IHerb Promo Code Inside!

Thinking about making an iHerb order? Here's your chance to get $5.00 (USD) off your next iHerb order!

Use code PROMOJAN at checkout or click on this link to get $5.00 USD off your next iHerb order

This code is limited to one order, and will expire on Tuesday, January 31st, at 10.00 am. PST.

iHerb offers over 35,000 brand name natural products and reduced shipping rates. All orders are shipped from their GMP certified, air-conditioned warehouses in California and Kentucky.

Take advantage of this promo and do your shopping now!

If you're wondering why I have an iHerb obsession, be sure to check out my other posts about it!

(links in the post are Rewards programs links, and I may receive credit at iHerb when you shop. Thanks for your support!)

This week's deals!

These deals of the the week are a joint project of Kosherfrugal.com and Janglo

(Some links in this post are affiliate links; I may get paid a commission when you purchase thru these links. Thanks in advance for your support!) 

Here are some of the online deals I found this week (shopping online helps me save time and stay dry during the winter!):

Do something this week! (You'll still have to leave home to DO things, but buy your vouchers online first!):

Discount tickets to the Herzl Museum - an educational day out
 
Ceramics Workshops (in Nachlaot, Jerusalem) for half price! (wish I was there to do this one!!)
 
Need takeout food for Shabbat? Save 50% when you buy this voucher for "Ta'im B'Kerem" (Mehadrin, in Jerusalem) - 50% off makes this splurge much more affordable!
 
Have a special occasion to celebrate? Treat yourself to a steakhouse dinner in Jerusalem at a DEEP DISCOUNT (you can do an add-on for a discounted kids' meal, too!)!

MEGAComm 2017 is Feb 2! Save NIS 75 with promo code JANGLO17

Save 20% at L’Entrecote TLV!

 

Save Money on Everyday Items:

50% off at Anipet Pet Supply Store
 
Get 50 shekels off your 100 shekel purchase at the "Soltam" store! (net savings will be 40 shekels. limit one deal per purchase, but you can purchase more than one voucher for use at different times. Save on a new soup pot!)
 
Save on a Car Dashboard Camera ! No delivery fee if you pick up from your local Office Depot. This gadget can save you big time if you ever have to prove something about a road incident.
 
Deal with pantry moths the non-toxic way! Here's another deal for a similar product.
 
Star Wars fans can get great Star Wars accessories on sale this week!
 
Don't get stuck with a dead phone - here's a deal for a PowerBank portable phone charger for just 22 nis!

Stay Warm and Dry:

Keep your house and your feet warm with an area rug!
 
Stay warm with a decorative heater that looks like a wood burning stove (but without all the bother of the wood and constantly checking the ventilation...)
 
And don't forget to check the WallaShops "Deal of the Day" - sometimes you'll find a great one, they change all the time!
 
Is there something you're looking for? Let me know what it is and I'll tell you when I find a deal!

Lead Warning - Commercial Coffeemakers

Initial tests show that some models (about 50% of those tested) of commercial coffeemakers are producing coffee with higher than acceptable levels of lead. (These machines produced coffee with 20-150mcg lead per liter.)

The Ministry of Health is currently beginning further testing, in order to determine which coffeemakers are leeching lead into the water used for making coffee, and those models will be removed from the industry, or repaired.

In order to avoid exposure to lead, consumers are advised to minimize the consumption of coffee that has been made in commercial coffeemakers (the kinds used in coffee shops, hotels, restaurants, and workplace kitchens). Pregnant women and other at-risk groups are advised to avoid these coffees altogether until tests are complete. 

Coffeemakers that fail the heavy metal test will need to be repaired or replaced.

Find out more about the effects of lead exposure, and why you should be cautious.

Free Admission to MadaTech in 2017

--- Retrieved from http://www.kosherfrugal.com/2016/09/free-admission-to-madatech.html ---

Madatech, if you haven't heard of it, is a Science Museum, located in the heart of Haifa. It's a pretty good Science Museum (and we have seen MANY Science Museums in the past 18 years!), and all of my kids (aged 8-17 at the time we went) found things that interested them and kept them busy for our whole day there!

