Amazing Restaurant Deals - 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!)  

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!

Kosherfrugal.com and Janglo have teamed up to bring you some great GROO (formerly Groupon) deals and you don't want to miss! Also, Janglo Beteavone has a great selection of restaurant coupons, so you can check http://shop.beteavone.com for additional deals. 

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. 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! Be sure to check the Facebook group so you don't miss out!

If you're looking for savings on attractions and entertainment, click here for part 1 and here for part 2!

If you're looking for restaurant deals in Jerusalem and/or the Merkaz, click here !

The Whole Country:

Pizza Hut -- valid at any Pizza Hut location in Israel! Get a personal pizza with 1 topping, and a can of Fanta soft drink for 24 nis. Not valid for Delivery orders. Valid thru October 8, 2018

Haifa and North:

Japan Japan, Yokneam - Buy 1 Get One Free Deal - Sushi Deal is 39 nis, Stir-Fry Deal is 60 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 Dec. 30, 2018.

Leonardo Plaza (Haifa) - Breakfast Buffet for over 45% off the rack rate! Redeem Sun - Thurs, 7 - 10 am. Reservations recommended. Valid thru Aug. 31, 2018.

Shytel Meat Kingdom (Nahariya) - 129 NIS per person for all-you-can-eat dinner! Redeem Sun - Thurs, noon - 10pm. Reservations required (Last reservations at 8:30 pm, must order by 9:40pm). Valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Min. 2 people per table with a voucher and max. 6 people per table with a voucher. No additional guests without a Groo voucher can join your table.

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.

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 Groupons for table (3 couples). Reservations required. Redeem Sun - Wed, noon - 8pm, Thurs. noon - 9:30pm, or Friday noon - half an hour before Shabbat.

Chof Gai Hotel (Tiberias) Breakfast and Spa Day - 219 nis for 1, 429 nis for 2. Redeem Sun - Thurs, if you want to redeem on weekends, there is an additional fee payable at the hotel. Breakfast is served from 7:30am - 10:00am. The deal includes breakfast, a massage, and use of the pool and spa facilities (water park not included). Reservations required. Valid thru Aug. 31, 2018

Japan! Japan in Kiryat Ata - choose a buy one get one free voucher for Sushi or for Stir Fry. Up to 3 Groupons can be used at one table. Can be used for takeout, but not valid for delivery orders. Good thru December 31, 2018.

Takeout food for Shabbat from Pataio Catering in Tirat HaCarmel - get a 100nis voucher for just 50nis! Groupon valid for 60 days from date of purchase.

Breakfast Buffet at the Bay View Hotel in Haifa - Sun-Thurs: 55nis for 1 or 99nis for 2, Fridays: 59nis for 1 or 115nis for 2. Voucher valid thru August 31, 2018. Max 6 per table with Groupons. Reservations required.

Pizza Puzzle in Akko - get an XL pizza for 30nis. For 49nis, you'll also get a salad and garlic bread with your pizza. Voucher good for 2 months from date of purchase. Not valid for Delivery.

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 August 31, 2018.

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 Groupon vouchers per table.

Two Felafels with French Fries at Olam HaOchel, (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

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

South:

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 October 28, 2018

Felafel Plus, Ashdod - Meat Laffa Sandwich (your choice of meats), plus a drink, for just 26 nis. or 2 of the above for just 51 nis. Limit one voucher per person. Redeem Sun - Thurs, 11 am - 10:30 pm. Voucher valid thru September 30, 3018

Mailis Fashion Cake, Ashkelon - Large Coffee and a Pastry or Boutique Dessert, for 15 or 25 nis (depending on which kind of pastry you choose). Limit one voucher per person. Redeem Sun - Thurs, 9 am - 10 pm, Friday 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, and Sat. night until 11 pm. Voucher valid thru September 30, 2018

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.

Ofra Gourmet, Ashdod, - takeout food - buy a 100 shekel voucher for just 50 shekels. Redeem with a purchase of 250 nis or more. Voucher valid thru Oct.30, 2018. Redeem from 7 am - 2 pm Fridays only. Call in your order ahead of time! Limit one per person. 

