pre-israel guide 2012
TRANSCRIPT
students’ Guide
ThePre-Israel
The Pre-Israel Guide is not affiliated with any other organization, Yeshiva or Seminary.
The Pre-Israel Guide assumes no responsibility for any of the advertisers advertised herein.
Any mistakes or misspelled words are purely intentional and they are our way of seeing if your parents got their money’s worth for their education dollars.
Any questions, comments, correctionsContact us at:
5-23 Mishmar Hagevul Ramat Eshkol [email protected]
(054)STU-DENT(054)788-3368
Graphic design & layout by Toast it!
[email protected] 054-521-1608www.toastitdesign.com
© This book has been made for you.Please feel free to copy any of the information within for your own purposes.
Important Phone Numbers
Police 100
Electricity 103
Magen David Adom / Hatzalah 101
Fire 102
Dental Emergencies 1-800-773-773
Poison Control (04) 854-1900
Exchange Rate 02-373-2000
Information 144
Egged *2800
Weather (03) 560-0600
Terem (02) 509-3333 1-599-520-520
Nesher (ride to the airport) (02) 623-1231 (02) 625-7227
students’ Guide
ThePre-Israel
List of Yeshivas and Seminaries ................................................................................ 6
Choosing a Yeshiva or Seminary ............................................................................... 15
Questions to ask a recruiter ...................................................................................... 17
YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES
Israeli Consulates and Red Tape ............................................................................... 36
Airlines ........................................................................................................................ 37
TECHNICAL STUFF
Insurance .................................................................................................................... 20
Cellphones .................................................................................................................. 22
Order seforim ............................................................................................................. 27
Arranging a dira .......................................................................................................... 28
Money ......................................................................................................................... 30
A. Preparing credit cards and money situation ........................................ 30
B. Budgeting ................................................................................................. 30
C. How money looks .................................................................................... 33
D. Financing the Year ................................................................................... 34
THINGS TO SET UP
Israel Stuff .................................................................................................................. 56
Hashkafic .................................................................................................................... 59
Hechsherim ................................................................................................................60
A little Bit a’ Hebrew .................................................................................................. 62
People you know in Israel .........................................................................................64
ISRAEL STUFF
Table of Contents
Packing advice and lists ........................................................................................... 40
Preparing for your departure ................................................................................... 49
Just for fun .................................................................................................................. 52
PACKING AND LEAVING
So You Want To Go To Israel
If you’re reading this, chances are you are thinking about going to Israel for the year or you are just really bored during last period. However, to those who are thinking about going to Israel, your decision may be based on many different factors. Perhaps your friends are going; perhaps you want to spend a year finding yourself (you could save time by just looking in the mirror). Maybe you realize that there is no Torah like the Torah of Eretz Yisroel, or maybe you’re just dying for some great shwarma. Whatever the reason you have decided to begin the journey, we would like to help you prepare for your trip in the best way possible and help you make the most of your time while you are there.
If the statistics are correct most of you will only have one year to spend in Eretz Yisroel growing in learning and in your relationship with Hashem. If you start the year off on the right foot you are most likely going to make the most of your year. But if you come with an attitude that “I’ll get on the plane and everything will get sorted out”, you may very well find that you don’t begin to get serious until the year is well on its way and before you know it, it will be over. It is a very good idea to sit down for five-to-ten minutes and write down a few goals that you would like to achieve during your year. It is proven that students who begin the year with goals in hand are 3 to 4 times more successful than those who wing-it. We have prepared this “handy-dandy” guide to help your preparations and to ease your arrival into the land that the Creator Of The World calls home.
We wish you the best of luck. If you have any questions or need any help in any way please feel free to contact us at
[email protected] or (054)STU-DENT (054)788-3368
YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES
LIST OF YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES
CHOOSING A YESHIVA OR SEMINARY
QUESTIONS TO ASK A RECRUITER
YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES
6
LIST
OF
YESH
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S Yeshivas
ADERES HATORAH Rav Chaim Tzvi Senter Tel: (02)582-6336 26 Shmuel Hanavi Zville Bais Yisroel
AHAVAS CHAIM Rav Moshe Ginian Tel: (02)540-1941 82 Midbar Sinai Ramat Eshkol [email protected]
AISH HATORAH Rav Yosef Hillel Weinberg Tel: (02)628-5666 1 Rechov HaShvut Old City [email protected]
ASHREI Rav Yehoshua Kahan Tel: (054)545-0293 25 Rechov Be’er Sheva Nachlaot [email protected]
ATERET YERUSHALAYIM (A.J.) Rav Michoel Jablinowitz Tel: (02)587-9537 13 Mishol Hadekalim Ramot Bet [email protected]
BAIS YISRAEL Rav Doniel Lehrfeld Tel: (02)656-1959 3 Rechov Zevin Neve Yaakov
BIRCHAS HATORAH Rav Shimon Green Tel: (02)627-1647 4 Ohr Hachaim Old City [email protected]
BIRCHAS MORDECHAI Rav Yaakov Friedman Tel: (02)580-3871 13 HaRav Koenig Street Beitar
BIRCHAS MOSHE Rav Nachum Rabinovitch Tel: (02)535-3655 21 Mitzpe Nevo Ma’ale Adumim [email protected]
BRISK Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveichik Rechov Press Zichron Moshe
BRISK Rav Dovid Soloveichik 2 Grossberg Gush Shmonim
CHOFETZ CHAIM Rav Dovid Chait Tel: (02)581-0188 Rechov Yam Suf & Harim Levin Sanhedria Hamuchevet
DA’AS CHOCHMO Rav A. Meir Sender Tel: (02)582-7967 Rechov Minchas Yitzchok Minchas Yitzchok
DARCHE NOAM/SHAPELLS Rav Yitzchok Hirshfeld Tel: (02)651-1178 5 Beit Hakerem Beit Hakerem [email protected]
DERECH ETZ CHAIM Rav Aharon Katz Tel: (02)654-1379 12 Ibn Dnan Har Nof [email protected]
DERECH HACHAIM Rav Baruch Levi Feivelson Tel: (02)581-4248 128 Maalot Dafna Maalot Dafna
DERECH HATALMUD Rav Chaim Ilson Tel: (02)626-4137 8 Nachum Ish Gamzu Meah Shearim [email protected]
DERECH INSTITUTE Rav Moshe Lazerus Tel: (02)581-0315a ext.322 Shimon Hatzadik Rav Nachy Brickman [email protected] Maalot Dafna
DVAR YERUSHALAYIM Rav B. Horovitz Tel: (02)652-2817 53 Katzenelenbogen Har Nof [email protected]
YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES
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LIST OF YESH
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Yeshivas
DIASPORA YESHIVA Rav Mordecai Goldstein Tel:( 02)671-6841 Har Zion Old City [email protected]
DVAR TORAH Rav Menachem Eichenstein Tel: (02)537-3896 36 Eli Hakohen Gush Shmonim
ERETZ HATZVI Rav Yehuda Sussman Tel: (02)679-1424 32 Yossi Ben Yoezer Gonen [email protected]
HAKOTEL Rav Baruch Weider Tel: (02)628-8175 7 Hamekubalim Old City [email protected]
HAR ETZION /GUSH Rav Aharon Lichtenstein Tel: (02)993-7300 Alon Shevut Gush Etzion [email protected]
HEICHAL HATORAH Rav Tzvi Kushelevsky Tel: (02)651-9402 92 Katzenelenbogen Har Nof
KEREM B’YAVNEH (K.B.Y.) Rav Mordechai Greenberg Tel: (08)856-2007 Doar Na Evtach Kibbutz Yavneh [email protected]
KESHER/GEVURAS YITZCHOK Rav Michoel Schoen Tel: (02)537-8180 9 Hameasef Jerusalem [email protected]
KESSER DOVID Rav Shimon Katz Tel: (02)533-0331 21 Hagra Telzstone
KESSER HATALMUD Rav Yitzchok Weitz 12 Ramat Hagolan Ramat Eshkol [email protected]
KOL TORAH Rav Moshe Yehuda Schlesinger Tel: (02)641-4674 32 Hapisga Bayit Vegan
LAKEWOOD EAST Rav Yaakov Schwartzman Tel: (02)571-2630 571-2650 32 Rechov Rubin Ramot Daled
LEV AHARON Rav Dovid Laniado Tel: (02)651-4431 34 Hakablan Har Nof
LEV ARYEH Rav Aaron Lopian Rav Yaakov Rappaport Tel: (02)585-9673 4 Shadiker Neve Yaakov [email protected]
LEV HATORAH Rav Boaz Mori Tel: (02)992-2617 37 Nachal Ein Gedi Ramat Beit Shemesh [email protected]
MACHON MEIR Rav Dov Bigon Tel: (02)646-1317 2 Hameiri Kiryat Moshe [email protected]
MACHON SHLOMO Rav Berel Gershenfeld Tel: (02)651-9088 2 Shaulzon Har Nof
MACHON YAAKOV Rav Berel Gershenfeld Tel: (02)654 0112 10 Ibn Denan Har Nof [email protected]
MARBEH TORAH Rav Naftoli Elzas Tel: (03)570-2090 25 Maharshal Bnei Brak [email protected]
YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES
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LIST
