Israel Discovers the Jewish Deli

Still Life, Pastrami with Kosher Dill/Charles Haynes

Oy vay! Who knew there were no Jewish delis in Israel?!

Ruben, dubbed Israel’s first authentic Jewish deli by the local press, recently began serving up heaps of pastrami on rye — with harissa!! — to the befuddled masses. Why befuddled? As with so many culinary traditions, giant matzo balls and sky-high sandwiches were New World creations. And it took them six decades to make it to Israel.

Check out this fascinating story in The Forward.