Sukkot, sukkot, everywhere...

"You shall dwell in booths (sukkot in Hebrew) seven days....that your generations may know that I made the children of Yisrael (Israel) to dwell in booths when I brought them out of Mitzrayim (Egypt): I am the Lord your God."   Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:42-43.  Yes, it's THAT time again - it's Sukkot!!! 

Throughout Israel, sukkot of all sizes have been popping up since Yom Kippur ended, last Saturday night.  Families have been building, decorating and preparing for this joyous festival, and now - it's here!

Here's a pic of my daughter's pausing for a hug in the midst of decorating our very first sukkah in Israel (2009).   What's truly amazing is that here in Israel, you'll find sukkot, just about EVERYWHERE! 

From right at the back of the Western Wall (Kotel) plaza, 

to the most densely populated parts of Jerusalem! (photo credit Ha'aretz)

And to every part of our society, especially our beloved men & women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and it's EVRY branch of service in the IDF, too!

From those who stand watch operating our anti-missle batteries

(courtesy of the Israel Defense Forces)

our Air Force (courtesy of the Israeli Air Force)

Our Navy, both while they're on land, (courtesy of the Israeli Navy)

and even when they're under water! (courtesy of the Israeli Navy)

Sukkot is a wonderful, joyous time spent with family and friends.  And I've even gotten to spend time with my friends visiting enjoying a good meal out.  Yes, many of our restaurants put up their own sukkot, can you believe it?!

Trust me - there is NOTHING like Sukkot in Israel! 

Wishing everyone a Chag Sameach - a joyous Sukkot with love & hugs from the Chosen Land

Hanoch

Kolyehuda.hanoch@gmail.com

Kolyehuda.com

Connecting you to Israel 

Some good eating in the Good Land - Part 1

    Most people who come to Israel absolutely LOVE the food here.  They rave about the humus, falafel, shwarma, Israeli salads, shakshuka, fresh fruits, shnitzel, our breads and of course - the famed, 'Israeli breakfast.'  But where do we Israelis go to eat?  There are no end to the good chicken/beef grill places, but what would I suggest if you want to try something really unique?  Well, this is part 1 of a sub-section of my blog, which we'll call: 'Some good eating in the Good Land,' okay? 

In each installment, I will feature a really cool Israeli restaurant, that you've probably never heard of.  And yes - only for you, my dear readers, will I make the 'sacrifice' of actually trying all this yummy stuff.  Only for you   ;-)

For #1, let's talk about Ishtabach, located right outside (Hashikma Street) of the amazing Machane Yehuda 'Shuk' (market) in Jerusalem.  One of my favorite places in all of Israel, where I buy lots of goodies and now get to try out some of the newest, cutting edge varied ethnic cuisines in the country.  

What's unique about Istabach is it only features a delicious meat filled pastry, like a boureka, called a shamburak.  It is a Kurdish- Syrian (Yay Kurdistan!!) delicacy that is almost beyond belief.

It is a made to order pastry, each of which has Indian flavored Mashed potatoes inside, along with chimichurri sauce.  And your choice of perfectly cooked meats - ranging from short ribs, chicken, brisket, tongue, etc.  I had the tongue (when eating out, why not get something you never make, right?) and sampled the brisket.  Absolutely delicious!  

It is one of the few places in Israel where you can't get chips ('French Fries' for those who haven't been out of the USA), but they have great potato wedges, which are like small roasted potatoes. The meal is served with a few small dishes, called mezze which give you some other delightful tastes.

I HIGHLY recommend Ishtabach (okay, to be totally honest - I am only going to feature the best, most unique places - I don't want this blog to become a food critic's toy, after all); you have GOT to try it.  When you're in Jerusalem, after a full day of guiding, let's go there for dinner, okay?  ;-)

With love & hugs from the Chosen Land,

Hanoch

Kolyehuda.hanoch@gmail.com