smart model that I operate manually, the idea of sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee and not having to walk behind a vacuum cleaner is pretty appealing.
I’m comparing both:
What are the advantages of an upright vacuum cleaner?
It’s upright – no bending
Lightweight and therefore portable
Not too noisy
It has a small ‘dust-bunny drum,’ an advantage, as it means you must empty the drum regularly.
The drum is transparent, so you can see if you have sucked up an earring or precious object.
The flexible hose has been replaced by an extendable rigid pipe, so less wear and tear
The rigid pipe can be removed and the appliance can be used as a hand vacuum–you can vacuum countertops, the car, or small, less accessible areas
It’s rechargeable – so no long electrical cables or extension cords
Price point – from 700 shekels to 3,000 for a top-of-the-range Dyson
Disadvantages of an upright vacuum cleaner
If you don’t keep it connected to a power supply, an emergency will arise, and you’ll discover that the vacuum has no power.
The vacuums are intended to be wall-mounted and connected to a power supply nearby. For me this is a nuisance–the mount is just another thing that needs to be fitted and drilled into the wall. If you’re not drill-handy, you’ll need a handyperson to attach the bracket to the wall which set you back 150 shekels or more for the call-out fee.
Now, the iRobot
Don’t think of an iRobot as a powerful vacuum cleaner—it’s really more of a sweeper. I made that mistake myself. But its great advantage is that you can be doing something else, or even out of the house entirely, while it gets on with the job.
You need to ensure that your couch legs are sufficiently high enough for the iRobot to get underneath. We had to get new couch legs for this.
It cannot be used in small, less accessible places.
It isn’t quiet, and takes a fair amount of time to sweep the entire house. Having to listen to the noise while the iRobot completes, is annoying.
The dust-bunny-drum is very small and needs to be emptied each time.
Original parts are expensive; the brushes and filters, but I ordered a set of from AliExpress and have not had any quality-related issues.
The iRobot needs to stay plugged in at all times, and since I don’t have another suitable spot, mine sits connected in the living room—not exactly the most decorative feature.
Price point: 500 shekels upwards
Wet-and-dry vacuums
Over the past few years, wet‑and‑dry upright vacuums and robot vacuum‑mop hybrids have taken off in Israel. This feature saves a ton of effort and pretty much eliminates the need for old‑school mops — the kind that tend to turn into germ‑collecting tools if they’re not cleaned properly.
They’re great for sticky spills, cleaning up after pets, and everyday upkeep. The dirty water tank needs to be emptied and rinsed after each use. I’m not sure whether they can clean carpets, but since most Israeli homes don’t have much carpeting, it’s not a major concern. Of course, the larger the water tank, the heavier the vacuum is.
The Dreame upright vacuum retails for around 3,000 shekels while the Bissell is one-third of the price.
Wet-and-dry robots retail from 1,500 shekels (Xiaomi) to almost 6,000 for the Dreame.
Could I manage with only one of these appliances?
Yes, I could manage with the upright vacuum, but my life is easier with the iRobot.
I bought an iRobot Roomba and, although it was one of the cheaper models in their lineup, it was still quite expensive at the time. Looking back, I realize I could have chosen a far cheaper brand. And even if the quality of the budget option had been lower, I could have bought four of them for the price of that one Roomba.
I’ve had mine for about eight years and it has never needed a single repair. But when it eventually reaches the end of its life, I plan to treat myself to a wet‑and‑dry model.
I have a personal rule: whatever appliance I buy, I never go for the top‑of‑the‑line model. I made that mistake once, and I was constantly dealing with a finicky digital panel and overly sensitive electronics. These days, I stick to a simple on/off switch and the basic features I actually need.
I hope this article is helpful. Do a price check on Zap or Zabilo before you buy. There is no shame in purchasing last year’s model to save your hard-earned money.
In this article with a comparison of investment houses for 2023 in the field of independent trading and Invesment on the stock exchange. On the Israel Broker website you can receive offers from a variety of leading investment houses in Israel in the field of trading on the stock exchange. Among the investment houses: Meitav Dash, IBI, Excellence, Psagot.
