LABEL EACH PIECE OF LUGGAGE AND CARRY ON.

Pack lightly! Everything you bring and buy along the way will be carried by YOU.

Pack lightweight, casual clothes. Weather is hot.

Laundry will be done by hand (your hands). You should bring a small, tightly sealed bottle of powder detergent or a tube of Woolite to make this chore easier.

NICE CLOTHING

• Ladies, be sure to include a skirt that falls below the knees and a long-sleeved shirt (at least to elbows) for visits to holy places. Modesty is the key word (that means no belly buttons exposed).
• Gentlemen should bring along a nice shirt and a pair of nice pants (other than jeans, athletic pants or cargo pants) for Shabbat, but you don't need a sport jacket or tie.

SHOES
Sneakers or light hiking shoes for the extensive walking. Sturdy sandals such as Tevas, Nike, etc. and Adidas or "surf"-type shoes that can be worn in the water. The Dead Sea has a very sharp bottom and you must have shoes.

Ladies, if you would like to pack a dressier shoe, high heels are not recommended.

HATS, SUNGLASSES AND CANTEEN
These are an absolute must!! It will be hot, and we will be spending a great deal of time outside, and be doing a lot of walking.

SUNSCREEN
Remember to bring and use strong sunscreen, even if you don't usually use any. Minimum SPF 30 is recommended. Don't underestimate the strength of the summer sun in Israel. It is unlike anything you have ever experienced in the United States or on vacation. Sunburn can ruin your trip.

WEATHER
The weather in Israel is hot in the summer, but evenings in certain areas can be quite cool. You will need a sweatshirt or light jacket. Sleeping in the Bedouin Encampment can be chilly. Bring sweatpants and sweatshirt for sleeping.

GIFTS
Gifts may also be brought into the country if their total value does not exceed $125. You should bring a gift for your Israeli host family, and you may want to bring something to exchange with your new Israeli friends. For your friends, we suggest anything with a city or USA motif or sports logo. Israelis are crazy about basketball, so you might bring T-shirts, hats, key chains, etc. Don't bring breakables.

PASSPORT (or re-entry form + green card): Whatever you do, DON'T FORGET IT and above all, don't lose it!!! Please make a copy of it and keep it separate from your actual passport. You should also leave a photocopy with your parents. Your passport MUST be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your return to the US.

CAMERA
We recommend bringing a camera and anywhere from 6 to10 rolls of film. You will be able to buy film in Israel, but it may be more expensive if you buy it in a tourist area. Do not bring an expensive camera unless you are responsible enough not to lose it. Or bring a digital camera and don't worry about film.

GLASSES AND CONTACT LENSES
It is wise to bring an extra pair with you or a prescription for a replacement pair in the event your glasses break or you lose a contact.

ELECTICAL DEVICES
Electrical devices are not recommended. Israeli voltage is 220. You may bring certain electrical appliances in to Israel, including an electric shaver, hair dryer and a Discman or MP3 for your personal use, duty free. Cameras and film are also exempt from customs duties. If you do bring any electrical appliances with you (our experience is that your summer will be significantly more worry-free if you do not), remember that they must be adaptable to 220 voltage/50 cycles or bring a converter. Please note: There won't be much time to blow dry hair.

PERSONAL MEDICATIONS
You will be responsible for taking your own medication. Bring a generic prescription of your medicine. Remember Medical Alert bracelets if applicable. All medications should be listed on your medical forms. If you have a change in medications, please contact us before the trip.

WATCH AND ALARM CLOCK
You are required to be on time for all programs, including breakfast. A watch and an alarm clock (battery operated) are required.

MONEY
$300 should be enough spending money, considering that all of your expenses are taken care of. You each know your own personal spending style and what types of souvenirs you want to buy, so take that into account as well.

Label 3 envelopes with your name on them. In two envelopes, put $100 of traveler's checks. In the third envelope put $100 cash, that will be used last on the trip. Your traveler's checks will be exchanged upon arrival in Israel.

Credit/debit card is optional and is not necessary unless you plan on spending more than $300.

IMPORTANT ITEMS
Hat
Sunglasses
Watch
Sun screen/lotion (minimum 30 SPF)
Personal medicines (required)
Alarm clock (required)
Toiletries

• Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, razors (not in carry-on), other items you use on a daily basis

SHOES
1 pair (at least) good sneakers or light hiking shoes.
1 pair of shoes (high heels not recommended)
1 pair of "water" shoes
1 pair sandals

CLOTHING FOR GUYS AND GIRLS
1 sweatshirt, windbreaker, or light jacket
2 long sleeve t-shirts
14 T-shirts and/or tank tops
6-8 pairs of shorts (nylon or quick drying athletic-type or Soffee-type shorts)
2 pairs of pants or jeans (guys need at least one pair of dressier pants for Shabbat)
Underwear
Socks
1 or 2 pajamas
1-2 bathing suits

Additional items for girls
1-2 summer dresses or skirts (1 that falls below the knees)
1-2 longer sleeved blouses or dresses for religious sites. Sleeves should go at least to elbow
Bras
Small purse/bag (to carry "stuff")
Feminine hygiene products

Additional items for guys
1-2 dressier shirts
1 pair of dressier pants (not jeans, athletic pants or cargos)
kippah

Additional items for guys and girls
Backpack (can use as a carry-on as well)
Beach towel
Camera (not too expensive) and plenty of film or digital camera
Money belt
Small lock for your back pack
Small tube of Aloe in case of sunburn
Imodium AD (or similar)
Tums (or similar)
Tylenol, Advil, etc. (whatever you are used to taking at home)
Extra batteries, for camera and clock
Powder detergent or tube of Woolite (optional)
Snacks
2-3 gifts to share with new Israeli friends
1 gift for your host family
Pens
Journal

Pack a change of clothes, including underwear, in your carry-on for the plane.