Your Year in Israel

Professional laundries wash, dry, and fold for about $9-10 a load. Not only are there few places where you can conveniently wash your own clothing (unless you get lucky and rent an apartment with a washer), but doing that does not save money. The laundries are reliable, but tough on clothes. Therefore, wash-and-wear clothes are highly recommended. Many students rent washing machines for the year.

Cantorial students should bring concert and performance clothes, concert blacks are not necessary, but women should have a black skirt and white blouse and men should bring black pants and a white shirt. Women: Dresses or blouses and skirts, pantyhose, and thick tights. Men: Dress shirts/sport coat and slacks, necktie.

Also bring some clothes and shoes/sneakers you will not mind getting dirty or ruined on field trips and the archaeological excavation.

Bedding and Linens

Bring bathtowels, pillowcases, and flat sheets (fitted sheets may not fit your Israeli mattresses). Some apartments do come with blankets and bedding, and if you bring a sleeping bag (highly recommended), you can use it as a blanket. Some students recommend bringing a warm winter blanket as well. Flannel sheets are also suggested for the winter months. Linens and towels are very expensive in Israel.

Medications and Cosmetics

Bring a full year's supply of medications and prescription drugs you normally use as well as familiar over the counter medications for cold, headache, etc. Some students advise bringing contact lens solution, make-up, vitamins, deodorant, cologne, feminine hygiene products, razor blades, and shaving cream. Other students advise buying these products in Israel, despite the much higher prices, rather than paying overweight charges for a year's supply. Substitutes for most products (soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc.) exist and many American brands are available.

NOTE: Israeli laws pertaining to the use or possession of narcotic drugs are extremely severe and firmly enforced. Punishment for using or possessing even small quantities of "light" drugs (marijuana, hashish) can be a heavy fine, a jail sentence, and permanent expulsion from Israel.

Electrical and Battery-Operated Items

Electrical current in Israel is 220 volts/50 cycles. Therefore, if you wish to bring any of your electrical appliances, you will need converters that have the capacity to handle the number of watts of electricity the appliance uses.

NOTE: Anything digital like a clock, reel-to-reel tape recorder, etc. will not work on a converter in Israel because the current is 50 cycles in Israel (versus 60 cycles in the US).

Cassette Players/Recorders; Walkmans; Small Appliances; Compact Disk

It is best to bring small appliances which operate on dual voltage (110/220). If you cannot find dual voltage items in your city, try Essex Electronics in New York. In Los Angeles, try Mid-Valley Electronics in Encino. If your cassette player or walkman operates on DC volts, you can purchase the same kind of 220 volt DC wall transformer in Israel for about $10. This is preferable to using a travel converter which tends to wear out the equipment. Bring a video camera if you already own one.

Computers/Printers

Although many new computers are dual voltage (110/220) and thus operable in Israel, a computer or printer or any 110 voltage item which requires a lot of power must be operated on a step-down transformer which can be purchased at most electronic stores. These come in different sizes although the 300 watt unit is sufficient for most appliances. Check your appliance to determine the size of transformer needed. It is also recommended to bring a power strip which enables you to plug in several different items. Previous students have found laptops to be useful and convenient. Students have also found it useful to bring a small printer. The printer adapter should covert 60Khz to 50Khz. Make sure you bring all documentation in case of problems.

E-Mail

Students wishing to use E-Mail can access their personal accounts through the Rechler Computer Center in the Abramov library through the HUC internet system. Students wishing access from their homes should make arrangements through CompuServe or America OnLine or through an Israeli provider upon arrival. Many students bring their own computers, software and modems with them. All phone accessories and converters can be purchased in Israel. See Communication section for more information.

Fax and Answering Machines

If you plan to bring a fax machine, keep in mind that Israel has an approval list for particular machines. The list is constantly being updated so check with the nearest Israeli Consulate before buying one. Students can use the fax services of HUC to send and receive faxes. A fee is charge. The Israeli phone system has a voice-mail option on all phones so students advise that there is no need for an answering machine.

For the Kitchen

All kinds of inexpensive dishes, cookware and cutlery are available in Israel, but there are some things that previous students recommend you bring:

Sports Equipment

There are several private health clubs with free and machine weights and swimming pools near HUC. Most students either jog, join a local aerobics class, or play basketball, baseball, or frisbee in one of the local parks. Students have also organized and joined local football and basketball teams.

Music and Musical Instruments

There will be a number of songleading opportunities throughout the year. Feel free to bring music, guitars and other portable musical instruments (remember: carry instruments on the plane to avoid damage). In the past, HUC students have played informally on Ben Yehuda street, and in local bands, to earn a few shekels, to raise money for local charities and to have fun. There will be ample opportunity for students to songlead or participate in Se'udah Shlisheet events, for children in the Reform kindergarten, in campus-wide festival meals and events (for example, HUC Beit Cafe and Cabarets), etc. Be sure to bring a soft case for your guitar.

