​This is an advertisement for Coca Cola which appeared in the January 2, 1969 edition of the Israeli newspaper Davar. The advert is directed at the woman of the house and reminds her to buy bottles of Coca Cola for her family to enjoy on Shabbat. Coca Cola is the quintessential American beverage which has been sold in Israel since 1966. The advert presents Coca Cola as a special treat which will enhance the family’s enjoyment of Shabbat. Shabbat, which holds a special status in Israeli society for religious and non-religious Israeli Jews alike, was seen as a time for splurging or enjoying foods that were not a part of the daily diet.

Pepsi, Coca Cola’s major American rival, was not sold in Israel until 1992. It is alleged that Pepsi did not enter the Israeli market due to the Arab League’s threat to boycott any companies that conducted trade with Israel or operated in Israel. Coca Cola, however, did business in Israel and risked being boycotted by Arab countries. During those years that only Coca Cola was sold in Israel, many American Jews stopped buying Pepsi products and formed a strong loyalty to Coca Cola.

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Celebrating Shabbat in Different Ways – Orthodox Jews who follow the halachah (laws originating from the traditional interpretation of the Torah) celebrate Shabbat according to traditional laws that focus on refraining from secular work, business, and study as a day of family, prayers, and rest. These laws include prohibitions on writing, driving, and using electricity and technology. However, Shabbat is also celebrated in many other ways. Many non-Orthodox families also have special Shabbat meals, often including Kiddush. People use the day to rest, take trips, visit family, etc. Either way, the Jewish people, who brought the day of rest to the Western world, still finds ways to change their life on the seventh day of the week.