--- Retrieved from http://www.kosherfrugal.com/2016/05/free-admission-is-back-at-madatech.html ---
Normally, it's pretty pricey to take a family to Madatech (base price is 340 shekels for a family of 4 according to the website, and each additional child is 50 shekels), so naturally, when we found out it was free on Wednesdays in February and March, we took a day to go. I wholeheartedly recommend you find a way to go too.

And now, Free Admission is back - Get into MadaTech in Haifa for FREE on most Wednesdays in 2017!
The following Wednesdays are excluded (admission is NOT free these days):
April 5 and 12 - Pesach
May 31 Shavuot

June 21 THRU Aug 31 (summer vacation) 

Sept 20 - Rosh Hashana

Oct. 4 and 11 (Sukkot)

December 13 and 20 (Chanukah)

In addition, please note that there may be other changes or days the museum is closed. Please check the website or call the museum (04-861-4444) before you go!

This promotion ends December 31, 2017

Opening hours on Wednesday are 10am - 3pm, so plan accordingly!

UPDATE: Tickets are only issued until 2pm, and you cannot get in without one, even though it's free. Be sure to arrive before the ticket counter closes!

**If you can't get in on a Free day, check out this Groupon deal for discount tickets!**

Israel Space Week - Free Events

Israel Space Week is Jan 29 - Feb 2, 2017 -- and the Israel Space Agency has lots of free events scheduled, but they didn't post them on their English language website.

So here's the rundown of what is going on:
(My apologies if an event or two was left off this list, the Space Week website may have been updated since I posted this)

Jan 29 - Feb 2 (multi-day)

Mars Mission 
16:00 - 21:00
"Eretz Israel" Museum, Ramat Aviv, 03-5114070
Advance Registration Required

Jan 29:

By Invitation Only: Final Round in the Space Research Competition
(10:30 - 15:30, Jerusalem Location)

Annual Event Honoring Col. Ilan Ramon and the STS-107 Crew and Assaf Ramon

Sunday, January 29, 2017, at 3:45 p.m.

W.A. Minkoff Senate Hall, BGU Marcus Family Campus, Beer-Sheva

Following the conference, the public is invited to the Ilan Ramon Youth Physics Center

for further activities and telescopic observations, starting at 5:00 p.m.

"Looking Upwards" - A Journey through the Heavens
(program for all, in Hebrew)
17:00 - 20:00
Ilan Ramon Youth Physics Center, Ben Gurion University


"Touch the Heavens" - program for 4-17 year olds IN ARABIC
17:00 - 22:00 (Explanations in Hebrew will be available from 21:00 -22:00)
AlkaSami College, Baka-al-Garbiyye
Free. Advance Registration required.

"An Out-of-this-World Evening" (program for all, in Hebrew)
16:30-22:00
The Meyerhoff Youth Science Center, Hebrew U. Givat Ram Campus
Free, no registration required

Jan 30:

"Looking Upwards"
program for all (probably in Arabic)
19:00 -22:00
AlkaSami College, Baka-al-Garbiyye
Free.

"Journey to the Stars"
ages 7-14 yrs
16:00 -22:00
Blumfield Science Museum, Jerusalem
Free and open to the public

"Journey to Another Planet"
for all
17:00 - 21:00
You-niversity, in Nahariya
(Zemenhoff 10)

Jan 31:

"Stars in Your Eyes"
for ages 4-14 
17:00 - 22:00
Park Carasso
Be'er Sheva

"Looking Upwards"
program for the whole family
19:00 - 22:00
Mitzpe Givatayim
Free. For more info: 03-5731152

"Super Activities from Space"
ages 7-14 yrs
16:30-22:00
Clore Garden of Science, Weizmann Institute
Free and open to the public

Online Lecture for Teachers only: Space Apps.
20:30 - 21:15
Advance Registration and Preparation REQUIRED

Feb 1:

"Journey Between the Stars"
ages 4-14 yrs, and their parents
16:30 - 22:00
MadaTech in Haifa
Free and Open to the Public

Workshops at Planetanya
ages 5+
16:30 - 21:30
Netanya. For more information and to register: 09-7485760
Registration Required

Looking Upwards - in Arabic
For the whole family
19:00 -22:00
Taibe
For more information, call 09-7996672