Cantorial Students should note: A tape-recorder/player and high quality tapes are essential for cantorial classroom recordings and assignments. Although there are four pianos available on campus, cantorial students advise that an electric keyboard is a must. In addition, it is recommended that you bring any Jewish music (liturgical and non-liturgical) that you may find useful for solo performance. Bring your favorite anthology of Jewish songs, anthology of Lieder and Arias, and any music you have been using for services at home. If you have been singing a Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, etc. song cycle, bring the music with you. In addition to the books recommended above, cantorial students should bring (if you can locate them) the following cantorial music:

Biblical Chant, A.W. Binder (purchase through Sacred Music Press, HUC-JIR, New York)
Jewish Music in Its Historical Development, A.Z. Idelsohn
Gates of Song, published by the CCAR, ACC, UAHC
Weekday Service, A. Spiro

If you subscribe to a particular magazine, you should consider changing your subscription address, but remember this may involve additional cost and possibly take up to three months to be delivered. If you have a hobby, bring your materials with you.

Books

Be sure to bring Gates of Prayer, Gates of Repentance, and Gates of Understanding with you. These books are NOT available in Israel and every student should have her/his personal copy.

If you already own any of the following books, it is highly recommended to bring them with you:

A Guide to Jewish Practice, Isaac Klein
Gates of Shabbat - not available in Israel
Gates of the House - not available in Israel
A History of Israel, Howard Sachar
Back to the Sources, Barry Holtz
To Pray As A Jew, Hayim Halevy Donin
Bible (English/Hebrew)
Siddurim

The Metsudah Siddurim or Art Scroll Siddurim (*)
Koren Tanach (*)
Siddur Rinat Yisrael (*)
Judaism A-Z, Newman and Sivan (*)
Alkalay Hebrew/English and English Hebrew Dictionary (*)
Jewish Liturgy, A. Z. Idelsohn (especially Cantorial Students) Mikraot Gedolot Bereshit (*)
Pentateuch with Rashi's Commentary, translated by Silverman
Sefer HaAgadah, Bialik & Ravnitsky (for rabbinic and education students) (*)
Dictionary of Talmud and Midrash, Marcus Jastrow (*) (for rabbinic and education students)
A Hebrew & English Lexicon of The Old Testament, Francis Brown, S.R.Driver, A. Briggs, Oxford University Press - (difficult to find in Israel)
To Be a Jew, Hayim Halevy Donin
The Torah: A Modern Commentary, W.G. Plaut
An English Dictionary

A good guide book of Israel ("Fodor's" or "Lonely Planet")
A great cookbook (Moosewood)
Health Reference (Our Bodies, Ourselves)
Personal Reading (Bestsellers, outside interests)
Prayerbooks
"Streetwise Jerusalem" Map

A Partial Packing Checklist

Clothing

jeans and winter slacks (at least 4 pairs), skirts
walking shorts (women in short-shorts may be harassed)
wash-and-wear shirts and blouses (long and short sleeved)
T-Shirts
sweatshirts (preferable with hood)
sweaters (lots - including a few really warm ones)
lightweight jacket
heavy coat
raincoat (a warm one - it only rains when it's cold)
rain pants (the wind blows hard when it's raining)
scarf
gloves
thermal underwear
underwear and regular socks - lots
warm, thick socks
warm pajamas
bathing suits
sun hat
warm bathrobe
dress shoes
a few pairs of comfortable walking shoes (lots of walking in Jerusalem)
a few pairs of sneakers (they are very expensive in Israel)
warm slippers (for those cold ceramic or stone floors)
waterproof boots or shoes ( i.e., duck-shoes/boots)
hiking boots
dressy clothes, both summer and winter, for Shabbat and services - at least 4-5 outfits (But, remember that Israel is much more casual than North America)

flashlight
travel alarm clock (battery-operated)
walkman recorder/player + headphones (to record ulpan class)
CD/radio/cassette recorder/player
battery-operated radio (always good for emergencies)
small speakers (for apartment listening)
camera
iron
shaver (be sure to bring proper plugs)
hair dryer
LOTS of batteries or a battery recharger (220V) and rechargeable batteries
small hand mixer
electric keyboard
coffee maker or french press

non-metric cups and measuring spoons
dishtowels and potholders
oven thermometer
recipes and cookbooks, especially vegetarian
small food chopper
food items you can't live without/"ethnic spices"

running shoes and/or sneakers
workout clothes
aerobic dance tapes
jump rope
tennis or squash racket
frisbee, basketball, baseball equipment, etc.
boardgames or card games

