Orlah Update - Nissan 5779

Here's the latest Orlah update, so you can shop for fruit in Israel with confidence!

This post is a follow up to the Kashrut for New Olim post. If you haven't seen it yet, please check it out -- there's important information there! 

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES in Israel - Specific Kashrut Issues

Unlike in other parts of the world, in Israel, fruits and vegetables are NOT automatically "kosher" - here we need to make sure that they are not "orlah" fruits (harvested during a tree's first 3 yrs, with other rules applying to year 4) and that trumot and ma'asrot have been taken (from both fruits and vegetables). Without these basics, these fruits and vegetables are NOT acceptable in a kosher kitchen!

If you shop at a market that doesn't have an ishur kashrut (kosher certification) on their produce, you'll need to investigate these issues further, if you are interested in adhering to the halachot of the Land of Israel OR if you regularly host people who assume the food in your home is kosher! I must say that it's important to familiarize yourself with these special halachot, as they are part of keeping kosher in Israel! (If you say you keep Kosher in Israel, everyone assumes that you have taken care of these issues; and if you don't, then you may be unwittingly putting someone in a situation they don't want to be in!) 

It's definitely possible to take trumot and maasrot on your own (I do it often), so vegetables are easiest to buy without a teudah, as that is all you need to do (and very often, it would be without a bracha). Some of the fruits on the market may be ok to purchase even from a non-certified establishment and just take trumot and maasrot, because of the extremely low percentage of orlah fruits being sold, but those lists change frequently, so you'll constantly need to stay up-to-date.

Other fruits can be a problem, because of orlah (from the first 3 years after the tree was planted). I try very hard to post a monthly update here on my site with a list of the fruits where the percentage of orlah fruits on the open market is greater than 0.5%. These fruits should only be bought from a reputable source that does not sell orlah fruits (i.e. a place with a teudah). This orlah issue is a serious issue for kosher consumers:

ORLAH Update for Nissan 5779

Fruits to AVOID buying without a teudah:

• Avocado - Ettinger, Mutti, Haas varieties
• Blueberries
• Annona
• Peach (Oded & White)
• Grapefruit (White)
• Olives for curing
• Olives for oil (Barnea)
• Lemon
• Apricot (large red)
• Nectarine (Red, White and White with red flecks)
• Grapes - Seedless (SBS 125+)
• Pitaya
• Papaya
• Prickly Pear (Sabra Fruit)
• Oranges - Choice Valencia
• Starfruit
• Passionfruit
• Almonds
• Figs

Please be sure to speak with your personal Halachic Authority about purchasing fruit in Israel without a teudah. Not everyone holds by the 0.5% threshold, and there are differences of opinion about certain fruits and whether they are subject to Orlah. This information is just for informational purposes and is not a halachic psak! Even if you follow a psak that relies on the 0.5% threshold, you still must take trumot and maasrot on all produce grown in Israel (or be sure it has been taken), in order to fulfill your halachic obligations.

Also, be aware that this list does NOT apply to fruit grown by an individual. If your friend has a fruit tree, you'll need to find out how old it is! 

I hope you find this helpful! Please follow or like my Facebook page and don't miss out on updates and other posts!

FREE admission for Pesach 2019!

UPDATED -- This year's FREE attractions list is different from last year's, so please help spread the word ! This post is the NEW, UPDATED LIST! (you can find the original Hebrew list here)

Most sites will offer free admission on Chol Hamoed from April 21-25. Always verify opening hours before you go!

Here's the list of free attractions for Pesach 2019, sponsored by Bank HaPoalim. I have linked to websites in English, whenever possible. I hope you find this list helpful, and that you get to have some super-frugal fun over Pesach!
You can call *2410 for information about the Bank HaPoalim sponsored attractions.

*Please note that I put a lot of effort into this post, tracking down websites in English for your convenience. I know the Bank Hapoalim info is available to the public in Hebrew, but this blog post has added benefits for the English speaking community. Because it was so much work, I request that if you plan to share this information, you link back to my site. Thank you for this common courtesy.*

Please leave a comment with your favorite place to visit (from this list)!

If you haven't already, go ahead and like my Facebook page so you don't miss out on deals and great info all year round!