Endive, Ashdod - dinner for 2 for 279 shekels. Valid Sun- Thurs, 6:30 pm - 10 pm. Reservations required, Limit 8 people with a Groupon per table. Voucher valid thru Dec 30, 2018.

Nordau 24, Ashdod - dinner for 2 for 139 shekels (premium package for 189 shekels). Valid Sun- Thurs, 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Voucher valid for 90 days from date of purchase.

Breakfast/Brunch at Endive in the West Boutique Hotel, Ashdod - 75 shekels for 1, 149 shekels for 2, upgrade to include pool admission for the day for 219 shekels for 2. Valid Sun- Fridays, breakfast served 6-10:30am, or brunch served Tues-Thurs, 11 am - 1:30 pm. Voucher valid thru December 27, 2018.

Breakfast Buffet at the Central Park Hotel, Eilat (I checked, the hotel is kosher, even though Groupon 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 Oct. 31, 2018.

Jandoya Catering (Dairy) Platters - for 10 people (399 nis), 15 people (499 nis), or 20 people (799 nis). Orders for 10 people are pick up only, orders for 15 or 20 can be delivered for an additional fee, fee depends on area. Voucher valid for 90 days from date of purchase. You must place your order at least 48 hrs in advance. Blackout dates apply.

Criolo, Be'er Sheva - 99 nis for 2. Voucher valid thru July 30, 2018. Valid Sun- Thurs, noon - 11pm, and Sat. nights, until 1am. Cannot be redeemed on Fridays. Reservations required, Limit one couple with a Groupon per table. Not valid for takeout or delivery.

Ribs in Ashdod - deals starting at 99nis for a 2 person meal! (upgrade that includes wine, dessert, and coffee is available) Voucher valid thru August 30, 2018. Limit 6 people per table if using a Groupon 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 August 30, 2018. Check for blackout dates, and reservations required. Generally valid Sun-Thurs noon - 5:30pm or Fridays noon - 2pm. Anyone in your party without a Groupon 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.

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

Food Recall - Chumus

Please check out this latest recall!

Here are the details you need to know:

Product: Chumus
Brand: Achlah
Size: 650g
Barcode: 7290107940030
Use By Dates: 6.9.18

This batch may be contaminated with salmonella.

Strauss Group is recalling these products in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.

Consumers who have purchased this product are instructed not to eat it. If you have any questions, or to arrange for a replacement product, please call Strauss Group customer service at 1-800-777-777 or reach out to them via their website: https://www.strauss-group.co.il/service-/

Please help get the word out! Share this post!

Follow or Like my page on Facebook to stay up to date with recalls and other information!

Food Recall - Smoked Salmon

Some people out there may be interested in this latest recall:

Here are the details you need to know:


Product: Sliced Smoked Salmon
Brand: Seven Seas (Shamir Salads)
Size: 100g, 150g packages
Production Dates: 5.07.18 
Use By Dates: 4.08.18

The recall also included 100g packages with an expiration date of 27.07.18, which has already passed. If for some reason you froze this product, take note!


These products are being recalled due to listeria contamination.

Consumers who have purchased this product are instructed not to eat it. Please call Shamir Salads customer service at 1-800-701-701 to arrange your return.

Please help get the word out! Share this post!

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Coupons for you!

It's been a while since I posted supermarket coupons, but I'm trying to revive that part of this blog.

Hopefully the manufacturers will cooperate, and actually ISSUE coupons - that would make things go much, much more smoothly ;-) !!

Coupons are great, because I love to remind people to "never, ever pay full price" - but here in Israel it's much harder than it was when I lived in the US (I have no idea what goes on there now, but it seems to me like bargain hunting there has also gotten harder, so I can only talk about "the good ol' days" of couponing...). In any case, I like to try to get all the coupons I can!

