Chef Michal Epstein Faces Backlash After Making Bakery Kosher Amid Political Tensions
Michal Epstein, a former professional basketball player turned chef and restaurateur, recently decided to make the production in her dairy bakery kosher. This move, intended as a business decision to accommodate corporate clients who faced kosher restrictions, sparked unexpected political backlash in Israel. Epstein clarified that her Eats chain remains non-kosher and open on Shabbat, and only the bakery production was certified kosher to expand accessibility. Despite her explanations, she received harsh criticism accusing her of succumbing to religious coercion and politicizing food, reflecting the polarized climate in Israel in 2026.
Epstein expressed disappointment over the divisive responses, noting that kosher food has become a political symbol, with some viewing eating kosher as supporting draft dodgers and not eating kosher as leftist betrayal. She emphasized her goal to unite diverse populations through food, including secular, religious, right-wing, and left-wing customers. Epstein also shared her personal journey balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, opening Eats while raising young children and overcoming guilt and challenges.
Before her culinary career, Epstein was a top basketball player in Israel and the US, enduring emotional abuse from a coach that left lasting scars. She credits sports values like discipline and teamwork for her success in the restaurant industry. Epstein advocates for greater female representation in culinary media and leadership roles. She described the ongoing difficulties Israeli businesses face amid wars, protests, and economic instability, highlighting the need for force majeure clauses in contracts.
Looking ahead, Epstein plans to expand her businesses, including opening a new branch of her kosher bagel restaurant Shamirz outside Tel Aviv and growing Eats. She remains optimistic about the future despite the challenges, balancing her roles as chef, mother, partner, and former athlete while maintaining her physical and mental health through regular exercise.