North:

The Ghetto Fighters' House Museum 04-9958052

The Galilee Sculpture Festival in Maalot 04-9578871

The Deer Forest 050-8723920

Park Katzrin 04-6962412

The Umm el-Fahem Art Gallery 04-6315257

The Treasures in The Walls Museum (of Acco) 04-9911004

The Robotic Dairy (Kfar Yechezkel) 052-9686789


Haifa and the Northern Valleys:

Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art 04-8383554

The Haifa Museum of Art 04-9115997

The Janco-Dada Museum (Ein Hod) 04-9842350

The National Maritime Museum 04-8536622

The Haifa City Museum 04-9115888

The Mane Katz Museum 04-9119372

Central Israel:

The Rabin Center Israeli Museum *4585

The Olympic Experience (Tel Aviv) 03-795-5900

Tel Aviv Museum of Art 03-6077000

The Nachum Gutman Museum of Art 03-5161970

Design Museum Holon 073-2151500

The Israeli Cartoon Museum 03-6521849

The Babylonian Jewry Heritage Center 03-5339278


Jerusalem:

Yad LaShiryon at Latrun 08-9784302

The Bible Lands Museum 02-5611066

Hasmonean Aqueduct Tour *6033

The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens 02-6794012

South:

Beta Israel Village 053-711-9909

The Ashdod Art Museum 08-8545180/1

The Corinne Mamane Museum of Philistine Culture 08-6224799

The Joe Alon Center for Bedouin Culture 08-9913322

Lunada (Beer Sheva) - advance registration required. Registration opens at April 18. 08-622-6926

The Legends of Yamit Visitors' Center - 054-666-8856



Other attractions that are free for Pesach:

The Israel Museum will be free for children (under 18) during April 1-4, 02-6708811
More coming soon!

Have a great time!

p.s. Please share this with your friends, so everyone can plan a fun and frugal Pesach!

p.p.s. If you're looking for discount admission to some of the not-free things to do, be sure to check out these deals!

Help Yourself to Restaurant Savings (North & South)!

(This post contains affiliate links, and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking a link. Thanks in advance for your support!)  

Kosherfrugal.com and Janglo have teamed up to bring you some great GROO deals you don't want to miss!

This post focuses exclusively on kosher restaurants and take-out food, so if you're going to splurge, you can now afford to splurge a little more, with discount vouchers and savings. Pre-purchase your vouchers and save up to 50%! This is a GREAT way to save when you want to splurge! Don't miss out on the savings - check below for savings in your area! 

I keep checking for new deals, as I know you've been waiting for some, and this week there are some changes, so check carefully! Also, be sure to check the Facebook group so you don't miss out!

If you're looking for restaurant deals in the Merkaz & Jerusalem, click here (I'll add this link when I can)!

If you're looking for discount admission tickets, not food, click here (I'll add this link when I can)!

The Whole Country:

Olive Oil deal from Meshek Aloni - delivery is not included in the deal. 2 liters for 79 nis, or 4 liters plus a jar of olives for 144 nis.
Or this new olive oil deal from Meshek Achiya - 5liters plus 250 mk bonus bottle, for 199 nis plus shipping!

Handmade Chocolates from La Poem. Delivery available throughout the country. Various gift packages available for 40-52% off!

Haifa and North:


Sinta Bar Express, Kiryat Ata - dinner for 2 for 189 NIS (your choice of entrecote steak or salmon), including the alcoholic drink of your choice, and much more. Voucher valid thru May 31, 2019. Redeem only at the Kiryat Ata location, Sun - Thurs, 11 am - 10 pm, Fridays 11 am - 2:30 pm, and Sat. nights, from 1 hour after Shabbat until 11 pm. Not valid on erev chag, holidays, chol hamoed, or during private events. Not valid on election day, Apr. 9, 2019. Reservations required. Limit one voucher per couple per visit. Every person at your table should have a voucher. Any member of your party without a voucher will be required to place a minimum 80 shekel order.

Breakfast for 2 at HaBimah Cafe, Kiryat Ata, for 68 NIS. Voucher valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Redeem Sun - Thurs, 9:30 am -7 pm, Fridays 9:30 am - 3pm, and Sat. nights, from half an hour after Shabbat until midnight. Reservations required. Not valid during "events". Limit 1 voucher per couple. Max 2 couples with vouchers per table. Anyone at your table without a voucher will be required to order an entree from the menu. There's also a lunch/dinner for 2 deal - for 78 NIS or 108 NIS.

