Former Minister Rabbi Shay Piron Opens Kosher Restaurant in Tel Aviv

Former Israeli Education Minister Rabbi Shay Piron is launching a kosher restaurant in Tel Aviv in collaboration with renowned chef Ohad Amzallag. Amzallag is returning to Israel after years of culinary work abroad, including managing the kosher "HaGafen" restaurant in Paris, which received a Michelin guide recommendation. The new establishment, located on Lilienblum Street, will feature French cuisine.

Despite being certified kosher, the restaurant will operate on Saturdays, requiring special halachic (Jewish law) adjustments to accommodate religious and traditional patrons. Amzallag expressed that his dreams for his community are greater than any culinary award, indicating his commitment to making high-quality food accessible.

This venture aligns with Rabbi Piron's "Shabbat Israeli" initiative, a national project aimed at making Israeli heritage sites, museums, and tours accessible and free on weekends. Launched during the Netanyahu-Gantz government and expanded under the Ministry of Culture and Sport, the initiative opened approximately 100 sites, primarily in peripheral areas, to allow secular and traditional families to engage with Israeli culture on Shabbat without financial barriers.