Embracing the Chaos: My Newsletter Returns with Flavor and Purpose
Embracing the Chaos: My Newsletter Returns with Flavor and Purpose
Plus: Supporting Lone Soldiers, local businesses and me.
Hi, it’s Harry. Shalom from Israel. It’s been a minute. I hesitate to send a newsletter on days with terrible news; I don't want it to come across as tone-deaf. I realized that if I keep waiting, I’ll never send it since there isn’t a day without bad news. If I continue on this trajectory, I’ll never send a newsletter again. So today is as good as any. As the summer wanes, Israel finds itself grappling with a complex mix of challenges. Amidst these turbulent times, my culinary tours may have taken a backseat, but fear not, I’m still determined to drop food knowledge upon you via this newsletter. I’m going to write more frequently and right now, at this moment, I’m committed to sending a sweet Rosh Hashanah recipe next.
Tel Aviv Food Adventures: Bakeries, Kebabs & Gen Z Cringe
I’ve been producing a bunch of fun Reels (short videos) on Instagram that you might enjoy. I toured Tel Aviv bakeries, ate kebabs at HaTikva Market, visited the studio of Bedouin artist Zenab Garbia and went full cringe with a Gen Z perspective of Levinsky Market. Slay.
I’m less than 90 followers until I hit 3000! If you're not already subscribed, I invite you to sign up here. If you already follow me, thank you! Now please send my account to three of your closest friends who care about food and can tolerate my sophomoric sense of humor. Double slay.
Sponsor a Food Tour for an IDF Lone Soldier
I wanted to share with you a very special project that I’ve initiated. I’ll be leading free Food Tours for Lone Soldiers (individuals who chose to move to Israel to serve in the IDF and have no family in the country). For the past eleven months, these courageous young men and women have valiantly fought on the front lines, defending our freedom and safeguarding our homeland. They are deserving of an enjoyable and delectable experience.
This project is very close to my heart. One of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life was my service in the IDF. Serving in a combat unit is hard enough by itself, even more so when serving as a lone soldier. I look back fondly on the kindness, generosity, love (and food) from Israelis on the street and visiting tourists I experienced when I was a soldier. Their appreciation and support sustained me through my service.
For a gift of $100, you can sponsor a food tour for one IDF soldier. Your gift benefits lone soldiers, the vendors I work with who will get a boost in business, and help keep me employed - It’s a trifecta of good.
Contributions can be sent:
UNITED STATES: Venmo @harrysfoodtours (Last four digits of the mobile number associated with the account is 6409)
ISRAEL: Bit or Paybox: 054-795-6759
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to explore Israel's diverse culinary scene, from the bustling markets of Jerusalem to the hidden gems of the Galilee. I've met with chefs, farmers, and food artisans, and I've learned so much about the history and culture of food in Israel and I can't wait to share more of my culinary adventures with you.
Also, I would love to hear from you, what are you interested in hearing about? Food trends? Markets? Restaurants? Recipes? Esoteric Jewish food history? Please drop a line by and let me know! You can respond to this newsletter, click “message Harry Rubenstein” below or connect with me on Instagram.
Harry
Next: Honey Chocolate Cake with a Mocha Tahini Glaze
