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After the establishment of the State of Israel, the population and agricultural production were increasing. In 1948, the population was only 800,000. There are more than 9.2 million as of 2020. Before Israel was established (or we should say “rebuilt”), although it is a place of milk and honey, rainfall was scarce with most areas receiving an average annual rainfall of less than seven inches. But after the country was rebuilt in 1948, rainfall increased significantly. Israel’s agricultural exports are now worth as much as $2 billion. From the land of the desert to the fertile land, this is God’s act and promise. However, the fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel 36:8-11 will not be completed until Jewish Messiah comes again.
Ezekiel 36:8-11 “8 But you, mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home. 9 I am concerned for you and will look on you with favor; you will be plowed and sown, 10 and I will cause many people to live on you—yes, all of Israel. The towns will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. 11 I will increase the number of people and animals living on you, and they will be fruitful and become numerous. I will settle people on you as in the past and will make you prosper more than before. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
shakshuka
The famous Shakshuka – an Israeli dish which consists of eggs poached in a spicy sauce of tomatoes, onions, peppers, parsley, etc. It is easy to make!
shakshuka Recipe
- 1 small onion (batzal – בָּצָל).
- ½ bell pepper (pilpel adom – פִּלְפֵּל אָדֹם).
- 5 medium (be’inoni – בֵּינוֹנִי) tomatoes.
- 1 big (gadol – גָּדוֹל) garlic clove (shen shoom – שֵׁן שׁוּם).
- 2 tbsp parsley (petruzilia – פֶּטְרוֹזִילְיָה).
- 4 tbsp olive oil (shemen za’it – שֶׁמֶן זַיִת).
- 2-4 tbsp water (as much as you need).
- ¼ tsp salt (melah – מֶלַח).
- ¼ tsp black pepper (pilpel shahor – פִּלְפֵּל שָׁחֹר).
- 1 kurt spicy paprika (פַּפְּרִיקָה).
- 4 eggs.
- Cut bell pepper, tomatoes, parsley, onion, garlic, and put each vegetable in a different bowl (The size of the pieces doesn’t matter, it’s a personal choice).
- Heat Olive oil in a frying pan (mahvat – מַחֲבַת) above a large flame (le’hava – לֶהָבָה). Add onion to the frying pan and stir until it gets a golden shade (gavan – גָּוֶן). Add garlic and stir. Add bell pepper and stir for 4 minutes.
- Add to the frying pan tomatoes and parsley and stir while it cooks, until the tomatoes are soft. (troubleshooting: if the tomatoes doesn’t give off enough water, add 2-4 tbsp water). Add salt, black pepper and paprika, stir again and boil. Cover the frying pan partly and lower the flame. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cover and increase the flame. With a spoon (kaf – כַּף), create 4 dimples in the mixture and put 1 egg (be’itsa – בֵּיצָה) in each dimple (gooma – גֻּמָּה). Cover the frying pan and let the eggs cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Move the Shakshuka into plates with a large spoon and serve with a slice of bread (lehem – לֶחֶם).
cookies
In Israel, this kind of food can be seen everywhere. It tastes so good! It cost USD3.90 at the James Robinson Duty Free at the airport several years ago. But what exactly is it? Is it cookies? Please comment!
chinese noodle
Across the street from the Mamila hotel, there is a Chinese restaurant called Mian Noodle. They provide Kosher food. This beef fried noodle is delicious! When served together with the Chinese tea, it is a perfect match!
Shuk Machane Yehuda Market
Near Jerusalem, there is a popular Israeli market called Shuk Machane Yehuda. It is a good place to explore and experience the culture.
Arabic dessert
A variety of Arabic style desserts can be found in Shuk Machane Yehuda Market.
grilled food
In Shuk Machane Yehuda, you can find a variety of restaurants. Here is the grilled food together with various pickles and small dishes — kind of similar to a Korean restaurant.
carmel market
Another popular Israeli market near the south end of Tel Aviv is called Carmel Market.
pomegranates
Pomegranate juice is a must to try in Israel. It is fresh, sweet, and heathy. It reminds you of the seven species God provided to Israel:
Deuteronomy 8:7-9 “7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; 8 a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; 9 a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.”
Household Store
People who have travelled to Asia may be familiar with this kind of store that sells household goods and small tools, etc.
First station
This was the first station in Jerusalem, but today there is no train. It is just a bus station. However, it is now a good place to relax.
First Station Market
There are small shops, bars, restaurants, and a children’s playground at the First Station.
Muslim quarter
The Muslim Quarter provides an opportunity to explore another culture.
central bus station
Egged Bus and Dan Bus are the main Bus Companies in Israel. For the backpacker, Central Bus Station is your friend. You can go most anywhere through the Central Bus Station. If you are in Israel, you might want to download the Moovit App. It is very helpful.
ticket scanner
In Jerusalem, you will see the Light Rail around the Old and New City. When you get on the Light Rail, there is ticket scanner.
duty free
The last stop for shopping at the duty free. I recommend James Davidson as they have a variety of merchandise and food for gifts.
A lot of walking
After three weeks of walking in Israel, I need a new pair of shoes.
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