Feb 2: 
Space - or not to Be
Ort Braude College in Carmiel
Snunit 51
Ages 7-14
17:00 - 22:00 
Free and Open to the Public

Looking Upwards -  The Ilan Ramon Druze Space Center
For the whole family
19:00 -22:00
Yarka
04-956-6220

Online Lecture about Satellite Technology
11:30
In Arabic, for students in grades 9-12
Advance Registration Required

Online Lecture: Venus Mission
10:15
In Hebrew, for students in grades 9-12
Advance Registration Required

Lectures for the Charedi Community - for men and boys only, for women and girls only, will be held in Jerusalem at the Romema Matnas
For more information call 02-530-2727

Recall - Frozen Peas and Carrots

Today's recall is due to possible listeria contamination:

Shufersal Brand Frozen Peas & Carrots, 800g bag
with Barcode 7296073224907
Manufactured by Ardo (Belgium)
with expiration date 07/2018

Consumers who have purchased this product are asked to return it to the store for a refund.

Please direct any questions to Shufersal Customer Service at 1-800-68-68-68

Discounted Glasses - Back by Popular Demand!

It's back! Here's your chance to get a really affordable eye exam and glasses if you missed it last week!

This Thursday, Jan 19, 201,7 you have another chance to get subsidized eye exams and glasses in Karmiel. You'll be able to get a pair of glasses - frames + lenses for just 100 shekels! There is an option to have this fee waived in case of need. I am happy to share information about waiving the fee, please just send me an email (ester@kosherfrugal.com) asking for more info!

The event will take place at The Pitchon Lev Center, at HaLevona Street #1 in Karmiel.
(According to some maps, the street is called Levona Street, so try both ways if you have trouble finding it)

Eye exams are available from 12noon - 4pm

Hope this helps some of you out there! There's been a lot of discussion about the cost of glasses lately. Your savings will certainly be more than the cost of your transportation to Karmiel and home!

I'm sure there will be similar programs in other towns - please let me know if you know of any!

Coupons - Eden Teva

For all you health food lovers out there, here's a great way to save!

Right now, you can sign up to receive a series of 50 shekel coupons of your purchase at Eden Teva Market - online OR in-store

You'll get 4 coupons, each good for different dates:

50 shekels off your 200 shekel food purchase, good from 8.1.2017 - 21.1.2017

50 shekels off your 200 shekel food purchase, good from 22.1.2017 - 11.2/2017

50 shekels off your 200 shekel food purchase, good from 12.2.2017 - 28.2.2017

50 shekels off your 300 shekel VITAMIN purchase, good from 8.1.2017 - 28.2.2017

Click here to get your coupons!!

Olive Oil Issues - Fakes in the Marketplace

The Ministry of Health runs random checks on olive oil in the marketplace, to assure compliance with health and labeling standards.

The following oils, marked as Extra Virgin Olive Oil, were tested and found to have significant deviations from the standard, and are most likely not pure olive oil (most likely another oil has been mixed in with the olive oil):

1. "Mary" brand 4 liter can. Marked Extra Virgin Olive Oil, produced in Tzur Yigael. The sample tested had expiration date 7.12.17


2. Shemen Zayit HaGalil, 1liter bottles, produced in Kidmat Galil. The sample tested had expiration date 8/2017

3. Shaarei Yerushalayim "Extra Virgin Olive Oil", had multiple issues, including a forged, outdated seal. The sample was found at "Maadanei Achim Eliyahu" at Shuk Machaneh Yehudah in Jerusalem

4. "Umanut Hashemen" (The Art of Oil) "Extra Virgin Olive Oil", 4L bottle, produced in Kidmat Galil

5. An unmarked bottle of oil being sold at "Roshdi, Druze Food" at Sarona Market in Tel Aviv. It was represented as Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Select Deals of the Week!

These deals of the the week are a joint project of Kosherfrugal.com and Janglo

--- Retrieved from http://www.kosherfrugal.com/2017/01/select-deals-of-week.html ---

(Some links in this post are affiliate links; I may get paid a commission when you purchase thru these links. Thanks in advance for your support!)