Today's coupons are for "Lily" premium toilet paper products. You can choose one or both of these:

Click on this link and fill out the form on the left in order to receive your coupons (they send them via SMS)!

Feel free to share this post with your friends, so they can get their coupons, too!

Be sure to follow or like my Facebook page, so you don't miss out!

Orlah Update: Av 5778

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 have been posting 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 Av 5778

Fruits to AVOID buying without a teudah:

• Avocado - Reid variety
• Pears - Nashi variety
• Blueberries
• Annona
• Peach - variety 881, and large white
• Lemon
• Apricot - large
• Nectarine - several varieties of yellow, medium size white
• Seedless grapes: many or most varieties
• Seeded grapes: Muscat
• Papaya
• Pitaya (Dragon Fruit)
• Prickly Pear (Sabra Fruit)
• Starfruit
• Passionfruit
• Plum - Wickson, Miriam varieties
• Figs
• Valencia Oranges
• Apples - Bachir, Grand, and Brookfield

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!

Another Recall (Soft Drinks)!

Some people out there may be interested in this latest recall:

Here are the details you need to know:


Product: Spring Strawberry Banana Soft Drink
Size: 1.5 L
Production Dates: 5.3.18 and 6.3.18
Use By Dates: 5.12.18 and 6.12.18 (Kosher for Passover)

The company has received complaints about an unusual taste and odor. 

Jafora-Tabori is recalling these products in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.

Consumers who have purchased this product are instructed not to drink it. It is no longer on store shelves, so you won't find this batch in the store. If you have any questions, please call Jafora-Tabori customer service at 1-800-701-701.

Please help get the word out! Share this post!

Follow me or Like my page on Facebook to stay up to date with recalls and other information!

Food Recall (Israel) - Mayonnaise!

Today's recall is one you definitely want to see. Please check your fridge or pantry!

Here are the details you need to know:

Product: Mayonnaise
Brands: Meitav, Shufersal, and Rami Levy 
Barcodes: 7290002781059, 7290015835800, 7296073205081
Production Dates: 15-16/05/18

Expiration Dates: 15-16/01/19

These products have an unusual odor that is not typical of them. Meitav is recalling these products in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.

Consumers who have purchased these products are instructed return it to the store where purchased. If you have any questions, please call Meitav customer service at 08-997-0070.

Please help get the word out! Share this post with anyone who might have bought these products!

Follow me or Like my page on Facebook to stay up to date with recalls and other information!

Amazing Restaurant Deals - 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!)  

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!

Kosherfrugal.com and Janglo have teamed up to bring you some great GROO (formerly Groupon) deals and Eluna deals (and other deals) you don't want to miss! Also, Janglo Beteavone has a great selection of restaurant coupons, so you can check http://shop.beteavone.com for additional deals.

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. 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! Be sure to check the Facebook group so you don't miss out!

If you're looking for savings on attractions and entertainment, click here!

If you're looking for restaurant deals in Jerusalem and/or the Merkaz, click here!

Haifa and North:

Leonardo Plaza (Haifa) - Breakfast Buffet for over 45% off the rack rate! Redeem Sun - Thurs, 7 - 10 am. Reservations recommended. Valid thru Aug. 31, 2018.

Shytel Meat Kingdom (Nahariya) - 129 NIS per person for all-you-can-eat dinner! Redeem Sun - Thurs, noon - 10pm. Reservations required (Last reservations at 8:30 pm, must order by 9:40pm). Valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Min. 2 people per table with a voucher and max. 6 people per table with a voucher. No additional guests without a Groo voucher can join your table.

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.

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 Groupons for table (3 couples). Reservations required. Redeem Sun - Wed, noon - 8pm, Thurs. noon - 9:30pm, or Friday noon - half an hour before Shabbat.