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MAYANOT Rav Yisroel Noach Wichnin Tel: (02)538.8770 28 David Yellin Street Zichron Moshe [email protected]
MERCAZ HATORAH Rav Aryeh Rottman Tel: (02)671-2477 17 Beit Haarava Talpiot
MEVASERET Rav Shimon Issacson Tel: (02)533-9100 50 Rechov HaOren Mevaseret Zion [email protected]
MIDRASH SHMUEL Rav Binyomin Moskowitz Tel: (02)566-5302 13 Shaarei Chessed Sharei Chessed [email protected]
MIKDASH MELECH Rav Chaim Ben Uliel Tel: (02)643-9657 Haadmor Milubavitch Bayit Vegan [email protected]
MIRRER YESHIVA Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel Tel: (02)532-2320 3 Beis Yisrael Beis Yisroel
NEKUDAH TOVAH Rav Chanayah Ehrman Tel: (052)627-5470 3 Rechov Blecher Meah Shearim [email protected]
NER MOSHE Rav Shalom Shechter Tel: (02)654-0133 5 Amram Gaon Givat Shaul
NESIVOS AHRON Rav Moshe Friedman Tel: (02)581-8435 22 Rechov Yosef Karo Beis Yisroel
NETIV ARYEH Rav Aharon Bina Tel: (02)626-6333 1 Rechov Hakotel Old City [email protected]
NEVE TZION Rav Chaim Yisroel Blumenfeld Tel: (02)534-1813 140 Rechov Gordon Telzstone [email protected]
OHALEI YAAKOV Rav Moshe Shaefer Tel: (02)538-1953 32 Alefandri Mekor Baruch [email protected]
OHR AVRAHAM Rav Mordechai Sher Tel: (02)992-4094 17 Ohr Sameach Beit Shemesh [email protected]
OHR CHODOSH Rav Mordechai Friedlander Tel: (02)533-2113 9 Rechov Gordon Telzstone [email protected]
OHR DOVID Rav Yosef Granofsky Tel: (02)563-2826 8 Chizkiyahu Shabtai Ramot Daled [email protected]
OHR HATZAFON (Z.A.J.) Rav Dovid Bergida Tel: (052)616-3445 Midbar Sinai Ramat Eshkol
OHR SOMAYACH Rav Mendel Weinbach Rav Nota Schiller Tel: (02)581-0315 22 Shimon Hatzaddik Maalot Dafna
OHR YERUSHALAYIM (O.J.) Rav Moshe Chaim Sosevsky Tel: (02)533-2424 Beit Meir Moshav Beit Meir [email protected]
ORAYTA Rav David Aaron Rav Binny Freedman Tel: (02)627-4890 25 Misgav Ladach Old City [email protected]
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LIST OF YESH
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Yeshivas
ORCHOS CHAIM Rav Yisroel Fabian Rav Yitzchak Schwartz Rav Yaacov Haber Tel: (02)500-2408 27/1 Rechov Sorotzkin Mattersdorf [email protected]
PACHAD YITZCHAK Rav Yonason David Tel: (02)651-8885 42 Hakablan Har Nof
REISHIT YERUSHALYIM Rav Ari Marcus Tel: (02)999-7155 21 Rechov Rashi Beit Shemesh [email protected]
RUACH CHAIM Rav Ari Ben Shoshan Rav Moshe Benayon Tel: (054)451-9432 Har Tzion Old City
SHAALVIM Rav Yechezkel Yaakovson Tel: (08)927-6652 Shimshon [email protected]
SHAAR HATALMUD Rav Nechemia Kaplan Tel: (02)538-5394 72 Shmuel Hanavi Shmuel Hanavi
SHAARE HATALMUD Rav Yirmeyah Fenster Rav Eliyahu Mitterhoff Tel: (057)945-7799 24 Avraham Talmudi Neve Zvi [email protected]
SHAAREI CHAIM Rav Moshe Lewis Rav Moshe Finkelstein Tel: (02)537-1622 3 Sorotzkin Mattersdorf
SHAAREI TEVUNAH Rav Elya Levin Tel: (02)582-9262 11 Chasidei Karlin Beis Yisroel [email protected]
SHALOM RAV Rav Avraham Shimon Weingot Tel: (04)692-3643 58 Rechov Bar Yochai Tzfat [email protected]
SULAM YAAKOV Rav Aharon Leibowitz Tel: (054)469-0330 25 Rechov Be’er Sheva Nachlaot [email protected]
TEHILAS SHLOMO Rav Pinchas Lebovic Tel: (052)712-6268 Rav Chaim Gross Ramat Hagolan Ramat Eshkol
TIFERES YERUSHALAYIM Rav Chananya Greenwald Tel: (02)643-7867 20 Harav Frank Bayit Vegan [email protected]
TORAH OHR Rav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Tel: (02)532-2000 3 Sorotzkin Mattersdorf [email protected]
TIFERES CHAIM Rav Yisroel Applebaum Tel: (02)571-1210 36 Rechov Zolty Ramat Shlomo
TORAS MOSHE (TOMO) Rav Moshe Meiselman Tel: (02) 582-6541 24 Maagalei Harim Levin Sanhedria Hamurchevet
TORAT SHRAGA Rav Avishai David Tel: (02)642-9907 40 Rechov Duvdevani Bayit Vegan [email protected]
YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES
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LIST
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TORAS SIMCHA Rav Asher Zelig Rubinstein Tel: (02)537-8084 42 Sorotzkin Mattersdorf [email protected]
TORAT YOSEF HAMIVTAR Rav Yonatan Rosensweig Tel: (02)993-3462 Efrat [email protected]
YAGDIL TORAH Rav Avrohom Teichman Tel: (02)500-0093 1 Zayit Ra’anan Kiryat Sanz
YESHIVA GEDOLAH Rav Zev Leff Tel: (054)840-0017MOSHAV MATITYAHU Moshav Matisyahu - Modiin [email protected]
YESHIVA GEDOLAH Rav Aaron Holland Tel: (02)532-7330OF BEIT SHEMESH 19 Nachal Uriya - Ramat Beit Shemesh
YESHIVAS KODSHIM Rav Tzvi Kaplan Tel: (02)537-0002 2 Dovev Mesharim Tel Arza
YESHIVAS REBBE AKIVA Rav Shalom Gold Tel: (054)636-7868 16/4 Tiferet Israel St. Old City [email protected]
YESOD Rav Nachy Brickman Tel: (052)616-3452 10 Tidhar Arzei Habira [email protected]
YESOD HATORAH Rav Yitzchak Fayazi Tel: (02)581-3804 3 Kehilot Yaakov Ramat Shlomo [email protected]
YESODEI HATORAH Rav Pesach Wolicki Rav Scott Kahn Tel: (02)992-3099 Meshek 32 Moshav Zanoach [email protected]
YISHREI LEV Rav Moshe Gordon Tel: (02)579-5985 8 Rechov HaGra Telzstone [email protected]
ZEEV HATORAH Rav Shmuel Brazil Tel: (02)540-9280 16 Ramat Hagolan Ramat Eshkol [email protected]
YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES
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LIST OF YESH
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Seminaries
AFIKEI TORAH 22 Rechov Nezer Dovid Tel:(02)644-8455 Bayit Vegan [email protected]
ATERES BNOS 5 Shirat Hayam Tel:(02)566-3288 YERUSHALAYIM Ramot alef
AZAMRA SEMINARY Ayallon 13 Tel:(02) 991-5516
BAIS YAAKOV MEZURAZ 58 Rechov Kutcher Tel:(02)537-1188 Ramot 6 [email protected]
BAER MIRIAM 22a Chai Taib Tel:(02)652-9390 Har Nof [email protected]
B.J.J. 38 Rechov Sorotzkin Tel:(02)500-0791 Unsdorf
BNOS CHANA 1/2 Nachal Shacham Tel:(02)992-5502 Ramat Beit Shemesh [email protected]
BNOS CHAVA 1 Beit Yitzchak Tel:(02)654-4557 Har Nof [email protected]
BNOS SARA 1 Beit Yitzchak Tel:(02)654-4525 Har Nof [email protected]
B.Y.A. 6 Zerach Barnet Tel:(02)652-0591 Har Nof
CHEDVAS BAIS YAAKOV 30 Rechov Farbstein Tel:(02)653-6255 Kiryat Moshe [email protected]
CHOCHMAS LEV 97 Bayit Vegan Tel:(02)641-0140 Bayit Vegan [email protected]
DARCHEI BINA 22 Nezer Dovid Tel:(02)641-0266 Bayit Vegan [email protected]
ESHEL 12 Galed St. Tel:(02)966-6621 Old City Jerusalem [email protected]
E.Y.A.H.T. 22 Imrei Bina Tel:(02)538-2522 Kiryat Sanz [email protected]
HADAR BAIS YAAKOV 11 Shamgar Tel:(02)537-6595 Kiryat. Belz
LAHAV BAIS YAAKOV 27 Shaulson Tel:(02)651-9464 Har Nof [email protected]
JEWEL 6 Midbar Sinai St. Tel:(02)532-1796 Ramat Eshkol [email protected]
MAALOT 1 Beit Yitzchak Tel:(02)654-4549 Har Nof [email protected]
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LIST
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IVA
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MAAYANOT 22a Chai Taib Tel:(02)652-9390 Har Nof [email protected]
MACHON MAAYAN 21/1 Rechov Masada Tel:(02)995-1405 Beit Shemesh [email protected]
MACHON RONI Mt. Zion Tel:(02)671-6841 Old City Jerusalem [email protected]
MACHON RAAYA 6 R’ Admor Boyan Tel:(02)651-1522 Har Nof [email protected]
MACHON SHOSHANAT 41 Haadmor MiLuabvitch Tel:(02)587-1711 YERUSHALAYIM Ramat Shlomo [email protected]
MACHON TAL 7 Beit Hadfus St. Tel:(02)654-7222 Givat Shaul [email protected]
MEOHR BAIS YAAKOV 1 Rechov Haggai Tel:(02)630-0900 Beit Hakerem [email protected]
MESILOT 11/5 Rechov Mishkelov Tel:(02)654-1268 Har Nof [email protected]
MESORES ROCHEL 30 Tachkemoni Tel:(03)912 5810 Mekor Baruch [email protected]
MICHLALAH 6 Duvduvani Tel:(02)675-0911 Bayit Vegan [email protected]
MICHLELET ESTHER 1 Beit Yitzchak Tel:(02)654-4543 Har Nof [email protected]
MIDRESHES SHMUEL 1 Chagiz Tel:(02)622-3810 Zichron Moshe [email protected]
MIDRESHET AMIT 9 Hashayish Tel:(02)645-0435 Jerusalem [email protected]
MIDRESHET DEVORA 12 Israel Eldad St. Tel:(02)673-1461 Jerusalem [email protected]
MIDRESHET HAROVA 50 Rechov Chabad Tel:(02)626-5970 Old City [email protected]
MIDRESHET LINDENBAUM 51 Rechov Leib Yaffe Tel:(02)671-0043 Jerusalem [email protected]
MIDRESHET MORIAH 12 Shmuel Bayit Tel:(02)652-7449 Shaarei Zedek Jerusalem [email protected]
MIDRESHET RACHEL 23 Eliezer Halevi Tel:(02)654-0622 Kiryat Moshe [email protected]
MIDRESHET TEHILLA 1 Beit Yitzchak Tel:(02)654-4578 Har Nof [email protected]
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LIST OF YESH
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Seminaries
MIDRESHET YEUD 33 Rabinovitz Tel:(02)644-9010 Jerusalem [email protected]
MIGDAL OZ Kibbutz Migdal Oz Tel:(02)993-4520 Gush Etzion [email protected]
M.M.Y. 25 Nagara Tel:(02)652-7257 60 Derech Chevron Baka [email protected]
NACHLAS BEIS YAAKOV 99 Shmuel Hanavi Tel:(02)581-8550 Gush Shmonim [email protected]
NEVE YERUSHALAYIM 1 Beit Yitzchak Tel:(02)654-4555 Har Nof [email protected]
NISHMAT 26a Berel Locker Tel:(02)640-4333 Pat (Jerusalem) [email protected]
PENINIM 30 Farbstein Tel:(02)653-6255 Kiryat Moshe [email protected]
SEMINAR 38 Rechov Frank Tel:(02)643-9303 Bayit Vegan [email protected]
SHAALVIM FOR WOMEN 21 Hadishon Malcha Tel:(02)678-4062 Malcha (Jerusalem) [email protected]
SHAAREI BINA 92 Rechov Yud Bet Tel:(04)697-3172 Tzfas [email protected]
SHARFMAN’S / BNOT TORAH 27 Yam Suf Tel:(02)581-4382 Sanhedria [email protected]
SHEARIM 23/2 Agassi Tel:(02)651-4240 Har Nof [email protected]
SHIR BAMIDBAR 44/7 Mitzpeh Nevo Tel:(052)864-8818 Ma’aleh Adumim [email protected]
SHIRAT DEVORAH Rechov Beer Sheva Tel:(054)524-6063 Nachlaot [email protected]
TIFERES BNOS YAAKOV 140 Sanhedria Meurchevet Tel:(02)582-3366 Sanhedria Meurchevet [email protected]
TIFERET 2 Nachal Shimshon Tel:(02)999-7957 Ramat Beit Shemesh [email protected]
TOMER DEVORAH 54 Atzag Tel:(02)571-6633 Ramot [email protected]
WHAT DOES ONE CALL THE SON-IN-LAW OF A CHASSIDISH MESHULACH?Collectors Eidim
YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES
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Choosing The Right Yeshiva / Seminary For You?
