Eyal Tamir fell in love with the bread at Teller Bakery in Jerusalem and decided to transform his life. Leaving behind a career in photography, he began working at Teller. And after eight years, he started baking bread at home in Neve Shalom, selling it to his neighbors. As demand grew, he opened Ish Lechem, an artisanal bakery in Moshav Taoz in the Judean Hills.

Photo: Noam Prisman

Farmer Michal Havivian explains: “Ish Lechem is more than just a bakery; it’s a community hub that connects people. The shelves here are stocked not only with Eyal’s exceptional breads and pastries — priced accessibly because he believes high-quality, healthy bread should be available to everyone — but also with products from local producers. Eyal’s vision extends beyond baking; he aims to create a social network that supports the community and provides financial stability for local businesses. Each week, the bakery offers a selection of special breads made from organic flours, spelt, and wheat grown in Israel.

My recommendation is to avoid visiting on Fridays, as the bakery tends to have long lines. To fully appreciate the tranquility of the place — with its intoxicating blend of mountain air and the scent of baked butter, Eyal’s warm smile, and the vibrant community atmosphere — try coming during the middle of the week.”