Pizza deals at Mama Pizza (Kiryat Ata) - 59 NIS gets you a pizza deal for 2 - medium size pizza served with a salad, garlic bread, and a drink. Or choose a medium size ("mishpachtit") pizza for 25 NIS (the 39 NIS deal gets you a topping and a drink with that). Vouchers valid for 60 days from date of purchase

Hamezach (Tiberias) - premium breakfast dea: 85 nis for 2)! Voucher valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Redeem Sun - Thurs, 10am - 5pm, and Fri, 10am - 3pm. Limit one voucher per couple.

Hamezach (Tiberias) - lunch or dinner for 2, starting at 99 nis (upgraded and premium meals are also on Groo!). Voucher valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Redeem Sun - Thurs, 10am - 11pm, and Fri, 10am - 3pm. Limit one voucher per couple.

Trumpeta Restaurant (Kiryat Bialik) - meal for 2, starting at 109 nis. Valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Redeem Sun - Thurs, 11 am - 11 pm, and Fridays from 11am - until 1 hr before Shabbat. Limit one voucher per person.

Morgenfeld (Achziv) - S. American Grill meal for 2, starting at 199 nis. Voucher valid thru Apr. 30, 2019. Redeem Sun - Thurs, noon - 11 pm. Reservations required. Limit one voucher per person.

Sinta Bar Kenyon Sha'ar HaTzafon (Kiryat Ata) - 50% off burger meal for 2! Voucher valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Not valid New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day. Redeem Sun - Thurs, 11 am - 10 pm, Friday 11 am - 2:30 pm, Sat. night 1 hr after Shabbat ends until 11 pm. Reservations required.

Japan Japan, Yokneam - Sushi Deal is 49 nis, Stir-Fry Deal is 69 nis. Limit one voucher per person, and limited to 3 vouchers per party. Max 4 people at a table with vouchers. Not valid for delivery orders. They ask that you call ahead. Redeem your voucher Sun - Thurs, 7 pm - 11 pm, Friday 11 am - 3 pm, and Sat . nights till 11 pm. Voucher valid thru June 30, 2019.

Shytel in Nahariya (Badatz/Machpud meats) - Dinner for 2 starting at 135nis. Max. 3 vouchers per table (3 couples). Good for 60 days from date of purchase. Reservations required (blackout dates may apply).

El Rancho, Tiberias - Lunch for 2 (regular or premium meal - 149 or 169 shekels). Valid every day before 6pm. Reservations required. Voucher valid for 90 days from date of purchase.

Iskander (Mehadrin) at Nahar Hayarden (upper Galilee) - dinner for 2 for 219nis. Valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Max. 3 vouchers for table (3 couples). Reservations required. Redeem Sun - Wed, noon - 8pm, Thurs. noon - 9:30pm, or Friday noon - half an hour before Shabbat.

Breakfast Buffet at the Crown Plaza in Haifa - 59nis for 1/109nis for 2 (69/129 on Fridays). You must buy the deal that is valid on the day you want to go (Sun-Thurs OR Friday). Reservations required. Breakfast is served 6:30-10:30am. Voucher valid thru May 30, 2019.

Shela Restaurant (Kiryat Motzkin), for 79nis per couple. Limit 2 vouchers per table. Voucher valid for 90 days from date of purchase, with advance reservations. Valid Sun-Wed, 10:30am - midnight, Thursdays, 10:30am - 5pm, Fridays, 8am - 2pm. Max 2 couples with vouchers per table.

Two Felafels with French Fries at Olam HaOchel, (Haifa) or two omelet pitot with french fries) for just 19nis! Valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Can be redeemed Sun-Thurs till 9am - 5pm, Fridays 8am - 3pm. Or choose the chumus platter deal, starting at 12.50 nis (valid for 90 days from date of purchase).

Olam Ha'Ochel in Haifa (meat restaurant, with tons of salads for the table) for just 39nis per person (77nis for 2!). Voucher valid for 60 days from date of purchase, and only from 9am - 5pm (Sun-Thurs) or 8am - 3pm Fridays.

South:

Dinner for 2 at Derby Bar Fish & Meat (Ashkelon Marina), for 199 NIS. Voucher valid thru June 1, 2019. Redeem Sun - Thurs, noon - midnight, Fridays noon - 4pm, and Sat. nights from 1 hour after Shabbat until midnight. Not valid on election day, holidays, or chol hamoed. Reservations required. Max. 3 vouchers per table. Anyone without a voucher must place a min 100 NIS order.