Every person has his/her individual needs when looking for a Yeshiva/Seminary. Some people are looking for a large school with lots of students since more things are happening and the friend pool is much larger. Others might want a small intimate environment so they can build much closer relationships. There are many variables that you will look into in order to choose a school in which to spend your coming year. Asking total strangers which school would be good for you is like asking them to find your shidduch. If they don’t know you, they can’t understand your needs. Discuss your options with people who know you and who are familiar with various schools. Find students from your school who attended the school you are looking into. In many schools there is an Israel advisor who can help direct you to the institution that best suits your needs. The following is a list of ideas that you might want to think about when choosing a school.
LEARNING LEVELThe level of the learning in a school is of utmost importance. You might want to choose a school whose level of learning is slightly above yours in order to help push yourself. On the other hand some students have found that even though they have been in yeshiva/seminary for many years their skills are not up to par and therefore they might find that it is a good idea to find a yeshiva/seminary that offers more skills based learning.
HASHKAFAHAre the hashkafahs of the school/teachers similar to mine. What emphasis do they put on living a Torah lifestyle, Eretz Yisroel etc. Do they have teachers with various hashkafahs or not? Do I want that?
STUDENT BODYWhere do the students in the school come from? In town, out-of-town. Are the students serious?
WHY DON’T THEY TEACH NAVI IN YESHIVA?Because they’re Non-Prophet organizations
YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES
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LOCATIONA school in Yerushalayim might be desirable as you are in close proximity to many important places, with many in walking distance. Being outside Yerushalayim often provides a quieter setting where you can delve into your studies with fewer distractions. A school close to eateries may cause unnecessary distractions (and cost more), but provides your gastronomic needs, while a place away-from-it-all allows you fewer distractions but may cost you more in transportation.
ALUMNIWhat do the students do after they leave the Yeshiva/Seminary?
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Questions to Ask the Recruiter
Everyone approaches the time they spend in Israel differently. Some just require basic necessities and just want to start getting serious and learn. Others need more of their creature comforts taken care of in order to create a conducive environment for learning. Over the course of the year you will hear alot about many schools. Not being able to check out each school in person hinders your ability to get a full picture of what’s actually going on. One of your best assets is the recruiter who comes to your school. The recruiter is usually a rebbe or teacher in the school, and can give you a very good idea about the school. The following is a list of questions that you might want to ask a recruiter. Note the differences in the answers from different schools. It will help you get a better idea as to what each school is about.
GENERAL• What is the student to teacher ratio in your school?
• Is there a curfew and when is it?
• Does the school offer extracurricular activities?
LEARNING• What is the level of learning?
• Can I choose my classes?
• How receptive are teachers to questions on various topics?
• Where do most of your students go afterwards?
• How much work is there? Are there tests?
• What is the style of teaching? Discussion, lecture, classroom setting, chavrusa?
COMFORT• Does the school have a food program? How many meals are given? What type of meals are served?
• What are the living conditions like? Comfortable rooms, heating air-conditioning, how many students in a room? apartment etc...
• Are we allowed to jump on the beds?
• Do you offer college credits and are they automatic or based on performance?
• What types of classes are there?
• What do students do for Shabbos and Yom Tov?
YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES
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InsuranceDuring the course of the year it is possible that you may need to go to see a doctor at some point for something. Being on your own for the first time, it won’t be possible to ask your mother to drive you to the doctor. Therefore being somewhat familiar with the medical system in Israel will help you in case you need to see a practitioner. Your school will require you to retain some sort of medical insurance during your stay. If you are in a school that arranges the insurance for you, you should be very thankful for that. If you are required to arrange your insurance for yourself you should know your options as there are differences between the various insurance options.Most schools will strongly encourage you to retain your
American Insurance throughout the year in case any issues should arise and you should need to go back home for treatment.Most schools will suggest an insurance or medical program for you to join. Some have prior arrangements with the carriers while others work though agents. Be aware of what you are covered for before you begin your year so you don’t get caught off guard when you need medical coverage. Harel and AIM are two of the major medical providers in Israel that offer packages for students for their year in Israel. These programs are created specifically for students and are basic coverage that include sick visits as well as emergency coverage and limited medications. The cost of each is approximately $1.00 for each day that you plan on being covered (paid up front). Each of the plans also includes higher level plans that include more coverage as well as limited coverage for pre-existing conditions.
A.I.M.A.I.M. is not Medical Insurance but a Private Medical program of some 200 participating physicians throughout Israel, providing personalized medical coverage exclusively to students studying Torah. They have doctors throughout Israel and close to most Yeshivas as well as their own medical Center in Givat Shaul and Ramat Beit Shemesh which employ American physicians. They offer a Platinum Plan that covers pre-existing conditions. They also have an Eating Disorders Clinic and nutritionist on staff.
HarelHarel is Israel’s largest health insurance company. The plan works with a good list of contracted English speaking doctors and specialists throughout the country. Therefore, there is no need to pay up front for any medical services.
you are required to arrange your insurance for yourself you
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MEDICAL DIRECTOR
1-800-4-AIM-PLAN
<www.aim.co.il>
.
*
by AIM*
new
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For better or for worse cellphones occupy a very central part in our lives and in your year in Israel. Some of you will need your phone to SMS, text, BBM, play games, check your email, and some of you will even use them to make
phone calls. Whatever you use your phone for, you will probably want to know what deals are available for you and how you can get the most for
your money.
Note: Incoming calls are always free in Israel. Cellphone companies in Israel do not offer free nights and weekends.
WHEN WORKING OUT YOUR CELLPHONE PLAN, YOU HAVE A FEW OPTIONS. 1. Rent a phone and a plan 2. Bring your unlocked phone to Israel and purchase or rent a plan in Israel. 3. Buy a phone in Israel with a plan and pay off the phone for 36 months.
1. RENT A PHONE AND A PLAN There are various rental companies on the market. Some have arrangements with different schools. If your school tells you to get a phone from one of these companies, it might be mandatory, so check with your schools rule book before arranging a phone.
Cellphones
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PROS • Usually have very good American style customer service • You can arrange to receive your phone in America so you have a phone immediately when you arrive. • Insurance covers broken phone. • Billed to your (or your parents’) American credit card, bills are in English
CONS • Monthly fees and local calls. • May be more expensive than getting a plan directly through an Israeli company
The coverage includes hospitalization, doctors/specialists, x-rays lab tests, dental emergencies, etc. There is also an option for covering pre-existing conditions.The Harel plan is marketed by Egert & Cohen Insurance brokers. They have over 20 years of experience with Yeshivot, students, Birthright programs etc.For more information or for on-line sign up: www.egertcohen.co.il
MeuchedetThis insurance company is one of the big HMO’s in Israel. They offer a supplementary insurance for tourists. A plan with Meuchedet might be more expensive but covers more medical treatment. You can contact them at 1-222-3833 or *3833
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Advertisement Landau Communications has graced the corner of Kikar Shabbos for over 10 years. Every year hundreds of students receive the best deals and finest service at reasonable, competitive prices.Bringing your own handset from the US?Need a simcard with unlimited data for your Blackberry?At Landau’s you can sign up for great deals tailored to suit your usage with NO COMMITMENT!!!.Contact us via email ([email protected]) to get an attractive quote so you can stay in touch with family & friends.Early birds: Save the hassle of waiting in line by placing your order in advance so that you’ll have your line active as soon as you land !!!Find out why Landau’s has become a favorite among American students for over 10 years.
2. BRING YOUR UNLOCKED PHONE TO ISRAEL AND GET AN ISRAELI SIM CARD GIVING YOU A PHONE NUMBER AND A CALLING PLAN.
You must have a phone that works with a SIM card, and your phone must be unlocked. To unlock your phone you can try contacting your carrier in America and telling them that you will be going abroad – they may unlock the phone for you. If not, there are manycommercial unlocking services.
PROS • Data and texting plans are usually less expensive than with other options
• Billed by the second .(1 minute and 2 second phone call is charged as 62 seconds)
CONS • Customer service Israel style.
• Your phone, your risk. (if it breaks)
• Billed in shekel so have currency fees on your credit card,
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3. BUY A PHONE IN ISRAEL WITH A PLAN AND PAY OFF THE PHONE FOR 36 MONTHS.
Note: This option is only worthwhile if you are getting a kosher phone. If you are going to need a data plan or texting it is wiser to bring a phone from home (see option 2) as cell phones in Israel are more expensive.
Kosher Phones-You might have heard of these things or you might not have but kosher phones have nothing to do with the fact that the ingredients of the cellphone have been checked out and certified by an orthodox rabbi. Rather due to the numerous issues that are possible with cellphones, a group of rabbonim have joined together to help make cellphones just that: cellphones only. Kosher phones have no cameras nor texting nor games nor internet capabilities. All major companies in Israel offer kosher phone plans which tend to be much less expensive than regular phone plans. Kosher phone plans are very inexpensive and include free minutes to all other kosher phones. Many of the plans also offer packages where the phone will be free and include minutes to non-kosher phones as well, although expect to pay a much higher per minute rate for calling non-kosher phones. Some schools require kosher phones in order to avoid unnecessary distractions.
PROS • Could be least expensive option. • Phone is paid off with the plan which lasts 36 months• Fewer distractions. • Good for when you’re learning in Israel for a few years
CONS • No texting/data option • Insurance costs extra• Continue paying off the phone after one year, or pay exit-penalty for leaving contract early
OTHER THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:International calling- Arrange how you will call your family back home. Some companies have a relationship with a long distance carrier which might save you a lot of money in long distance.
American number-you might want to arrange that your cellphone carries an American number as well, so people in America can reach you easier.
(Since information changes all of the time, the Pre-Israel Students Guide cannot assume responsibility for the accuracy of any information printed herein)
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ORD
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RIM Earn up to 106 credits
towards your Bachelor's degree at
Without even leaving your school!
