Table of Contents
Table of Contents 1
Introduction 3
Before You Go 4
Summer Plans 4
Flight Reservations 4
Documentation 5
Passport 5
Visas 5
Israeli citizens 6
Paperwork 6
Photos 6
Finances 6
AJU 6
Packing 7
Bedding and linens 7
Medications and cosmetics 7
Electrical and battery-operated items 7
Computers 7
Partial packing checklist 8
Carry-on luggage 9
Books to bring with you 9
Money 9
House hunting 10
Expectations 10
On Arrival 11
At the Airport 11
Customs 11
Money 11
Transportation from Ben Gurion Airport 11
Your First Few Days 11
Cable company 11
Call home 11
Cell phone 11
Food 12
Health insurance 12
How to walk into a public building 12
Internet access 12
Phone service 12
Let Schechter know you are in Israel 12
More money 12
Register with the consulate 13
Taxi service 13
Looking for a Place to Live 13
Temporary housing 13
Apartment hunting 13
Roommates 14
Rent 14
Where and how to look for an apartment 14
Questions to ask 15
Arnona (municipal/property tax) 15
Va’ad habayit (building committee fee) 15
Utilities 15
Heat and hot water 16
Electricity 16
Gas 16
Water 16
Phone service 17
Overseas calls 17
Israel telephone directory numbers 17
Settling In 18
Apartment Cleaning Tips 18
Bottled Water 18
Children 18
Schools 18
Duty Free 19
Entertainment/Recreation 19
Top nine non-typical sites to see in Jerusalem 19
Miscellaneous cool stuff to do 20
Furniture, Furnishings, Etc. 20
Gyms 20
Health Issues 21
Sunburn and heat stroke 21
Dehydration 21
Mosquito and flea bites 21
Israeli Society 21
Laundry 22
Learning 22
Masorti Movement 22
Mikveh 23
Misc. 23
Pets 23
Postal Services 23
Receiving packages 24
Sending packages 24
Recycling 24
Religious Life 24
Restaurants 25
Schechter 25
Shopping 26
Kanyon Malka—Jerusalem Mall 26
Suspicious Objects (Chefetz Chashud) 26
Transportation 27
Local taxi service 27
Train service 27
Conversion Tables 28
How to Leave Israel 30
Arranging for a lift 30
Culture shock 30
Pets 30
Utilities 30
Introduction
Welcome to the Israel year! During this thrilling time, be certain not to get so mired down in the details that you forget to be excited. This guide is filled with all sorts of information to help answer some of your questions and to ease your anxiety. Please realize that not only is everyone’s experience different, but so are everyone’s needs. This guide cannot possibly be all things to all students, but we hope it will prove helpful. Also, things both here in the U.S. and in Israel change rapidly. The guide has been revised and updated, but be certain to verify all information. As of January 2007 printing, the phone numbers and web addresses were current, but once again that could change at any time. We hope this guide smoothes your way to Jerusalem, and we welcome any suggestions you might have to improve this book. Thank you, and travel safely!
Before You Go
Summer Plans
If you are planning on going to Israel early, there are numerous learning opportunities available. Both HUC and Hebrew University have an intense summer ulpan with a strong academic focus. Hebrew U is considered the best, but is also the most expensive. There is a wide variety of community ulpanim that can be found once you get to Israel. A city ulpan is less expensive and less rigorous, but the quality is subjective, so shop around for a good teacher. Some city ulpanim offer five-day courses while others a more relaxed two or three half days, and all vary in duration. Call around for prices, start times and levels as changes occur frequently. The best part of a city ulpan is the diverse population. Both Pardes and the Conservative Yeshiva offer Hebrew classes as part of their overall course in Jewish learning.
