Oliver Borr
Sept. 2025

There’s something nostalgic about the chaos of the Machane Yehuda market in Jerusalem. You don’t have to be Israeli to understand it, but you can’t understand it unless you’ve seen it yourself.

It represents everything that makes Israel so unique.  It’s where strangers become family. It’s intimidating, but welcoming; chaotic, but serene.

The yelling, the chaos, the smells, and the food… the food.

Mountains of spices, piled as high as gravity allows. The contrasts of colours and the richness of smells are so intense that passersby can almost taste the dishes they were harvested for.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Hamilton, and the Hamilton Jewish community. We have so much to offer: nature, culture, community… It's amazing. But there’s one thing we could really use around here… A taste of Israel.

That’s why I’m excited to announce that starting Oct. 19, we’re launching the Jerusalem Café, a restaurant experience at the Adas Israel synagogue every Sunday morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hosted by Enza Naftali, we’ll be serving up incredible Israeli-style breakfast/brunch food for the entire community! Israeli food, Israeli music, Israeli vibes… It's not quite Israel, but it’s the next best thing!

Our goal is to create an authentic dine-in experience for people of all ages and walks of life. With incredible food at reasonable prices, Jerusalem cafe won’t just be a place to eat, but a place to belong.

Imagine dropping your kids off for a fun program or Sunday school at the HHA, and then going to our cafe for a sizzling shakshuka. Imagine meeting your friends for brunch, and sharing stacks of delicious pancakes and french toast. Imagine being served a fresh coffee and a muffin, while Israeli music plays in the background.

Jerusalem Café is a place where memories will be made, and connections will flourish, all within the warm embrace of our Hamilton Jewish community.

Get ready for a menu packed with Israeli classics and brunch favorites, all prepared with that special touch you’d find in Jerusalem. Think shakshuka, home fries, warm pita with hummus and dips, fresh salads, and of course, a fantastic selection of pastries and coffee.

The Jerusalem Café is more than just a meal; it's an invitation to connect, to share, and to experience the vibrant spirit of Israel right here at Adas Israel. Mark your calendars for Oct. 19, and join us for our grand opening. We can't wait to welcome you, your family, and friends to our table. Come taste, listen, and belong – every Sunday morning.