[email protected] 02 627-1647www.rechtijs.com (818) 206-5859
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Ordering Seforim
Airlines have decided that you might weigh the plane down with too much baggage so they are slowly but surely permitting less baggage to be checked in. This issue might save you some schlepping in the airport but it will also limit how much stuff you are permitted to bring with you to Israel. Therefore some of the seforim stores through the graciousness of their hearts have arranged for you to order your seforim that you will need for the year so you can free up your luggage space to allow room for your favorite teddy bear. If you have a siddur or Tehillim that you like using you should certainly bring them (see packing list for plane). However, any other seforim can be purchased in Israel. Hebrew seforim are definitely less than you will get them in America. English books should be comparable, depending where you purchase them. Besides, again, no schlepping and weight issues. Ordering them online or by phone has a distinct advantage as well because:
1)Your parents will cover the cost (when you pay for it out of your budget you’ll feel it)
2)The seforim will delivered to your school
3)You’ll be able to relax since your seforim will be in school before you will, so you’ll have them for the first day of class/shiur.
4) The stores will know exactly what your school expects you to have. We suggest arranging your seforim purchase from Shanky’s Book Store because they have all seforim and books that you will need in stock. They also provide very good customer service, so this will minimize your complications if you order the wrong book or if any other situation occurs. They are also the cheapest and biggest seforim store in Eretz Yisroel, so you’re sure to get the best prices (even better than the sales in your school). So when you receive your book list from your school contact Shanky’s and order your books now.
Earn up to 106 credits towards your Bachelor's degree at
Without even leaving your school!
[email protected] 02 627-1647www.rechtijs.com (818) 206-5859
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Arranging a Dira
If the housing in your school is pre-arranged (i.e. school run apartments, dorms etc.) consider yourself lucky. If however you are attending a yeshiva where you are expected to arrange your own living quarters, there are some things you might want to know before making any arrangements. Some things you’ll want to know when choosing an apartment (“Dira”) are:
• Who will your dira-mates be? Are they neat (yeah, right)? Are they serious guys or do they enjoy late nights with loud music?
• How much will the dira cost you?
• Are utilities included? Do we have to split the utilities and how is payment arranged?
• Is there heat/air-conditioning
• Location Location Location? Is it very close to Yeshiva? Is it in a noisy area? Are there issues with the neighbors?
• Be aware that in many apartment situations you can switch apartments when you need to. So if you end up in a less than desirable apartment you can leave. It is a good idea however to try to find a good dira before you get on the plane since the good diras are often taken early.
HOW TO FIND A DIRA.
The dira situation can be complicated, but knowing some basic ideas will help you get on your way. Many diras are inhabited by bochurim who came from the same Yeshiva in America. There are WITS diras and Ner Yisroel diras and Darchei diras etc... If bochurim from your yeshiva are in the yeshiva you are planning on attending you should find a way to contact them in their dira as the dira may very well be reserved for graduates of your yeshiva. If you cannot find a place in the dira or you would like other options there are some people who take care of numerous diras and can let you know if there will be space available for you. One of these people is Gershon Levy whose can be reached at (050)419-3319. Many bochurim prefer to find a dira when they are already in Israel. This can be complicated since you will need a place to stay until you find a dira. If you have a friend or family member with whom you can stay for a few days you can count on seeing signs in your yeshiva listing available beds in apartments. Good luck in finding a good dira. As they say, “Finding the right dira can be the difference between a good zman and a great one.”
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Roommates
What do you think will you be the most important factor of your growth in Israel? Many of you might answer Good teachers, some will say various types of classes, comfortable dorms, seeing how people live in Israel etc. Well, we asked students learning in Israel what they feel is the most important aspect that helped them grow in Israel. And many of them accredited their good roommates with their successes in learning and growth. A good roommate who makes sure to get up early in the morning will help you get up in the morning even when you’re not sure you want to. A roommate who respects others will make sure not to make too much noise when you are trying to sleep and will be respectful of your needs. A good roommate will make a very good friend and will help you through issues that you might need to work through. The importance of having a good roommate cannot be underestimated. If you are in a school that lets you choose your roommate/s, be smart. Choose someone who shares similar goals to you. If someone you know is interested in just going to Israel to hang out and you really want to buckle down it would be advisable, even if it is your very good friend to find someone who will share your desire for growth so that you can work together to gain what you want. Looking over in the morning and seeing your roommate fast asleep won’t help you get out of bed so fast, but looking over and seeing your roommate up and dressed and ready to start a new day might give you the extra push that you need to get up, even on a day that, “I don’t really feel like it.” It obviously goes without saying, that as important as it is to choose a good roommate it is that much more important to be a good roommate. So if you choose, and choose you may, choose wisely!
WHATS A BIRDS FAVORITE MITZVAH?Pidgeon Shvuyim
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Money
There are various ways to set up your money situation for the time you will be spending in Israel. It is not a very good idea to come with all of the cash that you need in hand since cash can be lost and/or stolen. You should however come with enough money to get you started. If you have decided that you would prefer to bring all of the cash that you need for the year you should immediately find a “safe” place for the money to be stored until you need it. Most schools are equipped with a safe for students use. Ask about it right away so you can minimize your risk of loss.
WAYS TO SET UP YOUR MONEY SITUATION:1. Have your parents’ give you a debit card or checks for an account that they will deposit money into. Check with your bank to find out what fees they charge when withdrawing money from an A.T.M. overseas. Make sure to let your bank know that you will be using the card overseas for a year so you don’t experience any unnecessary difficulties.
2. Bring a reasonable amount of money at the beginning of the year to hold you over and have your parents send money when you need it with people traveling to Israel.
3. Some parents prefer to write-out a bunch of post-dated checks which their children can cash when the checks become valid.
REASONS WHY YOU MIGHT CHOOSE ONE OPTION OVER ANOTHER.1. Risk reduction (losing cash, debit card).
2. A.T.M. fees vs. Check cashing fees.
3. Convenience. (depending on proximity to check cashing office, cash machine etc)
BudgetingSome people come to Israel with an unlimited budget and are always going out and buying things. If you are one of those people you probably don’t need to look at this section. But if you are not, it is a good idea to figure out how to make your funds stretch further. During your first month in Israel you will most likely spend a lot of money because of your additional settling in expenses. Keeping this in mind will help you keep track of your money and not overspend unnecessarily.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO STUDENTS SPEND WEEKLY DURING THEIR YEAR IN ISRAEL?For most of you this will be your first time taking care of your own finances. Therefore, it is a good idea to start learning how to maximize your “income” and make your dollar
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stretch further. Keep in mind that there is no way to give an accurate monthly budget because there are many different factors that define each person’s spending habits. If you are in a yeshiva where the food is very good, you will eat out less and if you are in a seminary where you have your own fridge and kitchen you will be able to save a lot of money by making your own meals. The Yeshiva and Seminary Students’ Guide conducted a study which found that on average students of schools in Yerushalayim spend around 100-150 shekel ($28-$42) a week or 400-600 shekel ($114-$171) a month. Keep in mind that these numbers may be slightly higher in the first month or two.
HOW CAN I FIND WAYS TO SAVE MONEY?LAUNDRY/DRY-CLEANING1. Do your laundry at a family/teacher’s house. Many teachers or people in your neighborhood will avail their washing machines in exchange for babysitting or gan pickup.
2. Think before you clean. If it’s not dirty it doesn’t necessarily need to go to the cleaners.
3. Buy wrinkle-free shirts to save money on dry-cleaning.
FOOD1. Buy a loaf of white or whole wheat bread and put it in your freezer. Take out a few slices when you feel hungry. It will thaw in a few minutes and taste as fresh as when you put it in.
2. Get your body used to drinking water, and bring a water-bottle when you go out. Fruit drinks and sodas can cost you a lot of money.
3. Eat more meals in school. Some schools serve good food, some serve decent food, and some serve really bad food, but no matter what, it’s better than eating P’tcha everyday.
4. American products tend to be more expensive in Israel. You can easily find an Israeli cereal that you enjoy instead of always looking for your favorite American cereal.
5. Cream cheese is a great spread, but for some reason it is expensive in Israel. If you really like cream cheese you can make it yourself. Take 1 container of “Shamenet” and put it in a strainer for 24 hours, add 1/4 tsp. of salt for taste and you’ll have a lot of cream cheese for 2 shekel.
SHABBOS1. When going away for Shabbos make sure to take the bus. It is almost always the least expensive way to travel.
2. Buy less expensive host gifts. A package of Angel’s rugelach or a MAK’s Cake are relatively inexpensive and are a perfectly acceptable gift.
3. For those of you who are daring and have an oven why not make a tray of homemade chocolate chip cookies? You can give most of them to your host and you can enjoy an erev Shabbos treat.
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TRAVEL1. Take buses. The bus system in Israel is efficient for traveling within the city and outside the city. Make sure to check out the Egged bus information found in your complimetary copy of the Yeshiva Seminary Students Guide. Remember to give yourself extra time since buses do take longer than cabs.
2. To save money on bus fare, purchase a round trip ticket. This ticket is called a Haloch V’chazor and is available on most intercity buses. A cartisia or bus card can also be purchased to save additional money on multiple rides to the same location.
GETTING OUT1. Plan accordingly before you go out to minimize travel cost and frustration.
2. Go out with friends who are in a similar financial situation. It is easier to hang out with people who are also trying to save money versus those whose parents have given them carte blanche.
3. Buying food when you are away from school is generally going to cost you more than if you bring your own food. (Tuna sandwich from home = 3 shekel, sandwich from a store=15-25 Shekel)
4. If you choose to go out to eat, decide how much you want to spend before you go out.
MISCELLANEOUS 1. Ask a teacher or someone who works in your school, if there are any jobs available for after school hours.
2. Don’t carry around a lot of money when you go out.
3. When taking out money try to keep track of the date and amount. Pay attention how long it takes you to spend it. When you keep track of your money you will spend more carefully.
4. Try to buy seforim/fan/heater/plastic-drawers from people who were in your school last year.
5. There are so many ways to relax and have a good time that are inexpensive. Do research to find cheap trips and hikes and remember to bring food along.
6. Think in shekalim not in dollars.
7. Ten shekel coins are worth about $2.50, but since they’re coins you are more apt to spend them faster. Change that way of thinking. Coins are money too.
8. Prices in Israel are not always set. Some stores sell products significantly cheaper than others. Research before you buy.
If you have found other ways to cut corners please send us a text at (054) STU-DENT or email [email protected] and we will be
happy to include your ideas in future printings.
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Money in Israel
10 AGUROT*Gold colored
worth about 2.5 cents
2 SHEKEL*Silver new coin slightly smaller
than the five shekel. Be careful not to confuse them.
worth about 50 cents
20 SHEKEL*Green Bill made of shiny plastic.
Worth about 5 dollars
100 SHEKEL*Blue and brown
Worth about 25 dollars
50 SHEKEL*Purple and yellow Worth about $12.50
200 SHEKEL*Reddish orangish largest denomination
Worth about 50 dollars
*The values are only approximate in order to help you figure out prices in dollars. Since the shekel is really around 3.8 shekel to the dollar you should adjust the calcuation slightly.