Broker name
Min. Deposit for opening
20,000 NIS
20,000 NIS
20,000 NIS
20,000 NIS
10,000 NIS ($3,000)
Buy/sell fee for shares and ETFs in Israel
0.09%
0.08%
0.09%
0.085%
No trade in Israel
Buy/sell fee for options from UF
2.5 NIS per option
2.5 NIS per option
2.5 NIS per option
2.5 NIS per option
No trade in Israel
U.S. Stock Buy/Sell Fee
1 cents per share
Minimum Fee $ 8
1 cents per share
Minimum Fee $7.5
1 cents per share
Minimum Fee $8
1 cents per share
Minimum Fee $5
1 cents per share Minimum Fee $2.5$
Fixed Price Option for Transaction $
7.5
U.S. Options/Buy/Sell Fee
$4 for option minimum $12 per transaction
$3 for option minimum $9 per transaction
$2.5 for option minimum $7.5 per transaction
Starting at $1 per option
Trading system in Israel
Ordernet
Ordernet
Ordernet
Ordernet
No trade in Israel
Overseas trading system
ORBIS VIEWTRADE IB
IBI SMART
Global Extrade
Interactive Brokers
TWS Trading System
Handling fees
19 NIS
15 NIS
20 NIS
19 NIS
without
Shift fees
exempt
exempt
exempt
exempt
exempt
Disclaimer: Trading commission prices are subject to change at any time. Please refer to the official website or contact the brokerage firm for the most up-to-date commission rates.
*Anglo-list.com does not take any responsibility for your trading or investing plans or results (Trading stocks involves risks, and there is no guarantee of profits)
– Special conditions will be given to large-scale traders
– You have the option to create an online account without physically visiting the investment brokerage firm.
Laughter has an incredible ability to bring people together, crossing cultural and religious boundaries. Within the realm of humor, Jewish jokes have long been cherished for their clever wordplay, cultural insights, and ability to poke fun at the idiosyncrasies of Jewish life. Here are ten fresh and original Jewish that will leave you in stitches. Carefully crafted to provide a delightful blend of wit, cultural commentary, and timeless comedic charm, get ready to discover a treasure trove of laughter that you won’t find anywhere else!
These jokes are not intended to insult or poke fun at anyone. We give credit to the many unknown brilliant minds who wrote them.
1.Why did the matzo ball bring a suitcase to the party?
Because it heard there would be a souper time!
2. What did the Jewish grandmother say when her grandchild asked if they could go shopping on Shabbat?
“Darling, on Shabbat, the only shopping we do is for compliments at synagogue!”
3. Why did the rabbi carry a ruler during Passover?
To measure if the chametz is a hair’s breadth away from the matzo!
4. Why did the doctor prescribe chicken soup to the patient?
Because they believed in the healing power of bubbe’s love in every spoonful!
5. Two elderly Jewish men are sitting on a park bench. One says, “Oy, the food they serve in this place is terrible.” The other responds, “I know, and such small portions!”
6. A Jewish man visits the doctor and says, “Doctor, you’ve got to help me. I can’t remember anything.” The doctor replies, “When did this problem start?” The man answers, “What problem?”
7. Why did the Jewish astronaut request an aliyah to the Torah in space?
To have a truly out-of-this-world spiritual experience!
8. Why did the potato celebrate Hanukkah?
Because it wanted to leave a legacy of crispy goodness for future generations as a latke!
9. How do you make a Jewish comedian speechless?
You don’t. It’s impossible!
10. Why did the observant Jew become a vegetarian?
They realized that meshugeneh diets don’t have to include meat!
A Jewish mother asks her son, “Why do you only visit me on Jewish holidays?” The son replies, “But Mother, I’m here today! It’s Yom Kippur!”
A young Jewish boy comes home from school and tells his mother, “Guess what, Mom? Today I was the only one who could answer the teacher’s question.” His mother asks, “What was the question?” The boy proudly says, “Who threw the rock through the window?”
Two Jewish friends are walking down the street when they pass a church with a sign that says, “Convert to Christianity and get $100.” One friend says, “I’m tempted. What do you think?” The other replies, “Better wait. Maybe they’ll offer $200 next week.”
