In this insightful episode, Menachem sits down with kosher travel expert Raphi Bloom to discuss the evolving landscape of kosher travel. From safety concerns in Europe to the growth of budget-friendly options, this conversation covers the major trends shaping how Jewish travelers explore the world today.

Topics Discussed

TotallyJewishTravel.com - Your comprehensive resource for:

• Kosher travel planning and bookings
• Minyan information worldwide
• Kosher restaurant directories
• Mikvah locations and information
• Travel tips and destination guides

Key Takeaways

• The kosher travel industry has seen significant changes in the past year, with increased options and competitive pricing
• European travel requires careful consideration of current safety conditions
• Both group tours and independent travel have their place, depending on traveler preferences and experience level
• Younger demographics are increasingly participating in kosher travel
• French programs are expanding their outreach to wider kosher communities
• Post-October 7th travel patterns show notable shifts in behavior and preferences

For more kosher travel resources, minyan information, restaurant guides, and mikvah locations, visit TotallyJewishTravel.com

For Menachem Lubinsky and Lubicom Marketing and Business Consulting

Call 718.854.4450 or e-mail mlubinsky@lubicom.com

This show was Produced and edited by thepodwaves.com

Host Menachem interviews Gidon Katz, discussing the international kosher food industry and Israeli real estate.

## Guest Profile
**Gidon Katz** - Representative of IMP (International Marketing and Promotions), a family business founded in the 1980s.

## Key Discussion Points

### IMP and International Food Export
- Background on IMP (International Marketing and Promotions), founded by Katz's parents in the 1980s
- Focus on connecting Israeli-based clients with Jewish communities worldwide, particularly in US and Canada
- Specialized expertise in food industry exports
- Comparison of food export challenges versus other commodities

### Market Analysis and Operations
- Exploration of opportunities for Israeli products in global markets
- IMP's operational processes and business model
- Analysis of Charedi market dynamics in Israel and internationally
- Detailed comparison of kashrut systems in Israel versus America, including advantages and challenges

### Cultural and Educational Aspects
- Discussion of food culture differences between Israel and America
- Educational processes required for introducing Israeli products to American markets

### Current Market Conditions
- Impact of the ongoing war on Israeli food exports
- Growth trends in the Israeli food industry
- Current state of Israeli tourism market

### Real Estate Focus
- Gidon's involvement in real estate sales to American Jewish buyers
- Current trends in American Jewish investment in Israeli real estate
- Analysis of increasing property purchase trends


For Menachem Lubinsky and Lubicom Marketing and Business Consulting

Call 718.854.4450 or e-mail mlubinsky@lubicom.com

This show was Produced and edited by thepodwaves.com

In this enlightening episode, we dive into the world of kosher fast-casual dining with Benjamin Haimoff, the innovative entrepreneur behind Smash House Burger. From his beginnings in dairy restaurants to pioneering a new concept in kosher fast food, Benjamin shares his fascinating journey and insights into the evolving kosher restaurant industry.

## Episode Highlights

### The Smash Burger Revolution
Benjamin explains the unique technique behind smash burgers - a method that creates a perfectly caramelized crust while maintaining a juicy interior. He breaks down what makes a true smash burger different from traditional burger preparations and why this cooking style has gained such popularity.

### Building a Kosher Franchise
We explore the intricacies of developing a kosher franchise model, including:
- The unique challenges and opportunities in the kosher market
- Standardizing operations while maintaining strict kosher standards
- Training staff across different locations
- Managing supply chains for kosher ingredients

### From Dairy to Meat: An Entrepreneur's Journey
Benjamin shares his compelling transition from operating dairy restaurants to launching a meat-focused franchise, including:
- Lessons learned from his chalavi restaurant experience
- The decision to enter the burger market
- Adapting business strategies for different cuisine types

### Marketing Across Communities
The episode delves into the sophisticated marketing approach required for different locations, addressing:
- Tailoring messaging for various Jewish communities
- Engaging with local customs and preferences
- Building brand recognition across diverse markets
- Creating inclusive marketing that appeals to both kosher and non-kosher consumers

### Customer Education and Experience
Benjamin discusses the importance of educating customers about the smash burger concept, including:
- The unique cooking process
- Why timing and technique matter
- Training staff to explain the concept to new customers
- Creating an engaging dining experience

### The Smash House Burger Experience
The conversation concludes with insights into what makes dining at Smash House Burger special:
- The importance of fresh, quality ingredients
- Quick service without compromising on taste
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Value proposition for kosher consumers

Stay tuned for next week's episode of Kosher Today, where we'll explore another fascinating aspect of the kosher food industry.

For Menachem Lubinsky and Lubicom Marketing and Business Consulting

Call 718.854.4450 or e-mail mlubinsky@lubicom.com

This show was Produced and edited by thepodwaves.com