HALF SHEKEL*Gold coloredlargest coin
worth about 12.5 cents
5 SHEKEL*Silver
worth about $1.25 also useful for borrowing
shopping carts in supermarkets
1 SHEKEL*Silver
smallest coinworth about 25 cents
10 SHEKEL*Gold inside and silver
outside. Recently there have been
frauds. Make sure the coin you receive has all of the
featuresclearly pronouncedworth about $2.50
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Financing the Year
The Holy One Blessed-Be-He holds the key of prosperity and he does not give it into the hands of others. Hashem chooses who should have how much wealth and how and when. For some, affording to send their children to Eretz Yisroel comes with no financial strain while others might feel that they have to scrape the bottom of the proverbial barrel in order to make sure their children are able to experience a year of growth in Eretz Yisroel.
(Hashkafic Tangent: Statistics show that students who had to work to help pay for their time in Israel gain more than those who are given the experience on a silver platter.)
For those who feel that sending their child to Israel would be prohibitively expensive, it might prove helpful to be aware of options to help you fund the trip and help your children enjoy their year. The following is a small list of ways to help fund your child’s year in Israel. Not all options will be available to all students or schools, but being aware of the different options might help you approach the decision in a more level headed manner.
PEL/TAP GRANTS-Scholarships are available through colleges that work with Yeshivas/Seminaries in Israel. You can apply to some colleges and take a year abroad and have the tuition be paid to the college who in turn will give the tuition to the Yeshiva/Seminary of your choice. Touro/Lander College and Yeshiva University have a list of schools with whom they have set up prior agreements. Other colleges might make the same arrangements as well.
MASA-an Israel based organization that helps fund students learning in programs in Israel. They have arrangements with some schools. If your school has such an arrangement this should save you money on your tuition.
SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS-Some Yeshivas/Seminaries offer scholarships to students based on financial concerns. Ask in the school that you would like to attend to find out if they can be of assistance.
PAYMENT PLANS-Some schools although they might not offer scholarships, will agree to a payment arrangement that might fit your needs. It never hurts to ask.
WORK/STUDY PROGRAM-You might be able to arrange a small job for the student in his/her school in order to help pay for tuition.
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS-There are various organizations and federations that help students fund their year in Israel. Your local shul may even have such a fund. Speak to other parents or your child’s yeshiva to find out about your options.
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TECHNICAL STUFF
CONSULATES AND RED TAPE
AIRLINES
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E Consulates and Red Tape
Tourists are permitted a 3 month visa upon entry into Israel however most students require a 1 year visa. When you first come to Israel you will receive a 3 month tourist visa which will be changed for a student visa when you show the visa office proof that you are a student (letter from your school). Many schools will take care of this process for you and you will be required to pay the visa fee (around $50). If your school does not arrange this for you, you can simply check The Yeshiva and Seminary Students Guide which you will receive when you arrive in Israel which will tell you how to arrange your student visa. If one of your parents is an Israeli citizen you might need to arrange for a special visa before you go to Israel. If you have questions or any doubt regarding your status in the Israeli Government you should contact your local Israeli Consulate to clarify any issue before you go.
ATLANTA ISRAELI CONSULATE
1100 Spring St. N.W., Suite 440Atlanta, Georgia 30309
P: (404)487-6500 • F: (404)487-6555
BOSTON ISRAELI CONSULATE
20 Park Plaza,Suite 1020Boston, MA 02116
P: (617)535-0200 • F: (617)535-0255
CHICAGO ISRAELI CONSULATE
111 East Wacker Drive,Chicago, IL 60601
P: (312)380-8800 • F:( 312)297-4855
HOUSTON ISRAELI CONSULATE
24 Greenway PlazaHouston Texas 77046
P: (832)301 3500 • F: (832)301 3555www.Israelhouston.org
LOS ANGELES ISRAELI CONSULATE
6380 Wilshire BlvdSuite 1700
Los Angeles, CA 90048P: (323)-852-5500 • F: (323)852-5566
MIAMI ISRAELI CONSULATE
100 North Biscayne Boulevard,Suite 1800
Miami, Florida 33132P: (305)925-9400 • F: (305)925-9451E:[email protected]
[email protected]@miami.mfa.gov.il
NEW YORK ISRAELI CONSULATE
800 Second AvenueNew York, NY 10017
P: (212)499-5302 emergency F: (212)499-5355
www.israelfm.org
SAN FRANCISCO ISRAELI CONSULATE
456 Montgomery StreetSuite 2100
San Francisco, CA 94104P: (415)844-7510 • F: (415)844-7555
WASHINGTON D.C. ISRAELI EMBASSY
3514 International Dr.N.W. Washington DC 20008
P:(202)364-5500www.israelemb.org
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Airlines
The following is a list of toll-free numbers and web addresses for various airlines that have flights to Israel. You might want
to check up on your flight information or find out other information from the airline. You should find out what the baggage and weight allowance is so you can know how to
pack efficiently. When flying internationally most airlines will allow you 1 checked-in bag of 50lbs. Your travel agent
might be able to arrange an extra bag for you, make sure to ask. These details change all the time, make sure to verify any information before going to the airport.
Air Canada AirCananda.com 888-247-2262
Air France AirFrance.com 800-237-2747
Alitalia Alitlia.com 800-223-5730
American Airlines AA.com 800-433-7300
British Airways BritishAirways.com 800-247-9297
Czech Airlines CzechAirlines.com 800-223-2365
Delta Air Lines Delta.com 800-221-1212
El Al Israel Airlines ELAL.co.il 800-223-6700
Iberia Iberia.com 800-772-4642
KLM KLM.com 800-374-7747
Lufthansa Lufthansa.com 800-645-3880
Malev Hungarian Malev.com 800-223-6884
SWISS Swiss.com 877-359-7947
United Airlines United.com 800-241-6522
US Airways USAirways.com 800-428-4322
Virgin Atlantic Virgin-Atlantic.com 800-862-8621
WHAT IS A COW’S FAVORITE HAFTORAH?Nacha-Moo
CON
SULATES AN
D RED
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Acclaimed for our efficient and prompt delivery, we ensure that your custom-chosen package is waiting for you when you arrive at your school or dorm.
• Personal attention to each order• Secure and easy to use website• Competitive prices• Quality items
www.BlanketExpressPlus.com718-360-4534 Monsey N.Y. 10952 - Beitar Illit 90500
PACKING
FOR ISRAEL
SHOULDN’T
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HASSLE!
With over 6 years of experience, Blanket Express Plus has been serving students by providing all their bed, has been serving students by providing all their bed, bath, and small appliance needs for Israel.bath, and small appliance needs for Israel.
Acclaimed for our efficient and prompt delivery, we Acclaimed for our efficient and prompt delivery, we ensure that your custom-chosen package is waiting for ensure that your custom-chosen package is waiting for you when you arrive at your school or dorm.you when you arrive at your school or dorm.
• Personal attention to each orderPersonal attention to each order• Secure and easy to use websiteSecure and easy to use website• Competitive pricesCompetitive prices• Quality itemsQuality items
www.BlanketExpressPlus.comwww.BlanketExpressPlus.com718-360-4534718-360-4534 Monsey N.Y. 10952 - Beitar Illit 90500
With over 6 years of experience, Blanket Express Plus With over 6 years of experience, Blanket Express Plus has been serving students by providing all their bed, has been serving students by providing all their bed,
PACKING PACKING PACKING PACKING
FOR ISRAEL FOR ISRAEL FOR ISRAEL FOR ISRAEL
SHOULDN’T SHOULDN’T SHOULDN’T SHOULDN’T
BE A
HASSLE!HASSLE!HASSLE!HASSLE!
DISCOUNT on Delivery Charge for orders placed before July 15, 2012
PACKING AND LEAVING
PACKING ADVICE AND LISTS
PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE
JUST FOR FUN
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PACK
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Going overseas for a long period of time can be overwhelming and knowing how to pack for your excursion can be equally difficult, knowing how many of each thing to pack, What can I buy there that I don’t need to pack? What’s the weather like? Will I need a coat, pajamas, sweats, light clothing etc.? How often will I have the opportunity to do laundry?, What things must I have that I can’t get in Israel? While you keep wondering about these things we would like to offer you some advice about packing that we hope will help
you. You can also check out our handy dandy packing list on pages 43-48
CLOTHING• A year in Yeshiva/Seminary can be brutal on your clothing with tiyulim and Israeli washing machines and less than perfect dry-cleaning. So before you pack take this into consideration.
• Israel is much less formal than your home town, so don’t feel the need to bring your fanciest clothing, you might just feel out of place.
• It gets pretty cold in Israel so make sure to bring sweats and a good coat.
• Bring good shoes!! You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Israel.
LINENS• It is worthwhile to bring an extra set of linens so you can launder you linens regularly.
• Linens take up a lot of space in your luggage. You can purchase heavy blankets, Pillows, Linens etc.. from BlanketExpressPlus.com at a reasonable cost and they will deliver your items to your school when you want (before you come or any time after)
ELECTRONICS• The electric current is different in Israel and therefore many items need to be converted. If you don’t use the correct converter you could burn out your appliance.
• It might be worthwhile to purchase larger appliances such as Blowdryer, Hair-irons, Grills etc. in Israel. So you don’t have to worry about ruining yours. You can order some of these products from BlanketExpressPlus.com.
TOILETRIES• You might want to leave your favorite shampoo at home. The Israeli shampoo is made for the water in Israel and will work better for your hair. Israel has American hair products like Pantene, Herbal Essences etc.. that are made for Israel.
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• Certain things are prone to opening in your suitcase and getting everything else messy. Pack carefully and double wrap any bottles of liquids to avoid leaks.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES• The paper is a different size to what you are used to and the holes are in different places. So it might be better to buy your school supplies in Israel. But if you are planning on bringing paper and looseleafs make sure to bring enough for the year or bring a hole puncher.
• You can purchase all of your school supplies in Israel.
MONEY• Don’t bring large amounts of cash as unfortunately there have been stories of theft in schools, Bring enough cash that you need to get started, and a credit/debit card or checks to take out money. See section on Budgeting
SEFORIM• Seforim and Jewish books are much less expensive in Israel, so don’t waste your precious suitcase space/weight on bringing your seforim. You can purchase them when you get to Yeshiva/Seminary. You can also order your seforim online from Shanky’s Book Shop and they will be delivered and waiting for you at your Yeshiva/Seminary when you get there. See our section on ordering seforim to help you through the process.
WHY DON’T THEY TEACH KSUVIM IN YESHIVAS?Because then they would have to get a “Job”
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• You may find that you can’t fit all of your stuff in the two suitcases that you are allotted from the airline. You can buy a lot of the things you need, like toiletries and school supplies in Israel when you come, so leave that stuff out.
• You might want to leave your winter stuff home for someone else to bring. This will save you lots of space
FOODToday you can buy most American foods that you are used to in Israel. Like American cereals, American candies, Heinz Ketchup etc. To find out if your favorite American food is being sold in Israel email us at [email protected] and we’ll let you know.
HOW DOES THE DUBNO MAGGID DEFEND HIMSELF?Mashal Arts
To Israel with love! Send your children, family and friends in Israel cookie bouquets that they will always remember.