Sushi from Togarashi, Eilat - 2 sushi rolls for 35 NIS. Valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Redeem Sun - Thurs, 11 am - 9 pm, Friday, 11 am - 3 pm, and Sat. nights from half an hour after Shabbat until 10:30 pm. Reservations required. Not valid on chol hamoed. Limit one per person per visit. Not valid on menu "specials".

Leonardo Club (Eilat) Buffet deals - Breakfast for one, 55 NIS or for 2 - 99 NIS / Lunch for one for 69 NIS or for 2 for 135 NIS. Voucher valid thru Dec. 31, 2019. Redeem any day of the week, reservations required. Breakfast served from 7 - 10 am, lunch served from 1-3pm. Children under 2 do not need a voucher.

Breakfast for 2 at News Coffee Bar, Eilat, for 65 nis (64 if you hurry!) (yes, I checked and they are kosher even though Groo doesn't specify). Voucher valid thru May 30, 2019, but not between April 17-27. Redeem Sun - Thurs, 10 am - 5 pm. Limit one deal per couple.

Burgers for 2, at Beit HaBasar, Beer Sheva, for half off! Or buy the full dinner for 2, starting at 98 nis (includes salads etc, but entrecote steak is only included in the 159 nis deal). Voucher valid thru April 10, 2019. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Redeem Sun - Thurs, noon - 11 pm, and Sat. nights until midnight. Reservations required after 7 pm. Limit one deal per couple. Anyone in your party without a Groo voucher will be required to place a min. 50 shekel order. Max 2 vouchers per table. Larger groups cannot split up into multiple tables, sorry.

Lechem Basar (Mehadrin, Beer Sheva) - dinner for 2 for 299 nis. Voucher valid thru Aptil 15, 2019. Redeem Sun - Thurs, 12:30 - 11pm, and Sat. nights, 8-11:30pm. Reservations required. Valid for sit down service only. Limit one voucher per couple.

Ashkera (Eilat) - shipudim meal, including unlimited salads, for two for 129 nis. The deal doesn't specify if they are kosher, but I checked in with the establishment and they said they have a Teudah. Voucher valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Redeem Sun - Thurs 11 am - 6 pm, and Fri 11 am - 3 pm. Limit one voucher per couple.

Paradiso, Ashkelon - Breakfast for 2 for 69 nis! Redeem Sun - Fri, 9 am - 1 pm. Reservations required. Max 2 Groo deals per table. Anyone sitting at your table without a deal voucher will be required to order from the menu. Voucher valid thru May 28, 2019

Cafe Wifi, Eilat (Ice Mall) - 25 nis for your choice of meals: "toast", bourekas, or malawach, plus a drink. Limit one voucher per person. Redeem Sun - Thurs, 9 am - 11 pm, Friday 9:00 am - 1 hour before Shabbat, and Sat. night beginning one hour after Shabbat. Voucher valid for 60 days from date of purchase

Fifth Avenue, Eilat - Dinner for two for over 30% off the regular price! Voucher valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Redeem your voucher on Sun - Thurs, 7 pm - 1 am, and Sat nights from 1 hr after Shabbat ends until 1 am. Be sure to show your voucher to the host/hostess before you are seated. Reservations required. Max 3 couples at a table with vouchers.

Breakfast Buffet at the Central Park Hotel, Eilat (I checked, the hotel is kosher, even though Groo doesn't specify) - 59 shekels for 1, or 109 shekels for 2. Valid Sun- Fridays, 7:30 -10:30am. Children under 2 eat free with an adult. Reservations required. Limit one voucher per person or couple. Voucher valid thru June 30, 2019.

Ribs in Ashdod - deals starting at 99nis for a 2 person meal! (upgrade that includes wine, dessert, and coffee is available) Voucher valid thru May 29, 2019. Limit 6 people per table if using a voucher. Can be redeemed Sun-Thurs, noon - 7pm. Reservations required.

Lunch at "Space" in Moshav Emunim - 139nis for 1 person, 279nis for 2, or 549nis for 4. Voucher valid thru June 29, 2019. Check for blackout dates, and reservations required. Generally valid Sun-Thurs noon - 5:30pm or Fridays noon - 2pm. Anyone in your party without a voucher will be required to order 100nis minimum from the menu, and children under 10 will be required to order a 40nis children's meal. According to the info posted, you can use their gardens (and pool, maybe) before and after your meal.

If you didn't find the restaurant you were looking for, be sure to check out additional deals at eLuna - click here for info!

Have you joined Israel Deals Made Easy! on Facebook? Join us there and you'll find out about awesome deals every day!