Here are some of the online deals I found this week (shopping online helps me save time and stay dry during the winter!):

Entertainment (these you'll still have to leave home to DO, but buy your tix online first!):

Discount Admission to "YU KIDS" - a play place - in either Modiin or Jerusalem

Discount admission to the Bowling Alley in Bet Shemesh

Space Laser Game (Jerusalem) - 2 for just 69 shekels!

Save Money on Everyday Items:

50% off at Anipet Pet Supply Store

Save BIG on Huggies Diapers with this deal (with free delivery)

Need a convenient laptop carrying case? These backpacks will do the trick!

This folding table is a great space saver! (I am really considering getting this!)

Don't throw out your dull knives - check out this battery operated knife sharpener instead!

Deal with pantry moths the non-toxic way! Here's another deal for a similar product.

Stay Warm and Dry:

Here's a Wind-Proof Umbrella for just 59 nis! (I really hope it's good. We have lost so many umbrellas to crazy gusts of wind that break them!)

Fleece Sheets for kids (Hello Kitty, Smurfs, Princesses, Cars, and More) for 75 nis 

Is there something you're looking for? Let me know what it is and I'll tell you when I find a deal!

Subsidized Eye Exams and Glasses - THIS WEEK!

This Thursday, Jan 12, 2017 there is a subsidized eye exam and glasses program in Karmiel.  You'll be able to get a pair of glasses - frames + lenses for just 100 shekels!

The event will take place at The Pitchon Lev Center, at HaLevona Street #1 in Karmiel.
(According to some maps, the street is called Levona Street, so try both ways if you have trouble finding it)

Eye exams are available from 11am - 4pm

Hope this helps some of you out there! There's been a lot of discussion about the cost of glasses lately. Your savings will certainly be more than the cost of your transportation to Karmiel and home! 

I'm sure there will be similar programs in other towns - please let me know if you know of any!

Latest Recalls - Protein Bars and Energy Bars

I have two recalls to share with you today.

The first one is these Protein Bars:

"Oh Yeah One" 60 gram protein bars, almond flavor, with a use by date of 01/10/2017 and batch code 16214B 6, have incorrect allergen information on the Hebrew labels. The labels should specify that the product contains SOY and DAIRY ingredients.

The mislabeled products are safe to eat, but are being recalled for the safety of the allergy community.

The bars may be returned to the place where purchased. If you have further questions, please contact the importer at 050-513-3333.

The second recall involves the following Energy Bars:

Strauss brand Sugar Free Milk Chocolate Covered Energy Bars, 28g, Barcode 7290106666467
AND
Strauss brand Sugar Free Energy Bars with Mixed Nuts, 20g, barcode 72901034044024
with use by date 15/7/2017

are being recalled due to a quality issue. The energy bars are harder than would be expected, due to production changes. In order to avoid disappointment, consumers are asked to call Strauss Customer Service at 1-800-777-777 in order to arrange for a refund/replacement.

More Plastic Bag Info

There's been a lot of discussion about the new 10 agurot fee for plastic bags at supermarkets, and a lot of noise is being made about this in Israel! Once again, people's facebook posts about the law are becoming headline news - that's how much time and energy this country is devoting to this topic!

Honestly, I believe the fee is too low to actually merit all the backlash it's receiving, but I decided to get some more info for us all, to clear up some questions. I got in touch with the people in charge of the bag program at the Ministry of the Environment, in order to gain some clarity. I asked them a few questions, which I share below:

Which stores are required to collect the 10 agurot fee per bag?

There are 20 supermarket chains that, by law, are required to charge 10 agurot per bag, and report the number of bags distributed, to the Ministry of the Environment. They will also be required to turn over the fee to them .

Here's a list of supermarket chains that meet the requirements (this list is subject to change): 

• Bar-Kol
• Victory
• Zol B'Gadol
• Tiv Taam
• Yeinot Bitan
• Machsanei HaShuk
• Chatzi Chinam
• Yochanenof
• Mega
• Dor Alon
• Machsanei Lahav
• Osher Ad
• Super Dosh
• Stop Market
• Super Bareket
• Freshmarket
• Co-op
• Keshet Te'amim
• Rami Levy
• Shufersal

Some of these chains also run stores with other names, which will also be required to charge for bags. 

Will smaller stores still be distributing the lighter weight (under 20 microns) bags for free?