General Items

Although almost everything you may need is available in Israel, students have recommended you bring the following items:

sheets, comforter cover
sleeping bag (can be used as comforter0
calculator
umbrella
sunglasses
extra pair of prescription glasses, contacts
suntan lotion and/or sunscreen
fahrenheit thermometer (especially when accompanied by children)
regular and skirt hangers
pocket knife
knapsack - for books and overnight trips
durable backpack for 3-4 day trips
canteen or water bottle (important for hikes)
lightweight converters for Israeli 220 voltage (buy adapters in Israel)
lots of music tapes, CDs, and blank cassette tapes
full year's supply of film
a photo album or pictures of family and friends
stamps from your country (to send letters more quickly - people frequently fly back)
pens, pencils, file or pocket folders
resumes (for summer or year-long jobs after your year in Israel)
magazine subscriptions
hot water bottle
manuscript paper - Cantorial Program
accordion-type file for cantorial music
Laptop computer with software and modem. Printer

Helpful hint: This is optional - assignments can be handwritten at HUC. Most new laptops are auto-adjustable to 110/220 current. Look at your power supply to check. If so, you will only need to buy plug adaptors for the US plug to fit the Israeli wall socket. If your computer is not auto-adjustable, DO NOT FORGET that a 220V transformer is needed. All plugs, adapters and converters can be easily purchased in electronic stores in Israel. Be sure to register your electronic equipment and get an international warranty before you leave the States.

The Danny Rechler Student Computer Center in the Abramov library provides ten IBM compatible terminals with word processing and other capabilities and two laser printers attached for student use. Students need to supply their own software and diskettes.

And anything "near & dear" to your heart that will make your stay more pleasant

General Shipping Advice

With any shipping option, it is important that you bring with you and not ship items that you will need upon arrival in Israel (i.e. medication, passport-sized photographs). In addition, you may wish to bring some warm clothing if your shipment is scheduled to arrive after September, when the weather turns cooler. Using large duffel bags instead of suitcases may enable you to bring more with you. As mentioned above, students strongly recommend bringing all baggage with you as overweight baggage rather than shipping.

Methods of Shipping:

Throughout the year, all mail can be sent to you at the following address:

Your Name
c/o Hebrew Union College
13 King David Street
Jerusalem ISRAEL

If you are sending a trunk by sea, please note that there is a minimum charge for baggage up to 9 cubic feet, which is generally more than the baggage of one student, so you can save some money by shipping together with another student or two.

Baggage sent by sea will arrive either in Ashdod or in Haifa and may be cleared through customs via an agent and delivered to your home. If several students have the same agent and clear their baggage together, the price may be reduced.

Bring the Bill of Lading with you (do not pack it in your shipped baggage) so that you are not unnecessarily delayed in retrieving your belongings.

Air Freight - Air freight usually takes only a few weeks to arrive in Israel, but it may be expensive. Air freight can cost approximately $3.00 per pound (shipments over 100 pounds from New York to Tel Aviv). For shipping strictly personal effects over 100 pounds, many companies offer a lower rate. Thus, you may wish to ship with another HUC student in your area.

Items sent by air freight must be picked up at Ben Gurion Airport. One concern regarding shipping is the bother of picking up belongings when they arrive. To avoid this, you can hire an agent who, FOR A FEE, will clear your belongings through customs at Ben Gurion Airport or at Haifa Port and deliver them directly to Jerusalem or to your home. Also, keep in mind that no matter how well you plan, you may still have to pay customs duties, even on your personal effects. Also, students have reported paying a receiving fee of $30 to an Israeli shipping firm (requiring travel to their office in Tel Aviv) as well as a storage and handling fee of $20. When calculating costs, be sure to include the above mentioned fees, traveling costs to and from Ben Gurion Airport (including possible car rental) as well as the value of your time. Because of these factors, most students advise bringing in baggage and paying overweight fees or shipping by parcel post.

If you still decide to ship your luggage, contact your local shipping companies to make arrangements.

IMPORTANT: Bring with you (DO NOT SHIP) appliances, cameras, tape recorders, etc., in order to avoid any problems with Customs.

Parcel Post - Another option for getting extra clothes to Israel is via surface parcel post. Although shipping by mail takes 6-12 weeks, it is inexpensive. Make sure the boxes are sturdy and well reinforced. Mark the boxes clearly - "Used Books" or "Used Clothing" and "No Value". Israel Customs will let you clear parcels customs free ONLY if packages contain used clothing or books. This method is convenient because boxes are delivered to the post office in Jerusalem nearest to the address printed on it. It is also the least expensive type of shipping. You may have to pay customs duties and/or negotiate fees with customs authorities. Consult your local post office for the latest rules and weight limitations. Items sent parcel post are NOT INSURED so be sure to send only items which are replaceable. Do not send items "express". This service is expensive and does not significantly affect delivery date.

Books can be sent at the "bundle" rate which is 50% cheaper than the regular book rate. Books are bundled into a mail sack and delivery time is between 4-6 weeks. Check with your local post office.

Unaccompanied Baggage - Check with your airline about the possibility of sending unaccompanied baggage. The items may not arrive on the same plane as you but will usually be sent within a week of your departure. Items sent as unaccompanied baggage must be picked up at Ben Gurion Airport.