'Keep it simple and stay sane': Adeena Sussman's cooking tips for a complicated wartime Passover

In this poignant episode of the Haaretz Podcast, host Alison Kaplan-Summer speaks with renowned Israeli food writer and cookbook author Adina Sussman about navigating Passover 2026 amid the ongoing war in Israel. Sussman, a Tel Aviv resident and culinary ambassador of the Carmel Market, shares her philosophy of keeping cooking simple, joyful, and emotionally sustainable during times of crisis. She emphasizes that 'whatever you can do is the right thing'—a mantra that applies to both meal planning and mental well-being. Drawing from her own experiences, including cooking during missile alerts and hosting a 'War B&B' with family and friends, Sussman frames home cooking as both therapy and resistance. She offers practical, low-effort recipes like coconut macaroon ice cream sandwiches and a garlic-rich brisket that requires minimal effort but maximum flavor. Her upcoming cookbook, *Zariz*—meaning 'quick' in Hebrew—reflects her mission to deliver 'simple cooking for complicated times,' inspired by the Coco Chanel principle of removing two accessories to achieve elegance. Beyond the kitchen, Sussman reflects on the resilience of Israeli culture, particularly the enduring spirit of the Carmel Market, which remains open despite war. She discusses the evolving identity of Israeli cuisine, embracing both Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions, including the controversial use of tahini and legumes during Passover. She also shares her deep appreciation for Iranian Jewish cuisine, expressing a dream of someday traveling to Iran to reconnect with the roots of diasporic Jewish food. The conversation ends on a hopeful note, advocating for peace and the simple human desire to gather around a table. Sussman’s message is clear: in times of chaos, cooking can be an act of love, continuity, and quiet defiance.