Israelis Opt for Ready-Made Holiday Meals Over Home Cooking

As the Jewish New Year approaches, Israelis are increasingly opting for pre-prepared holiday meals from culinary institutions and restaurants rather than spending hours cooking at home. This trend reflects a shift in consumer habits, driven by the demanding pace of modern life, where time is a scarce commodity.

Traditional establishments like "Bechor et Shoshi," specializing in North African cuisine, and "Sander," known for Eastern European dishes, are experiencing a surge in orders for holiday staples such as "chreime" (spicy fish stew), "mafroum" (stuffed meat and vegetable dish), "moussaka," and "gefilte fish." Shoshi Adib, who manages "Bechor et Shoshi," notes that while the core recipes remain, the scale of production has grown significantly since her father started the business 60 years ago. She emphasizes the importance of dishes like "chreime" for the holiday, contrasting it with "gefilte fish" by stating, "with all due respect, it simply doesn't reach the level and depth of chreime."

"Sander" reports preparing over a thousand units of "gefilte fish" for Rosh Hashanah, highlighting the deep emotional connection customers have with these nostalgic flavors. Zami Schreiber from "Sander" explains that for many, these dishes evoke memories of grandparents and home, offering a taste of the past that is hard to replicate.

For those who still choose to cook, experts like Matan Zohar from "BUTCH" butcher shop advise patience and specific techniques for slow-cooking meats like lamb shanks or shoulder cuts. He recommends "shoulder cut number 5" for its ease of preparation and presentation. A key tip for home cooks is to prepare the meat a day in advance, allowing it to cool in its sauce overnight to absorb flavors and achieve a better texture for slicing.

Ironically, even culinary experts like Shoshi Adib, who dedicates herself to feeding thousands during the holidays, choose to relax at a hotel during the festival, illustrating the widespread desire to avoid the stress of holiday preparations.