Indulgences

1. ערק

   arak

   Arak (anise-flavored spirit)

   Usage

   A strong anise spirit that turns milky white when water is added; it is normally drunk cut with water and ice. It is produced in Israel and also in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Morocco. The alcohol content is high, so it is not a shot drink.

2. בירה

   bira

   Beer

   Usage

   If a bar asks which one, the two long-established Israeli labels are גולדסטאר (Goldstar, dark) and בירה מכבי (Maccabee, pale). Draft is מהחבית (me-hakhavit).

3. נרגילה

   nargila

   Nargila (waterpipe / hookah)

   Usage

   A waterpipe for smoking tobacco — the same device called shisha in Egypt; Hebrew normally says נרגילה. Some cafés with outdoor seating and beach bars serve it. Indoor smoking rules vary by venue, so check with the staff.

4. סיגריות

   sigariyot

   Cigarettes

   Usage

   Sold at kiosks (קיוסק) and convenience stores. The singular is סיגריה (sigariya). Indoor public spaces are non-smoking, and most eateries allow smoking only at outdoor tables.

5. חלווה

   khalva

   Halva (sesame confection)

   Usage

   The version common in Israel is a solid sweet based on oil from ground raw sesame. Markets cut it from big blocks and sell it by weight, with many kinds — pistachio, chocolate and more. You can ask for it in 100-gram lots.

6. גרעינים

   gar'inim

   Gar'inim (roasted seeds and nuts eaten as a snack)

   Usage

   Roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds eaten as a snack — you crack the shell with your teeth and eat only the kernel. At market stalls the sign over the bins usually reads פיצוחים (pitsukhim), the umbrella word for roasted seeds and nuts.

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