No stores will be allowed to distribute bags that are less than 20 microns at checkout, but smaller stores will not be required to charge for the bags and turn over the fee. You should see that ALL stores now distribute bags that are between 20 and 50 microns thick. Exceptions are bags that come into direct contact with food or medicine.

Where does the money that we pay for bags GO?

The money will go to an Environmental Fund. The monies will be monitored and will be used to support the initiatives to reduce the use of plastic bags and increase the use of reusable bags, to clean-up the coastline, and if there is extra, will be used to reduce air pollution as well.

How much will I pay per bag?

By law, the supermarket chains listed above MUST charge a minimum of 10 agurot per bag. The law allows the supermarkets to charge more.

___________________

This leads me to believe that while smaller stores are not required to turn over the fee to the Environmental Fund, they may be allowed to charge for bags.

I am going to guess that most stores will be using bags that are JUST the minimum thickness allowed (20 microns), and we won't really notice much difference in the quality of the bags. I still recommend keeping a stash of reusable bags and using them - I find them far more handy and reliable than plastic bags when hauling groceries.

As far as the question of "what will we use for garbage bags"? Well, if you're like me, first you'll use the stash of bags you have lying around the house (yes, even though we often use reusable bags, there have been plenty of times when we have picked up a bag or two here or there) and THEN you'll figure out a solution in 6 months or so, when it will no longer feel so strange to have to figure out an alternative to plastic bags.

Printable Coupons (Osem products)!

With all the recent talk about plastic bags at the supermarket, we've all got saving money on groceries on our minds, right?

Coupons can help!

If these are products/types of products you buy, don't forget to print these coupons out and use them when you shop!

This first coupon is for instant soup packets (in stick form). It expires April 30, 2017 and can be used at Shufersal stores, SuperDosh, Chetzi Chinam, Victory, Tiv Taam, Yochanenof, Machsanei HaShuk, and Machsanei Lahav

This second coupon is for the new "homemade" Tivall line (all recognizable ingredients!) It is valid thru June 30, 2017, and can be redeemed at the following stores: Shufersal stores, Chetzi Chinam, Victory, and Yochanenof.

This third coupon is for ChumusTchinah, a chumus salad that is 40% sesame paste. It's valid thru March 1, 2017, and can be redeemed at Shufersal stores, Chetzi Chinam, Victory, Yochanenof, SuperDosh, and Machsanei HaShuk

Happy Savings, and remember to share this post with your friends who like saving too!

The Plastic Bag Law: What you need to know

The plastic bag law went into effect today (Jan 1, 2017) in Israel! As of now, there is a mandatory fee of 10 agurot for each plastic shopping bag you use when you shop at the large supermarket chains.

Some things you should know about this law: 1. The plastic bags that cost 10 agurot are THICKER than the old plastic bags were allowed to be. They cost stores more to produce, and the fee you pay for them is NOT kept by the stores! It is passed on to an environmental organization. The hope is that people will start to take A LOT FEWER bags from the stores. 2. Some stores will be giving out free reusable bags from today thru Jan. 17th - depending on the size of your order (a purchase of over 100 nis gets you 1 bag, 250+ nis gets you 2 bags, 400+ nis gets you 3 bags, 550+ nis gets 4 bags, and 750+ gets you 5 bags). 3. You will be able to buy reusable bags at supermarkets for about 3 nis per bag. Let me know what price your store is charging for them!




In addition to these free bags (some of which are actually quite flimsy), you'll probably want a few additional bags, especially the kind that fold up small. Some people will be making their own bags, but if that's not for you, I wanted to help you source some inexpensive bags that will work for your shopping.

Here are some 5-star rated bags from there that will help you deal with the new law:

5- pack of Reusable Totes (your choice of 3 patterns) (a bit more than $1 per tote)

Foldable Shopping Bags - pack of 6 (less than $1 per bag, and they fold up tiny for easy carrying around inside a purse or pocket)

Insulated Large Capacity Bags that clip onto your shopping cart (2-pack) (I ordered these and hope they arrive soon!)

Canvas Bags - 2 pack

If you don't want to buy bags, you can also make your own. I've seen a lot of great tutorials out there. They vary from simple no-sew bags to intricate funky bags you really need sewing skills to make! Find your favorite and tell me about it!