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Conservative Yeshiva
10 Agron Street
(02) 622-3116
www.conservativeyeshiva.org
Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
29 Pierre Koenig
(02) 673-5210
www.pardes.org.il
Hebrew Union College
13 King David Street
(02) 620-3333
www.huc.edu
Hebrew University
Mount Scopus
(02) 588-3572
(02) 588-2603
http://overseas.hAJUi.ac.il
Beit Ha’am
Gerard Behar Center
11 Bezalel Street
(02) 625-4156
(02) 624-0034
Beit Mila
8 Rabbi Akiva
(02) 623-3164
Ulpan Etzion
6 Gad Street
(02) 673-2568
YMCA
26 King David Street
(02) 622-7111
(02) 641-6131
www.wzo.org.il
Mitchell College
15 Sokolov Street
(02) 563-7505
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F Tip: Spouses need to find something to do for the year before going. Ask those who have already spent the year there to get an idea of what programs worked well for whom and why. This year can be an exciting chance to study and/or work in a new field, pursue or develop a new interest, and to experience life in another culture while sharing in your spouse’s study experience. The best advice is to define goals for the year, like learning Hebrew, working in a specific field, or Torah study.
Flight Reservations
Some of the airlines that fly to Israel include El Al, British Airways, American Airlines, Lufthansa, Delta and Continental. It takes roughly 60,000 frequent flyer miles to get a ticket to Israel, depending on when you travel and with whom. This is a great, money-saving option if you can swing it.
Take advantage of being a student once again and try the student travel agencies such as STA (formerly Council Travel). You may need to buy an International Student Identity Card for a nominal fee, and there are certain age restrictions on some discounted student fares, but it’s still worth checking
into. Contact them at www.statravel.com or 800-7814040. There is also a travel agency in the Valley that specializes in discount travel to Israel, World Express Travel 800-441-8908.
When purchasing your ticket, be certain that both you and the airline are clear on how long your ticket is good for, the cost of making changes, and the issue of availability if a change in your ticket needs to be made.
F Tip: El Al is the only airline that will always fly, regardless of world events.
F Tip: Leave time to adjust to the jet lag on your way to Israel; it takes one day to adjust for every hour of time change.
Documentation
Passport
For information on where and how to apply or renew a passport go to www.state.gov/travel. Applications can be downloaded. Passports are issued at certain city halls, post offices and libraries. If you are in the Los Angeles area, the passport office is at the Federal Building on Wilshire. You need to make an appointment, and keep in mind that there are new security measures, so be patient and leave yourself plenty of time. Be certain to bring with you two identical passport photos and a certified birth certificate or your previous passport. The current cost is $70 for those under the age of 16 and $85 for 16 and older. You can pick your passport up from the Federal Building and if you are traveling within 14 days expedited service is available for an additional fee. To make an appointment with the Los Angeles Passport Agency, call (310) 575-5700.
F Tip: Leave a photocopy of your passport at home with someone reliable.
F Tip: You can renew your passport in Israel, but it isn’t easy. If your passport will expire while abroad, you may want to renew it before you go.
Visas
This information changes rapidly, so check with your local consulate. Currently, there are two options available if you have either an American or Canadian passport: enter on a tourist visa and re-new while in Israel or get a long-term visa from the Israeli embassy or consulate office before you depart.
Option 1: Enter on a tourist visa
Just go to Israel and they will give you a three-month B-2 tourist visa at Immigration when you arrive. This is nice and easy, but it also means that you will have to go to the Israel Ministry of Interior (Misrad Hap’nim) on Shlomozion Hamalkah Street to get your visa renewed. They can be contacted at (02) 629-0222. The office is open Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until noon. (Try to be at the office at 7:00 a.m. to get an early number for faster service; otherwise, this process can take many hours). To renew your visa you need to complete the Interior Ministry’s form. Bring your passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the proper renewal fee (check exact amount before you go). If you bring a letter of proof of participation in a year-long study program you will be able to get your visa extended for the entire year. Be prepared to wait. Or, you can just plan on going on vacation outside of Israel every three months and renew your visa each time you re-enter the county.
Option 2: Get a visa before you go
If you are in a city with a consulate then you can apply for a multiple-entry student visa. This is great if you plan on venturing out of Israel more than once during the year. The requirements can vary, as can the price, so contact the consulate directly before schlepping there. Bring with you two passport photos and the exact amount of the fee in cash. You will also need an original letter from Schechter stating that you are a student there; the Ziegler office will provide this. Be certain that the visa begins with the date of your entry to Israel and not the date of issue. (Otherwise it may expire while you are still there!). Also, your passport needs to be valid through your entire stay in Israel.
It’s not guaranteed, but Israeli immigration will let an expired visa slide when you leave the country if it’s only off by a few weeks. Don’t count on this because it could result in a retroactive visa and a fine to boot.
