‘Tis the season: Signs that winter has arrived in Jerusalem

Since the climate isn’t always the best indicator of the season, there are plenty of others that it “‘tis the season,” indeed.

It’s official: Winter has arrived in Israel.

This week’s weather has been intense, to say the least, with some days reaching over 30°C, and others dropping closer to 30ºF. It hailed in Jerusalem, and then the sun came out an hour later. That’s Israel for you.

Since the climate isn’t always the best indicator of the season, there are plenty of others that it “‘tis the season,” indeed.

Krembos back on the shelves

First and foremost, the Krembo. These beloved sweet treats, consisting of a cookie and marshmallow filling covered in chocolate, are only sold for four months of the year, from October to February.

Despite their limited appearance each year, Krembos are by far the most popular sweet bought in Israel, with over 50 million units sold yearly, calculated at an average annual consumption of five per person in Israel (what I can eat in a day!).

Your friends are all for staying in

In 2025, I honestly believe there is not a single Israeli who cares to let his or her life be disrupted by war, but disruption by rain, that’s another thing. Hezbollah is threatening us? Who cares!? The movie theater is a protected, reinforced space. Iran is trying for uranium enrichment? We have God with us, let’s go get sushi. Once, on a rainy day, though, a friend called to cancel our monthly brunch because I couldn’t possibly expect anyone to drive in these conditions. That’s also Israel for you.

Considering a second mortgage for a Roladin donut

Seriously, Roladin should implement payment plans for its seasonal treats. Roladin’s donuts are a staple of the season, and a yearly indicator of inflation. At the time of writing, a set of four plain donuts costs NIS 32. That’s not to say I haven’t eaten approximately 17 donuts already because the lemon meringue and raspberry ones are, in fact, worth every shekel.

Whatever Israelis think ‘Black Friday’ is

Some call it Black Friday, but you’ll also see “Black November,” “Blue November (patriotism),” or maybe just “Month of crazy sales.” The point is, now is the time to pick up… anything, really. I have been looking into every store that sells candles, but to each his own.

‘The season to be jolly’

In Israel, as the temperature continues to drop, it’s not necessarily “the season to be jolly” for many of us here in the Middle East who tend to get grumpy in the cold. But fear not, dear reader, as in just a few short months we’ll all be complaining about the heat instead. Around and around it goes in the circle of life.