Israelis Becoming More...Health Conscious?

Butcher, Baker?: Candlestick Maker. Hard to believe, but the Manufacturers Association of Israel is predicting a drop in sufganiyot sales this Hanukkah.

A new survey held by the MAI estimated that Hanukkah 2007 will see only 17.5 million sufganiyot sold – a 4% drop from 2006, citing "the obvious health reasons".

The money saved on jelly donuts will instead be put toward cigarettes. Just kidding. They're actually anticipating a surge in sales of (the much less delectable and digestible) Hanukkah candles--with an expected 10% rise since last year.