For spouses or students that wish to work, a “special” tourist visa can be arranged for work in Israel. While this process is not easy, it is possible to arrange, although it has gotten significantly harder with the current unemployment rate in Israel. The easiest way is to obtain employment first, then have your employer write the appropriate request for a visa for you. Contact the Israel Ministry of Interior for more information.
F Tip: Pro of a tourist visa: you don’t pay the 18% VAT on rental cars.
Israeli citizens
Be certain to check on your current citizenship status by contacting the embassy or a consulate before departing.
Paperwork
Photos
It is a good idea to bring at least two extra passport size photos. You may need them for various IDs, student cards, renewal of visas, etc.
Finances
Set up electronic bill pay, get an additional ATM card, and find a bank that doesn’t charge a fortune for foreign withdraws. Arrange for automatic bill payments. If you have a Jewish Free Loan, they can do automatic payment of your loan while you are gone. Also, consider electronically linking your checking and savings accounts. Call your credit card companies and tell them that you will be abroad. (Sometimes they freak out at the funky charges and try and call you but you’re in Israel and then they freeze your credit card.)
AJU
Be certain both the Ziegler office and the Financial Aid office have the correct address to send your financial aid or it will go all the way to Israel. Give the Ziegler office your J’lem address and phone number(s) as soon as possible.
Driver’s licenses
You may use your foreign driver’s license in Israel for one year on a tourist visa. It is not necessary to get an international driver’s license, so bring yours from the States.
Packing
Baggage restrictions
On international flights, you generally are allowed two checked bags and one carry-on. For any additional luggage you will be charged an excess baggage fee (approximately $100, depending on the airline), which must be paid when you check your luggage. Also, check with your airline for size and weight limits of checked bags—if you go over the limit, you will be charged a hefty overweight baggage fee.
It is highly recommended upon the advice of past students that you pay the overweight baggage fee and bring all the luggage you need for the year on the plane rather than ship things. Shipping to Israel can take a long time. Occasionally things get wet, lost or tied up in transit, and then you will face the time and expense of dealing with postal and customs authorities in Israel.
F Tip: The most important thing to remember is not to panic! After all is said and done, Israel is a civilized, Western country, and you can get almost anything you might forget or come to need once you get there.
Bedding and linens
Some apartments come with linens and towels, some not. Linens are kinda expensive in Israel, but the beds aren’t the same size, so either get them there or bring flat sheets only.
Medications and cosmetics
Bring a full year’s supply of any medications and prescription drugs you or your family normally use. If there is a particular type of contact lens solution you use, it is advisable to bring a year’s supply as well because selections in Israel are limited. As far as deodorant, shampoo, make-up, cologne, razor blades and shaving cream, you need to decide whether to bring these and risk paying an overweight baggage fee, or buy them in Israel, though prices are higher. Substitutes for most products exist in Israel, and many American brands are available. For those with infants or small children, diapers purchased in Israel are also comparable in price and quality to those in the U.S. If you are particular about a certain toiletry product, bring it with you.
Electrical and battery-operated items
Electrical current in Israel is 220 volts/50 cycles. Therefore, if you wish to bring any electrical appliances, you will need a converter. It is best to bring items that operate on dual voltage (110/220). The electricity is unreliable, so be certain to get a surge protector.
F Tip: Anything digital like a clock will not work in Israel, because the current is 50 cycles in Israel versus 60 cycles in the U.S.
F Tip: Travel converters can wear out equipment so be careful.
Computers
Many students find it helpful and convenient to bring a laptop computer with them, especially for e-mail and electronic banking. Note that a computer, printer, or any other 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 (like Radio Shack). If you bring a portable printer, the printer adapter should convert 60 kHz to 50 kHz. Check to determine the size of transformer needed. Make sure you find out accurate information about converters/transformers, otherwise you will “fry” your computer! It is also recommended to bring a power strip if you will have many U.S. appliances to plug in (remember that the plug/outlet configuration is also different in Israel). Most phone accessories and converters you might need for e-mail can be purchased in Israel. If you have a laptop, consider buying speakers when you get there; it improves the sound quality if you want to watch DVDs. And don’t forget surge protectors!