Pizza Agvaniya, Haifa - pay 10 shekels for a voucher that allows you to get a second pizza free when you order one pizza! Voucher valid thru July 20, 2018. Includes up to 2 toppings (except tuna or balgarit cheese). You cannot use "Ten Bis" to pay for your pizza. Redeem Sun - Thurs, 9:30am - 10pm, Fridays 9:30am - 3pm, and Sat. nights from one hour after Shabbat until 10pm. Max 3 vouchers per person, redeem them only one at a time. Delivery charges are extra.

Chof Gai Hotel (Tiberias) Breakfast and Spa Day - 219 nis for 1, 429 nis for 2. Redeem Sun - Thurs, if you want to redeem on weekends, there is an additional fee payable at the hotel. Breakfast is served from 7:30am - 10:00am. The deal includes breakfast, a massage, and use of the pool and spa facilities (water park not included). Reservations required. Valid thrו July 31, 2018

Japan! Japan in Kiryat Ata - choose a buy one get one free voucher for Sushi or for Stir Fry. Up to 3 Groupons can be used at one table. Can be used for takeout, but not valid for delivery orders. Good thru July 31, 2018.

Takeout food for Shabbat from Pataio Catering in Tirat HaCarmel - get a 100nis voucher for just 50nis! Groupon valid for 60 days from date of purchase.

Breakfast Buffet at the Bay View Hotel in Haifa - Sun-Thurs: 55nis for 1 or 99nis for 2, Fridays: 59nis for 1 or 115nis for 2. Voucher valid thru August 31, 2018. Max 6 per table with Groupons. Reservations required.

Pizza Puzzle in Akko - get an XL pizza for 30nis. For 49nis, you'll also get a salad and garlic bread with your pizza. Voucher good for 2 months from date of purchase. Not valid for Delivery.

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 August 31, 2018.

Sinta Bar (Kiryat Ata) at Kenyon Shaar Hatzafon, Burger meal for 2, for 76nis. Includes 2 burgers, one order of fries, and 2 drinks. Voucher valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Valid Sun- Thurs, 5pm - 10pm, and Sat. nights, 7:30pm - 10:30pm. Cannot be redeemed on Fridays. Reservations required, or call in advance for takeout.

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 Groupon vouchers per table.

Two Felafels with French Fries at Olam HaOchel, (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

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

South:

Fifth Avenue, Eilat - Dinner for two for over 30% off the regular price! Voucher valid for 60 days from date of purchase. Fifth Avenue is also offering a "Mondial Special" for 69 shekels (burger meal), good thru the end of July.  Redeem the voucher of your choice 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.

Albi, Beer Sheva - Buy 1 get 1 free burger specials! Or choose the Chummus special. Voucher valid thru Juy 15, 2018. Redeem Sun - Thurs, 4 - 11 pm, Friday noon - 3 pm, and Sat. nights from half an hour after Shabbat until 11:30 pm. Be sure to show your voucher before ordering. Max 4 people with vouchers per table. Not valid for takeout/delivery.

Safra, Be'er Sheva - meat meal for 2 starting at 99 nis. Voucher valid thru Oct. 30, 2018. Redeem Sun - Thurs, noon - midnight, and Sat nights until midnight. Reservations required after 7 pm. Max 6 per table if using vouchers.

Ofra Gourmet, Ashdod, - takeout food - buy a 100 shekel voucher for just 50 shekels. Redeem with a purchase of 250 nis or more. Voucher valid thru Oct.30, 2018. Redeem from 7 am - 2 pm Fridays only. Call in your order ahead of time! Limit one per person. 

Beit HaFul, Ashdod - Chumus meal, 29 shekels, Chumus with beef, 35 shekels. Voucher valid thru August 30, 2018. Valid Sun- Thurs, 10 am - 9pm, and Fridays, 10am - 2 pm. Limit 4 people with Groupons per table. Limit 1 voucher per person.

Endive, Ashdod - dinner for 2 for 279 shekels. Valid Sun- Thurs, 6:30 pm - 10 pm. Reservations required, Limit 8 people with a Groupon per table. Voucher valid thru Dec 30, 2018.

Nordau 24, Ashdod - dinner for 2 for 139 shekels (premium package for 189 shekels). Valid Sun- Thurs, 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Voucher valid for 90 days from date of purchase.

