Two brave immigrants, Gila Feinblum and Ariel Irwin, have taken on the mammoth task of putting together a book that will include, not only recipes, but represent the many different nationalities that now call Israel home. What makes the book unique and helpful is its promise to only include ingredients that you will find in the average Israeli supermarket and will even have Hebrew translations as well as measurements and temperatures that will be appropriate for the Israeli kitchen.

While Gila and Ariel initiated the project, the book could only be successful with the help of the community. And in this case the community is the Facebook community, where the two women created the group "Yashar Yashar Ad Hasof- Navigating the Israeli Kitchen" asking people for their recipes, pictures and contributions to their venture. With nearly 500 people and growing, the group has collected recipes, had discussions just on brown sugar, and has helped many a new immigrant adjust to the change in their cooking lifestyle now that they live in Israel.

Gila, a South African immigrant who has been living in Israel since 1994 and Ariel, an American immigrant who made Aliyah in 2005, both agree the idea came from their love of cooking and, “frustration at constantly having to convert both ingredients and measurements from recipes found online or in the kosher cookbooks from the U.S. or South Africa.” Since the group has grown both in Israel and overseas, contributors not only give recipes, but they have begun to receive, exchanging tips and tastes. Both Gila and Ariel have their own personal favorites when it comes to recipe options. “I personally love everything to do with desserts,” Gila says about her favorite category of recipes, while Ariel enjoys, “anything that's quick and easy but looks complicated and fancy. My favorite recipe — which does not exactly fall into that category — is Death by Chocolate. I'm not much of a chocolate person but my friends can't get enough,” she adds.

The cookbook, which is expected to be out for Rosh HaShana 2010, will certainly add to your kitchen and fill your bellies, and add to your good deeds as well. The Olim Recipe Collection cookbook, 'Yashar Yashar Ad Hasof- Navigating the Israeli Kitchen,' will donate all proceeds to organizations combating poverty in Israel, which affects over one million Israel citizens. As Gila and Ariel look into the future, they hope to have a book launching with several events throughout Israel. For now, they are about to embark on the official taste testing and even have several open to the public. The tastings will take place in February and feature different categories of recipes such as desserts, appetizers and soups. To learn more about these tastings make sure to check JerusalemBlueprint.com for the latest events.

For those that would like to contribute recipes, please email olimrecipes@gmail.com or join the Facebook group at ttp://www.facebook.com/search/?q=olim+cookbook&init=quick#/group.php?gid=165444723167&ref=search&sid=13002204.1487261972..1