1.718.360.8625 from the US02.993.3178 in Israel [email protected]
cooKIe cravewww.thecookiecraveshop.com
the
Baked goods available for all occasions.Mehadrin Kosher certification. All products are Parve.
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Seminary Girls Packing List
We have prepared a handy dandy packing list for you. In order to help you figure out what to bring. The list includes lots of things that you
might need as well as things that you might not.
If you have any questions about anything Israel related please feel free to email us at [email protected] and we will answer your inquiry as soon as we can.
Many of the following items can be purchased in Israel. Especially linens, toiletries, school supplies, and electronic devices. All items that are recommended to be purchased in Israel are marked with a *.
CLOTHING Baseball Cap for trips
Bathing Suits and cover-up
Belts
Coat/Jacket/Fleece
Gloves
Handbags
Headbands
Leggings (For Hikes)
Light Jacket
Long Sleeved Shirts
Oversized T-Shirts
Pajamas/Lounging Clothing
Raincoat
Scarf
Shabbos Outfits (Not Too Fancy)
Shabbos Robe
Shells/Tank Tops
Shirts
Skirts (School, Hiking, Shabbos)
Slipper Socks
Socks, Stockings, Tights
Sunglasses
Sweaters/ Vests
Sweatshirts/Zip-Ups
Tiyul/Exercise Clothing
Undergarments
Winter Socks For Sleeping
SHOES# Boots/Uggs
Crocs/Shower Shoes
Hiking Shoes
Rainboots/Willies
Shabbos Shoes (Heels are not practical for Israel and are fancier than necessary.)
Slippers
Sneakers
Weekday Flats (A Few Pairs, You’re gonna walk a lot in Israel)
Yom Kippur Shoes #The streets in Israel can be slippery, you should bring shoes that have rubber soles
TOILETRIES Allergy Medicine/Inhaler/Retainer
Baby Powder
Bobby Pins, Clips. Hair bands
Body Wash
Bug Spray, Off
Chap Stick
Contact Lenses (Extra pairs, Solution, Case etc.)
Cotton Pads
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Braces paraphernalia etc)
Deodorant
Face Wash
Floss
Hair Brush, Comb
Hair Removal Supplies (Nair, Shaver, Shaving Cream, Tweezers, Waxing Stuff)
Hair Spray, Mousse, Hair Gel
Hand Sanitizer
Lice Comb/Tea Tree Oil
Liquid Hand Soap
Loofa
Make Up/Remover
Moisturizer, Vaseline
Nail Clipper/File/Scissors
Nail Polish/Remover
Pain Relievers (Ex. Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Midol, Tums)
Perfume
Q-Tips
Sanitary Napkins
Shabbos Brush
Shabbos Makeup
Toothbrush/Holder
Toothpaste/Mouthwash
Wound Care (Band Aids, Neosporin)
*Shampoo and Conditioner (many girls have noted that using American Shampoo in Israel makes their hair fall out)
*Soap
*Sunscreen
LINENS Bathrobe
Light Blanket and Comforter
Detergent
Fabric Softener
Laundry Bag
Pillow
*Sheet Sets (Blanket Cover, Sheet, Pillow Case)
*Sleeping Bag
Sock Bag
Stuffed Animal/Small comfort pillow -So You Feel “At Home”
Towels
Washcloths
*Woolite.
Tide/Bleach Pen (Or Any Other Stain Remover Pen)
Dryer Sheets
ELECTRONICS *Blow Dryer
Camera and Charger
*George Forman
*Hair Iron
Mp3/Ipod and Charger
Extra Headphones and splitter to share music
*Speakers
Flash Drive/Memory Stick
Flashlight/Torch
Batteries
*Lamp
*Alarm Clock (Battery Powered)
*Adapters/Transformers
*Sandwich Maker
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SCHOOL SUPPLIES Folders
Glue
Highlighters
Journal
Loose Leaf
Loose Leaf Paper
Markers
Notebooks
Paper Clips
Pencil Case
Pencils
Pens
Post It Notes
Ribbon
Scissors
Scotch Tape
Stamps
Stapler
Stationary
Stickers
Wite Out
Black Permanent Marker
MISCELLANEOUS Backpack
Books
Earplugs
Eye Mask
Food; Anything You Love That You’ll Miss In Israel!!
Fun Accessories For Purim
Games (Taboo, Set, Deck of Cards...)
Garment Bag
Guitar
Hanging Organizers (For Shoes, Shower etc.)
Jewelry
Makeup Bag
Mirror
Neck Pillow
Phone Numbers And Addresses (Of Israelis And Americans)
Pictures Of Friends
Safety Pins
Shoe Organizer
Siddur/Tehillim
Skirt Hangers
Spare Glasses, And Case
Thermometer
Travel Games for Tiyulim
Umbrella
Wallet/Purse
Water Bottle
*You may want to purchase these items in Israel. You can purchase many of these items from BlanketExpressPlus.com.
WHAT DO YOU CALL A GOLFER WHO TEES OFF ON THE BACK OF A COW? On Par
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We have prepared a handy dandy packing list for you. In order to help you figure out what to bring. The list includes lots of things that you might
need as well as things that you might not.
If you have any questions about anything Israel related please feel free to email us at [email protected] and we will answer your inquiry as soon as we can.
Many of the following items can be purchased in Israel. Especially linens, Toiletries, school supplies, and electronic devices. All items that are recommended to be purchased in Israel are highlighted.
CLOTHING Baseball Caps, Hats
Bathing Suits (2)
Belts (2-3)
Clothing To Work Out In
Coats (Raincoat, Shabbos coat, Heavy Coat)
Socks (4-6 Dress Socks, 8-10 Weekday Socks)
Extra Yarmulka
Gloves
Hat
Jacket
Rain Jacket
Shirts (8-10 Long Sleeved Button down,
T-Shirts
Pajamas/Lounging Clothing
Pants
Scarf
Shabbos Shirts
Shabbos Suits (2-3)
Polo Shirts
Shorts
Sunglasses
Sweaters
Sweatpants
Sweatshirts, Zip-Ups
Tefillin
Thermals
Ties
Tiyul Clothing
Tzitzis
Undershirts
Underwear
Warm Hat
Winter Socks For Sleeping
SHOES Boots
Crocs
Everyday Shoes
Flip Flops
Hiking Boots
Rainboots
Sandals
Shabbos Shoes
Shower Shoes
Slippers
Sneaker
Water Shoes
Yom Kippur Shoes
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TOILETRIES Allergy Medicine
Band Aids
Bobby Pins/Clips,
Bug Spray
Chap Stick
Comb/Brush
Contact Lenses, Lens Case, Solution
Deodorant
Dryer Sheets
Floss
Hand Sanitizer
Mouthwash
Nail Clippers
Tylenol, Excedrin, Aspirin, Advil, Sudafed
Prescription Medications (if needed)
Q-Tips
Shaver
Soap
Sunscreen
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Tums
Vaseline
(Bacitracin/Neosporin Gauze, Medical Tape
LINENS Bathrobe
*Blanket
*Comforter
Laundry Bag
*Pillow
*2 Sheet Sets (Sheet, Pillow Case,
Duvet Cover)
*Sleeping Bag (for tiyulim)
Sock Bag
Tide Pen (Or Any Other Stain Remover)
*Towels
*Washcloths
SCHOOL SUPPLIES Black Permanent Marker
Crayons
Daily Planner
Envelopes
Folders
Hole Punch
Index Cards
Loose-leaf
Loose-leaf Paper
Markers, Highlighters
Mini Stapler
Notebooks
Paper Clips
Pencil Case
Pencils
Pens
Post It Notes
Reinforcements
Rubber Bands
Scissors
Scotch Tape
Wite Out/Tipex
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Books
Water Bottle
Debit/Credit Card
Foods that you might miss in Israel
Games; (Taboo, Set...)
Garment Bag
Glasses/Spare Pair
Guitar
Hydration Pack/Camelback
Knapsack
Money
Overnight Bag
Phone Numbers and Addresses of contacts in Israel
Purim costume stuff
Sports equipment (baseball glove, baseball, basketball, football gloves etc
Umbrella
ELECTRONICS Adapters / Transformers
Alarm Clock (Battery Powered)
Batteries
Camera And Charger
Flash Drive/Memory Stick
Flashlight/Torch
*George Forman Grill
Mp3 Player/Ipod And Charger & Extra Headphones
ATL..............................................................
ORD............................................................
LAX .............................................................
DFW ...........................................................
JFK ..............................................................
IAH .............................................................
SFO .............................................................
PHX ............................................................
EWR ............................................................
MCO ...........................................................
DTW ...........................................................
MIA ............................................................
SEA .............................................................
PHL .............................................................
BOS ............................................................
LGA .............................................................
IAD .............................................................
BWI .............................................................
NAME THAT AIRPORT
Below are the airport codes of some of the more famous airports in the U.S. of A. See if you can figure out which airport is which.
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Preparing For Your Departure
GROUP FLIGHTMany Yeshivas and Seminaries arrange group flights for their students. Some require you to go on the group flight, while others just suggest it. Going on the schools group flight can help you start off your year in a very comfortable way. When I was back in Yeshiva, one boy walked around the plane and introduced himself to each of his future Yeshiva-mates. Most people are not familiar with one another and meeting people on the plane can help you begin to build the relationships that you will continue to build in Yeshiva/Seminary.
Another reason why it’s great to travel with your school’s flight is that your school has made arrangements to make your traveling easier. The faculty of your school may have arranged to meet you in the airport and some of the important things that you need to take care of will be taken care of there. Some schools have arranged a money changer to come to meet their group flight, this will help you change money right away so you can have funds to buy yourself a treat.
And the very best reason to come on the group flight is so you won’t have to arrange your own transportation to your school and try to figure out how to get there.
FLYING ALONEIf your school does not have a group flight or you will not be flying with your school’s flight you can arrange your transportation from the airport before you leave, but you don’t have to. When you arrive in Israel there are taxis and vans waiting outside the main exit. A cab to Yerushalayim should cost between 150-200 shekel (approx. 40 dollars) per person with two suitcases. (If they are charging you much more, you are being “taken for a ride”.) There is a taxi stand where you can find out how much you are supposed to pay. There are also vans called a Nesher or Shierut waiting outside the main exit. These cost a lot less (approx. 15 dollars) but you will have to wait for the van to fill up before you leave and you might be the first stop or the last one depending on where you are going.
PREPARING FOR THE FLIGHTPacking efficiently will help you avoid many unnecessary annoyances while you are traveling.
• Check that your passport is up to date and that it will still be current when you have to come back (it’s annoying trying to take care of those types of things in Israel)
• Pack E-ticket Number/Itinerary and passport in the front pocket of your carry-on 3 days before your flight so you don’t have to go searching ten minutes before you have to drive to the airport.
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• Put your money/credit cards in a safe place, preferably somehow attached to you.
• Pack your carry-on with all the important things you need for your flight ex.
Extra food (Bagels etc.)
Home baked cookies from your mother (you might not get them for a few months)
Snacks
Siddur/Tehillim/Sefer
Comfortable slippers for the flight
Mp3/Ipod and headphones
Some toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush etc..)