A rabbi and a priest are playing golf. The rabbi says, “You know, I’m always amazed. Every time you hit the ball, you pray first, and it goes so far!” The priest smiles and says, “Ah, yes, but you see, Rabbi, I have a secret: I pray to God for a good golf swing, not for a hole-in-one.”
A Jewish grandmother is watching her grandchild play on the beach when a huge wave comes and takes him out to sea. She looks up and pleads, “Please God, save my only grandson! I beg of you, bring him back!” Suddenly, another big wave comes and deposits the boy back on the beach, safe and sound. She looks up and says, “He had a hat!”
A Jewish man wins the lottery and is asked how he plans to spend the money. He replies, “I’m going to donate half of it to charity.” When asked what he’ll do with the other half, he answers, “I’m going to pay off the rest of my debts.”
Two Jewish friends meet on the street. One says, “I haven’t seen you in years! How have you been?” The other replies, “Well, I moved to Israel, I got married, and I have five children now.” The first friend exclaims, “Five children? How did that happen?” The second friend shrugs and says, “One at a time.”
A Jewish woman is sitting on a park bench, reading a newspaper. Suddenly, she exclaims, “Oy vey! Look at this! It says here that research shows Jews live longer than any other religious group.” Her friend sitting next to her asks, “So, what’s the problem?” The woman sighs and replies, “Now I have to suffer longer!”
With all the information provided, one of our representatives will reply (email) within a few business days.
*Disclaimer: By sending an email to us requesting to post a job on our board, you acknowledge and agree that the content provided is accurate and complies with all applicable laws and regulations. We reserve the right to review, modify, or reject any job posting at our discretion. We do not guarantee the accuracy, suitability, or availability of the job listings. We are not responsible for any consequences or liabilities arising from the hiring process or the interactions between employers and job seekers.
Having grown up in the culinary shadows of the Eastern European kitchen, since making Aliyah, we have learnt to appreciate the flavors of North Africa, Morocco, and the Middle East, and we love them. Friends who have traveled to Morocco in recent moths, talk about mediocre street food – nothing like the delicious, flavorful dishes that the Jews of that region brought to Israel.
Matbucha Salad (AI generated by DALL-E)
Lately, our Friday night family dinners include fresh, home-baked challah with Matbucha.
Matbucha is a traditional Moroccan tomato and pepper salad often served as a side dish or appetizer. Matbucha is made with tomatoes, peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices and is typically cooked until the tomatoes are soft and the peppers are slightly charred. You can add heat buy incorporating chili peppers.
The exact origins of matbucha are unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the Maghreb region of North Africa, which includes Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya. The dish is extremely popular in Israel, and you will find it everywhere: at falafel stands, in restaurants, and pre-packed, preservatives loaded, on supermarket shelves everywhere, but of course, homemade is best.
Matbucha is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be eaten as a side dish with grilled meats or fish or used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. It can be served as an appetizer with pita bread, challah, or crackers. My all-time favorite is pita, hummus and matbucha. You can even add it to shakshuka.
In addition to being delicious, matbucha is also healthy. It is a good source of vitamins A and C and is also low in calories and fat. Matbucha is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables and is a good source of fiber.
Instructions:
A pro chef would say that it is best to skin the tomatoes before preparing Matbucha. Those pesky tomato skins never cook through and are not pleasant to eat. To skin them, bring a pot of water to a boil. Cut an X shape on the bottom of the tomatoes. Place the tomatoes in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until the skin starts to peel. Remove the tomatoes from the water and place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Once the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin.
If you are a lazy cook, like me, grate the tomatoes to a fine pulp, or just open a can of crushed tomatoes and pretend you didn’t – nobody will ever know.
Now the cooking instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add red peppers, sliced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they have softened and released their juice.
Add hot chili peppers pepper and cook for another minute.
Season with salt to taste.
Let the matbucha cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or cold.
Tips for making matbucha:
Use very ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
If you don’t have a hot green pepper, you can use a jalapeno pepper or even a habanero pepper, depending on how much heat you like. Chili flakes will do in a pinch.
If you want smooth matbucha, you can puree it in a blender or food processor.