Safra, Be'er Sheva - dinner for 2 for 99 shekels (regular), or 139 shekels (upgraded), or 189 shekels (premium). Valid Sun- Thurs, noon - midnight, and Sat. nights until midnight. Limit 6 people with a Groupon per table. Voucher valid thru October 30, 2018.

Breakfast/Brunch at Endive in the West Boutique Hotel, Ashdod - 75 shekels for 1, 149 shekels for 2, upgrade to include pool admission for the day for 219 shekels for 2. Valid Sun- Fridays, breakfast served 6-10:30am, or brunch served Tues-Thurs, 11 am - 1:30 pm. Voucher valid thru July 31, 2018.

Breakfast Buffet at the Central Park Hotel, Eilat (I checked, the hotel is kosher, even though Groupon 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 Oct. 31, 2018.

Jandoya Catering (Dairy) Platters - for 10 people (399 nis), 15 people (499 nis), or 20 people (799 nis). Orders for 10 people are pick up only, orders for 15 or 20 can be delivered for an additional fee, fee depends on area. Voucher valid for 90 days from date of purchase. You must place your order at least 48 hrs in advance. Blackout dates apply.

Criolo, Be'er Sheva - 99 nis for 2. Voucher valid thru July 30, 2018. Valid Sun- Thurs, noon - 11pm, and Sat. nights, until 1am. Cannot be redeemed on Fridays. Reservations required, Limit one couple with a Groupon per table. Not valid for takeout or delivery.

TakeOut from Boda Blanca in Ashdod (Mehadrin) for half price! Pay 40nis for an 80nis voucher! Fridays only. Groupon valid thru July 31, 2018. Limit 1 voucher per person

Ribs in Ashdod - deals starting at 99nis for a 2 person meal! (upgrade that includes wine, dessert, and coffee is available) Voucher valid thru July 31, 2018. Limit 6 people per table if using a Groupon voucher. Can be redeemed Sun-Thurs, noon - 7pm. Reservations required.

Lunch at "Space" in Moshav Amonim - 139nis for 1 person, 279nis for 2, or 549nis for 4. Voucher valid thru August 30, 2018. Check for blackout dates, and reservations required. Generally valid Sun-Thurs noon - 5:30pm or Fridays noon - 2pm. Anyone in your party without a Groupon 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.

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

Free Shipping to Israel from Amazon!

this post contains affiliate links

UPDATE: This free shipping offer has ended. Sadly.

WOAH

Amazing news!

Amazon has launched FREE Shipping to Israel on certain products!

It's not for everything - please take note that free shipping is only available for certain products shipped and sold by Amazon.com, and items sold by third-party sellers are subject to other shipping terms. To take advantage of this deal, you'll also have to place an order of $80+, so you will have to pay taxes and fees, as that's above the tax-free threshold. You'll see the total at checkout, though, before you comfirm the purchase.

I think this is going to be a GOOD thing, don't you?

See below for a primer on Import Taxes when you order online!

package from purchase abroad - tax free!

Shopping online and wondering what to expect regarding taxes and fees? This guide will help you understand the basics that apply to residents of Israel when shopping online from overseas. Most of us shop this way to save money, so who wants a tax bill surprise when the order gets here? This post will help you avoid a tax bill (legally, of course!).

Note: the same regulations apply to packages sent from abroad, even if they are gifts!

Here's the rundown (the full regulations can be found on the Israel tax authority's site)

Your purchase or package, no matter what currency it was in, will be translated into US Dollars by the tax authority to determine if it's taxable:

Purchases up to $75/Packages with a declared value up to $75 - no taxes

Purchases or packages with a declared value above $75, up to $500 - no customs taxes, but VAT will apply in most cases (17% currently), and Purchase Tax (variable rates) may apply (purchase tax applies to very few items at this point!)