A change of clothing; so you can feel like a mentch when you come off the plane
Sweatshirt
Neckpillow/Eye Mask
(Boys)Tefillin
(Girls)Make-up
LAPTOPS/VIDEO DEVICESYour yeshiva/seminary has a policy regarding laptops, video devices, and smart phones. You might think they have made these rules because they want to spend the next year chasing after you to check if you have an “illegal” device. But that is not the case. Any school you attend has only your best interests in mind. And since you are coming to Israel for the purpose of spiritual growth, most schools are of the opinion that using the aforementioned devices will interfere with your opportunity to grow. It is worthwhile to leave the non-permitted devices home in order not to cause yourself problems and keep yourself from gaining the most that you can during your year. Check with your schools rule book to find out what their policy is regarding all electronic devices.
LABELS FOR LAIBELIt is very worthwhile to label all of the belongings that you plan to bring to Israel. Many of your things might get borrowed throughout the year. You may forget to whom you lent them and the borrower might forget who lent them the sweatshirt, sweater, etc. and you may inevitably lose things. By simply marking your belongings with your name and number (with a black Sharpie pen) you can save yourself a lot of heartache. (you can also fill out the “Lent to/Borrowed from” chart that you will find in your complimentary Yeshiva and Seminary Students guide that you will receive when you come to Israel, to keep track of the stuff you lent out.)
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VALUABLESMany Yeshivas and Seminaries have safes where students can store their valuables. Make sure to prepare the stuff you want to put in the school safe and bring it to your schools office as soon as you can. There have been things lost/stolen in most schools. Better be “safe” than sorry. You don’t need to bring your best jewelry, most people in Israel don’t wear such fancy things and why risk losing the necklace you received for your Bas-Mitzvah for no reason.
MONEYDon’t bring large amounts of cash. Cash can get stolen or lost and you are less likely to be able to recover it. Arrange with your parents how they will get you money each week/month. A Debit card is usually the best option, however some people still prefer to use checks. Some American banks do not charge a transaction fee when you take out money from an A.T.M. (in Israeli - Caspomat). There are some A.T.M.’s in Israel where you can take out money in dollars but most will give you money in the local currency: Shekalim. Make sure to contact your credit/debit card company to let them know that you will be in Israel for the year. This way they will not be surprised when you are making transactions in a foreign country as many credit card companies might reject your card assuming it has been stolen.
Make an address book of names of relatives and friends in Israel that you can visit for Shabbos. It’s a good idea to make contact with family and friends early in the year. It will make you feel more at home knowing that you have someone who you can contact when you need to. Get names and numbers of families from friends who were already in Israel. It’s better to have too many options of places to go that to have to few.
Make sure you come back with all your belongings, mark your name and phone number on everything you own. Clearly and easily In English or Hebrew!
• E-Z SELF-INKING CLOTHING STAMP - to mark clothing in seconds! -- Wont wash out in laundry!• IRON ON LABELS - For all your clothing -- Guaranteed not to come o�!• WATERPROOF SUPER STICKERS - for all other belongings [ cell phone, camera, pens, personal items etc.] won’t fade or peel!• CUSTOM DESIGNED LAMINATED LUGGAGE TAGS - easily identify your bags at the airport!• Quick turnaround ! • Free shipping anywhere! • Package deals available • Dealer inquiries invited
www.label-land.com • Tel: 732-905-6565 • Cell: 732-725-1188 • Email: [email protected]
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Just For FunJust a few games for you to play on the flight.
HUMAN BINGO
A great way to meet new people in a group setting. You can play human bingo in the airport before your schools flight or even on the plane (being careful not to bother other passengers Chilul Hashem) Walk over to others in your school and ask them if they fit any of the descriptions below. If they do, have them write their name on the line provided. If you fill in the whole game bring your game to our office for a free gift. The game should be played only with members from your school.
Someone whose first and last name begin with the same letter
.....................................
Someone wholikes pistachio ice-cream
.....................................
Someone who is reading something
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Some onereading a book
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Someone wearingheadphones
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Someone who is from “out-of-town
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Someone who has more than four siblings
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Someone whose wearingsomething blue
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Someone wholives in New York
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Someone whobrought cookiesfrom home
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Someone who can turn their tongue upside-down
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Someone with blue eyes.
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Someone whohates flying
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Someone withglasses
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Someone whocan make themselvescross-eyed
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Someone who goes by twonames
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Someone who speaks more thantwo languages
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Someone who isan only child
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Someone who’s coming to Israel and really wants to learn
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Someone who hasthe Pre-IsraelStudents Guide
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Someone who hasa pet
...........................
Someone with redhair
...........................
FREE SPACE
Someone wearing Crocs
...........................
Someone whohas a sibling living in Israel
...........................
WHAT DO YOU CALL A CHASSIDIC MASTER WHO HAS NO ORGANIZATION TO COLLECT FOR? Rebbe Without a Cause
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Jew-do-ku
Su-do-ku is a popular number game. In each game there are nine squares each with nine sub-squares inside. Each sub-square must be filled with each number from 1-9. However two of the same digit may not lie on the same vertical or horizontal line in the larger square. It sounds pretty easy but the games can get very difficult. We have added a small twist where instead of using numbers 1-9 we have used the letters of the alef-beis א-ט Thanks Yitzy
GAME #1
GAME #2
א
ד
ד
הו
ו
ה
ג
ב
בב
ז
ח
ח
ח
ט
ט
ב
א
ו
ו
ו
ו
ה
ה
ד
ד
ג
ב
ב
ב
חח
ח
ח
ט
ט ז
א
א
א
א
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Who Knows 969?By: Rabbi J. Mishkin
The following game is a list of Jewish, not so commonly used numbers. All the numbers refer to something Jewish. Some are from tanach and some from Yomim Tovim etc. the letters stand for the meanings behind the numbers.
For example “39 = A.M. that are F. on S” (39 = Avos Melachos that are Forbidden on Shabbos) 50 = Y. in a Y. (50 = Years in a Yovel) etc. In order to figure these out you’ll need to think outside the box. Some are easier than others. If there are any answers you can’t figure out, text us at (054)STU-DENT or send an email to us at [email protected] and we’ll send you the answers.
1 12 = M. in a Y. 13 in a L.Y. when there are 2 A.’s
2 4 = C. of W. on P. (#5 = E.’s)
3 7 & 7 = Y. of P. followed by Y. of F.
4 50, 45,40,30,20,10 = R.P. lacking in S.
5 2 = W.Y. got from 1 F.I.L.
6. 5 = S. that D. collected to F.G.
7 15 of A = P. in a W.C.
8 7 = H. on S.T.
10 969 = A. of M. on his last B.
11 13 = R.’s P. of F.
12 3 and 6 = Y. to give M.A.
13 14 = B. of M.T.
14 4 = M. on S. (3 in one H. and 1 in the other)
15 19 = B. in S.E.
16 44 = C. on C. including every S.
17 6 = C. of R. 3 on E. of J. and 3 on W. of J.
18 7 = B. at a 7 B.
19 1000 = P. S. killed with the J. of a D.
20 5 = S.E. of Y.K
21 12 = S.S. to the L. of I. (2G., 10B.)
22 23 = J. on a B.D. needed to J. a M.C.
23 3 = T. on S.C. when its R.C.T.
24 7 = N. of Y. (M.’s F.I.L.)
25 2 =F. you must G. in a M.M.
26 100 = A. of A.A. at Y.’s B.
27 40 = Y. D. was K. 7 in C. 33 in J.
28 1/7 = D. of Y. that M.M.
29 300 = F. that S. tied into P. to B. the F.
30 2 = E. on the S. that E. used to kill E.
31 8 = C. you L. on the last N. of C.
32 28 = Y between each B.H.
9 60 = M. in S. (62 if you count B.K. B.M. and B.B. seperately)
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ISRAEL STUFF
ISRAEL STUFF
HASHKAFIC
LIST OF HECHSHERIM
A LITTLE BIT A’ HEBREW
THINGS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT ISRAEL
LIST OF PEOPLE YOU KNOW IN ISRAEL
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ISRA
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TUFF Israel Stuff
Basic Knowledge
HISTORY:The land that we call Israel today is the same land that was given by the Creator of the World to Avraham Avinu 3700+ years ago. Hashem then gave the land again to Avraham’s son Yitzchok and then again to his son Yaakov. The Jews spent 210 years in Egypt and 40 years in the desert until Yehoshua led the Jews into Eretz Yisroel as Hashem conquered the land for them. The conquest of Eretz Yisroel lasted 28 years (14 years of war and 14 years to split up and settle the land.) and for the next 450 years the Jews ruled in Israel until the building of the first Beis Hamikdash which lasted for 410 years. The Beis Hamikdash was later destroyed and lay in ruin for 70 years until the second Beis Hamikdash was built which lasted for 420 years after which the Jews were sent into galus. This would become the longest galus for the Jews.
For the next 2000+ years Jews lived in various countries and were persecuted. During this period there were small groups who had moved back to the Jewish homeland. The land lay fallow and in ruin for all of these years with very few buildings outside the walls of the original cities. In the 1700’s Rav Yehuda Hachasid brought a group of Ashkenazi Jews to Eretz Yisroel. They began to rebuild the Jewish settlement. They borrowed a large amount of money from the local arabs and built various buildings, including a large shul in the middle of the old city (known today as the Churvah Shul). When Rav Yehuda Hachasid died and the Jews were not able to repay their loans, the Arabs destroyed the Jewish settlement and the shul and banned Jews of Ashkenazi descent from living in their cities.
In the late 1700’s, almost simultaneously, students of the Vilna Gaon and members
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of the chassidic world began to make their way back to Eretz Yisroel. They dressed in striped caftans similar to their Sephardic brethren in order that the arabs should not persecute them. The ban on Ashkenazi Jews was rescinded and slowly but surely more and more Jews began to populate Israel. Israel continued to grow and they began to build neighborhoods outside the city walls. In the late 1800’s a proposal was made by the World Zionist Organization to obtain control of the land of Palestine (as Israel was then known) from the British. After much difficulty and many years the Zionists had obtained the rights to rule Palestine, and on May 14th 1948 they renamed it Medinat Yisrael (the country of Israel).
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT:The type of government in Israel is a Parliamentary Democracy. This means that the governing board is a parliament (Knesset) which is made up of 120 members from a variety of political parties. Voters vote for a political party which appoints its highest ranking members as Knesset ministers. The more votes a party gets the more Knesset members they appoint. The party with the most members in the Knesset appoints the Prime Minister. The Knesset’s governing group must include a majority of members of the Knesset, therefore the largest party offers smaller parties to join a coalition in order to form a majority of the government.