You can store Matbucha in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Here is my simple recipe for matbucha
8-10 very ripe red tomatoes, cored and diced 6 tablespoons olive oil 1 red onion sliced thin 2-3 red bell peppers, thinly sliced 1 hot green pepper, thinly sliced (optional) 1 garlic clove, minced Salt, to taste
The results are a chunky and delicious salad, dip, or spread but, you can also make matbucha like a jam:
Making Matbucha Jam
To make matbucha jam, purée the tomatoes (stick blender is best) to create a smoother, jam-like consistency.
Reduce the liquid by cooking the matbucha over low heat for a longer period of time, or by placing it in a sealed container in the refrigerator overnight.
Add sugar. This will help cut the tart sour tomatoes, and sweeten the matbucha and make it more jam-like. The amount of sugar you add will depend on your personal preference.
Cook until thickened to your desired consistency.
Let cool and store. Matbucha can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Some additional tips:
Use a variety of tomatoes for the best flavor. Personally, I love cherry tomatoes or plum tomatoes.
Cumin is commonly used in North-African cuisine. If you enjoy the flavour, you can add a little too.
New English speaking immigrants (Heb: olim) are always looking for sporting activities that they might have enjoyed back home. If you’re looking for a unique and rewarding experience, you might want to try fishing, and Israel has it all. From the Mediterranean Sea on the west, the Red Sea A(a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia), to the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret), as small a country as it is, Israel is home to a diverse range of fish species and stunning fishing locations.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best spots and techniques for fishing in Israel. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, there’s something for everyone here.
Best Fishing Spots in Israel
The Mediterranean Sea: The Mediterranean is home to a variety of fish species, including sea bass, red mullet, bream, and more. Some of the best spots for fishing in the Mediterranean include Netanya, Ashkelon, and Herzliya.
The Sea of Galilee: The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Kinneret, is a freshwater lake in northern Israel (close to Tiberias). It’s home to a variety of fish species, including tilapia (a.k.a St. Peter’s Fish), and carp. The best spots for fishing in the Sea of Galilee include the southern shore and the Jordan River inlet.
The Red Sea: The Red Sea is a popular destination for deep-sea fishing. It’s home to a variety of game fish, including sailfish, marlin, and tuna. Some of the best spots for fishing in the Red Sea include Eilat and Taba (just across the border with Egypt).
Shore Fishing: Shore fishing is a popular technique in Israel, especially along the Mediterranean coast. This involves casting from the shore and using bait or lures to attract fish. Some popular shore fishing techniques include surf fishing and rock fishing.
Fly Fishing: Fly fishing is a technique that involves using a special type of lure called a fly to attract fish. This technique is especially popular in the Sea of Galilee, where anglers target carp and tilapia.
Deep-Sea Fishing: Deep-sea fishing involves heading out into the open sea in search of game fish. This technique is popular in the Red Sea, where anglers target sailfish, marlin, and tuna. It’s important to book a charter with an experienced guide for this type of fishing.
Route 5 commences at Yagur, continues on to Nesher; Space country club, Nesher Stadium, city center, Emek HaCarmel, Sportek, shopping district, BIG (Checkpost) and then continues on to Gesher Paz, Hagiborim, Halisa and then into the Hadar and stopping at all the main stations including Shuk Talpiot, Lev Hadar, City Hall and then finally, Haneviim.
Schedule Route 5 (approximately every 12-15 minutes)
Sunday – Thursday from 05:00-00:15
Friday – from 7am until before Shabbat
Saturday – from 19:00 – 00:15
Route 5A – Yagur – Bat Galim Train Station & Rambam
Route 5A is essentially a weekend service. It commences at Yagur and follows the same route at Route 5; via Nesher and the Checkpost. At Gesher Paz, Route 5A branches off to downtown Haifa. The line passed the government buildings and the courts, Paris Square (access to the Carmelit and Campus HaNamal), HaMerkaz train station (HaShmona), Ben Gurion and the German Colony, Linn Medical Center and then finally to Rambam Health Care Campus and Bat Galim train station.
Schedule Route 5A (approximately every 20-30 minutes)