Purchases or packages with a declared value over $500 - subject to all taxes (VAT , Purchase Tax (if applicable), and Customs Tax)

Please take note that purchases and packages (even gifts) of up to $75 in value will be subject to customs clearance fees if they arrive using an EMS service* (about 35 shekels), and if the value of the purchase is higher, the customs clearance fee can be higher as well. Other fees are often added on by shipping companies, as there is really not much oversight! I recently saw a bill that included the following fees: Handling fees, Import approval fee, VAT, Computer fee, Unloading fee, Storage fee. Watch out for these fees from shipping companies/courier services. I recommend you always try to get your packages via a service that guarantees your fees have all been prepaid.

Please be aware that the purchase price only (not purchase + shipping) will determine whether an item will be taxed. Once it is found to be taxable, however, applicable taxes will be calculated on the purchase price + the shipping price.

One more important point: If you order multiple orders from the same seller and they arrive within 72 hours of each other, customs may combine the orders and treat them as one purchase for tax purposes. They may not. But it is a possibility you should be aware of before you place multiple orders.

If your order is stuck in customs, or if you feel like you were charged tax by mistake, you will need to contact the customs office nearest you.

Here's the contact info for the various offices, taken from the meches website. I couldn't find any email addresses, sorry.

Tel Aviv
Derech HaHagana 137, Yad Eliyahu, Tel Aviv
Tel: 03-942-1730
Fax: 03-942-1733

Jerusalem
Mercaz Shatner, Givat Shaul B, Jerusalem 91999
Tel: 02-652-6193
Fax: 02-651-1589

Haifa
Sderot Pal Yam 19, Shakmona, POB 245, Haifa 31999
Tel: 04-866-4130
Fax: 04-666-9803

Eilat
Central Post Office, The Red Mall, Eilat 83100
Tel: 08-632-6476
Fax: 08-866-9702

Some of these regulations are different from what some people seem to believe, so please refer back to this guide if you are about to place an order and you're not sure what to expect from the tax-man.

If you're not sure where to start shopping online, I've compiled a list of websites that offer low cost shipping to Israel! Please be sure to check it out! Let's help open Israel's marketplace and bring down our cost of living without bringing down our standard of living!

Some of my favorite websites to shop from are:

BetterWorldBooks.com ~ iHerb ~ AliExpress ~ eChemist ~ iWOOT ~ Amazon

Be sure to check out the whole list!


*Examples of EMS services - Express Mail, Fedex, UPS and other express delivery services. Sometimes DHL is EMS and sometimes it is not.

Free Show Tickets for Olim!

Recently, the Ministry of Absorption has been on a social media ad campaign, and I clicked on one of their ads (weird, I know - but it caught my eye!).

Much to my surprise, I discovered this amazing program I had never heard about before!

If you have been in Israel for fewer than 30 years, read on!

You can get FREE show tickets from Misrad Haklitah if you are over 14 years old, and made Aliyah no earlier than 1989!

Here's how you go about getting your free tix:

Choose a show from the list of participating shows (find the list here) at one of these theaters: Haifa Theater, Beer Sheva Theater, Hullegeb Theatre, Yung Yiddish, Gesher, The Hebrew Theater, Yiddishpiel, The Israel Chamber Orchestra.

You must order your tickets no less than 2 days in advance!

Fill out the online booking form and submit it online.

If you have difficulty booking online, you can order your tickets over the phone by calling *2994, but Misrad Haklitah says that it is best to place your order online.

Your order will be processed, and then you will receive a confirmation email with details of the show you requested.

You can pick up the tickets at the theater box office an hour before the show (no later than 15 minutes before the show).

Each individual can order only one ticket per show! You can't place an order for all of your friends, sorry. But any oleh/olah can order, so you can spread the word!

In the event that you need to cancel your reservation, call *2994.

Enjoy the show!

(If you want to go to shows at other theaters, be sure to check out my discount entertainment posts to save on tickets!)

Don't miss out on savings tips, deals, and important information for every English speaker living in Israel - be sure to follow me on Facebook so we can stay in touch!