POPULATION:
TOTAL 7.8 MILLION
PEOPLE
Arabs:1.6 million
Sephardim 52%
Ashkenazim 48%
Jews: 5.8 milion
Other
MAJOR ISRAEL WARS*:1948-War of Independence began in 1947 as a civil war between Jews and Arabs living in Palestine. When Israel declared its independence on May 14th 1948 Egypt, Syria, Transjordan, Lebanon, and Iraq joined in the war and attacked Israel on all its borders. In 1949 a cease fire was agreed upon and the “Green Line” was drawn (named for the color pen used to draw the line) which marked the holdings of Jewish controlled Israel and the Arab controlled lands.
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TUFF 1967-THE SIX DAY WAR - Egypt began moving troops into the Sinai Desert in order
to get close to Israel’s borders to prepare for war. Shortly thereafter they blocked the Straits of Tiran in order to block Israel’s only waterway for trade with the far-east and the waterway Israel needed to receive oil from Iran. Jordan then surrounded Israel from the east and Syria from the north. The Israeli’s realized that if they waited they would be in for a terrible disaster, so they decided to carry out a surprise preemptive attack on its enemies. The Israeli Air Force, with the exception of just 12 fighters, left Israel while the Egyptian pilots were eating breakfast and bombed the entire Egyptian air-force, and in less than two hours had obliterated almost 300 Egyptian aircraft. With the threat of Egypt lightened somewhat, Israel turned its efforts toward Syria and fought a courageous war against their enemies. When the war ended Israel had captured the Sinai, Golan Heights, Gaza Strip, and West Bank.
1973-YOM KIPPUR WAR - After a humiliating defeat in the 1967 war, Egypt and Syria decided that they needed to save face and prepared for another attack on Israel. Egypt and Syria mobilized their troops and Israel prepared itself for war. But after a few war threats with nothing carried out Israel had let its guard down. Israel was warned by America not to make a preemptive strike as it would cause bad relations between Israel and her much needed allies. On Yom Kippur 1973, while most of Israel’s troops were in shul, Egypt and Syria carried out a surprise attack on Israel (Egypt from the south and Syria from the north.) The arab nations, in an attempt to create pressure from America raised the prices of their export of oil to the U.S. During the first days of the war Israel lost many soldiers. When Israel then regrouped, a large battle took place both in the Sinai against Egypt and in the Golan Heights against Syria. In both battles Israel turned out to be successful. Israel was so successful that the I.D.F. began to march on Cairo (capital of Egypt) and on Damascus (Capital of Syria). Realizing that attacking the capitals of both these countries would be seen as very bad in the eyes of the world, and with threats from other world powers, Israel backed off, and on October 22 a ceasefire was called by the U.N.
*This list is only meant to give you a general idea about the major Israel wars.
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Hashkafic
Going to Eretz Yisroel for a year of learning is a very exciting opportunity that when put into perspective can have a tremendous effect on your present and future. For more than 2000 years after the destruction of the second Beis Hamikdash, Klal Yisroel has yearned to come back to Eretz Yisroel. Throughout that time few had attempted to make the dangerous journey and even fewer had actually made it to Eretz Yisroel. The yearning and desire to come back to our land has been central to our existence throughout our history. You are now being given an opportunity that you grandparents would have given their lives to experience. Knowing a little about the uniqueness of Eretz Yisroel may help you gain perspective and appreciate your time there more fully.
• Chazal tell us that Hash-m chose Eretz Yisroel as His land and bestowed upon it all the greatest gifts for a land. So much so that chazal tell us that Eretz Yisroel lacks nothing. (Brachos 36b)
• The creation of the world began with Eretz Yisroel with the rest of the world following after. (Taanis 10a)
• Simply breathing the air of Eretz Yisroel makes you smarter. (Bava Basra 158b)
• There were 10 portions of wisdom sent to the world and Eretz Yisroel took nine of them. (Kiddushin 49).
• A person who walks four amos in Eretz Yisroel is a guaranteed Ben Olam Habah. (Kesubos 111a)
• There is no Torah that compares to the Torah of Eretz Yisroel. (Berashis Rabah 16)
• If one desires to merit seeing the Shechinah in this world he should learn Torah in Eretz Yisroel. (Midrash Shocher tov Tehillim 105)
• Eretz Yisroel is more holy than any other land (Mishna Keilim 1:6)
• There is no wisdom like the wisdom of Eretz Yisroel (Avos D’rebbe Nosson 28)
• Even the ordinary speech of those who dwell in Eretz Yisroel is Torah (Vayikra Rabba 34)
The above is only the tip of the iceberg regarding the lofty status that Eretz Yisroel holds. But as we all know with privileges come responsibilities. The way one acts in the Palace of the King in not the same as he would in the privacy of his own home. Being aware of
the greatness that Eretz Yisroel holds in the eyes of the Creator of the world will help you approach your time there with a more mature attitude. Enjoy and Good Luck!
WHICH BASKETBALL TEAM WAKES UP EARLY TO PRAY? The New Jersey Netz
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Hechsherim
In America you are probably used to the Kashrus organizations that you come across on a daily basis. The symbols are familiar and most products are certified by only a small number of the organizations. In Israel there are more symbols and the symbols are not familiar to you and some may even look the same. Being familiar with the symbols in Israel will help you get a head start and let you know what products you can buy at the airport and which ones might be less than 100% reliable. You can bring this list to your L.O.R. (Local Orthodox Rabbi) and ask him to give you a heads up about which hechsherim are reliable. You might find that your yeshiva/seminary has a stricter standard for the hechsherim. Be aware that unlike in America, in Israel even fruits and vegetables require a reliable hechsher (Because of terumos and maasros etc).
NOTE: The word Badatz stands for Beis Din Tzedek. It once referred to the hechsher from the Eidah Hachareidis. However, today there are many companies who use the word badatz more loosely and say that their food is “badatz” in order to get you to buy from them even though the “badatz” that gives the hechsher on their store might be bogus.
BADATZ EIDAH CHAREIDIS*(02) 670-0200
Hours:10am - 2pm & 5pm - 7pmRav Naftali Halberstam
RAV LANDAU (BNEI BRAK)*(03) 619-3582
Hours: 9:30am – 3:30pmRav Moshe Landau
BADATZ MACHZIKEI HADAS (BELZ)*(02) 501-6777
Hours: 9:30am – 4:30pmRav Mordechai Brisk
BADATZ MEHADRIN HARAV RUBIN*(08) 939-0816
Hours: 9:30am - 7pmRav Avraham Rubin
BADATZ AGUDAS YISROEL*(02) 538-5251 538-4999
Hours: 11am - 1pmRav Tzvi Gefner
CHUG CHASAM SOFER BNEI BRAK*(03) 618-3572 (03) 579-2601
Hours: 10am - 5pmRav Shmuel Eliezer Stern
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CHUG CHASAM SOFER PETACH TIKVA*(03) 931-7040 (03) 931-7040
Hours: 9am - 5pmRav Daitch
BADATZ BEIT YOSEF*Offi ce: (02) 652-0220Hours: 9:30-5:00pm
Rav Ovadia Yosef
BADATZ SHEARIS YISROEL*(03) 677-3330
Hours: 9am - 4:30pm
RABBANUT MEHADRIN*(02) 621-4830
Hours: 9:00am-3:00pmRav Eliyahu Shlesinger
RABBANUT YERUSHALAYIM*(02) 621-4830
Hours: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
HARAV MACHPUD*Imrei Chaim 45
Bnei Brak(03) 676-5888
*This list does not imply the reliability of any hechsher. It is simply to help familiarize you with many common Hechsherim in Israel and to help you if you need to contact any hechsher.
UO.U. ISRAEL*
Rabbi Yosef [email protected]
(02)560-9122
ADVERTISE IN THE 2012-13 YESHIVA & SEMINARY
STUDENTS’ GUIDE.
Where over American Students will see your ad over and over and over.
CONTACT US AT: [email protected]
The Yeshiva & Seminary students’ survival guide to a successful year in Israel
(054)843-2747
7000
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A Little Bit O’ Hebrew
If you haven’t learned Hebrew until now, chances are you it will take you some time to successfully carry on a conversation with the natives of Israel. But if you have learned some Hebrew through your schooling you might be able to search your memory banks and remember some key phrases that might help you acclimate to your new surroundings. Whether you are a Hebrew buff or a Hebrew bluff here are some key words and phrases to help you get around. In an emergency just say the word in English slowly and with an Israeli accent and they will probably understand you.
Excuse me! (to pass by)
Can you help me?
Do you speak English?
Good evening!
Good for you!
Good morning!
Good night!
Good/ Bad/ so so.
Hi!
How are you?
How do you say “please” in hebrew?
How much is this?
How old are you?
I don’t know!
I don’t understand!
I love you!
I’m fine, thanks!
I’m from (the U.S/ Israel )
Just a little.
Look!
Selicha
Ata yachol laazor li?
Ata medaber Anglit?
Erev tov!
Kol hakavod
Yom tov! / boker tov!
Layla tov!
Tov / ra / kacha kacha
Shalom!
Ma shelomcha
Eych omerim “please” beivrit?
Kama ze oleh?
Ben kama ata?
Lo yodea /(fem.-Yodeat)
Lo hevanti
Ani ohev otcha!
Tov, toda
Miamerika/ miyisrael
Me’at
Tistakel!
סליחה
אתה יכול לעזור לי?
אתה מדבר אנגלית ?
ערב טוב
כל הכבוד
יום טוב / בוקר טוב
לילה טוב
טוב/רע/ככה ככה
שלום
מה שלומך
איך אומרים ”פליז“ בעברית?
כמה זה עולה?
בן כמה אתה?
לא יודע/ (נק. יודעת)
לא הבנתי
אני אוהב אותך!
טוב, תודה
מישראל/מאמריקה
מעט
תסתכל!
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העברית שלי גרוע מאוד
קוראים לי ....
זה טוב מאוד
נתראה בקרוב
אני מצטער
תודה רבה
היום/עכשיו
חכה רגע בבקשה!
מה נשמע?
ברוך הבא
מה זה ”גלידה“
באנגלית?
מה זה?
מה השעה?
איך קוראים לזה בעברית?
איך קוראים לך?
מאיפו אתה (נק.-את)
איפו השירותים?
כן/לא
בבקשה
Ha ivrit sheli garua meod
Korim li…
Ze tov meod
Nitra’e bekarov!
Ani mitztaer
Toda raba
Hayom / achshav
Chakeh rega bevakasha!
Ma nishma?
Baruch haba!
Ma ze “glida” be’anglit?
Ma ze?
Ma hashaah?
Eych korim leze beivrit?
Eich korim lecha (fem.-lach)?
Meiafo attoh (fem?-at)
Eyfo hasheirutim?
Ken/ lo
Bevakasha
My Hebrew is very bad.
My name is ...
Oh! That’s good!
See you later!
Sorry (for a mistake)
Thank you very much!
Today/ now
Wait one moment please!
Wazzup?
Welcome! (to greet someone)
What does “glida” mean in English?
What is this?
What time is it?
What’s this called in hebrew?
What’s your name?
Where are you from?
Where is the bathroom?
Yes/ no
You’re welcome! (for “thank you”)
WHAT IS WINNIE-THE-POOHS FAVORITE MONTH?Iyor
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People I know in Israel
