Pre-Israel Guide 2012

Pre-Israel
The
students Guide
Important Phone Numbers

Police Electricity Magen David Adom / Hatzalah Fire Dental Emergencies Poison Control Exchange Rate Information Egged Weather Terem Nesher (ride to the airport) 100 103 101 102 1-800-773-773 (04) 854-1900 02-373-2000 144 *2800 (03) 560-0600 (02) 509-3333 1-599-520-520 (02) 623-1231 (02) 625-7227
The Pre-Israel Guide is not afliated 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 moneys worth for their education dollars.
Pre-Israel
The
students Guide
Any questions, comments, corrections Contact us at: 5-23 Mishmar Hagevul Ramat Eshkol Jerusalem YeshivaSemGuide@gmail.com (054)STU-DENT (054)788-3368 Graphic design & layout by Toast it! yaelknochen@gmail.com 054-521-1608 www.toastitdesign.com This book has been made for you. Please feel free to copy any of the information within for your own purposes.
Table of Contents
YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES
List of Yeshivas and Seminaries ................................................................................ 6 Choosing a Yeshiva or Seminary ............................................................................... 15 Questions to ask a recruiter ...................................................................................... 17
THINGS TO SET UP
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
TECHNICAL STUFF
Israeli Consulates and Red Tape ............................................................................... 36 Airlines ........................................................................................................................ 37
PACKING AND LEAVING

Packing advice and lists ........................................................................................... 40 Preparing for your departure ................................................................................... 49 Just for fun .................................................................................................................. 52
ISRAEL STUFF
Israel Stuff .................................................................................................................. 56 Hashkafic .................................................................................................................... 59 Hechsherim ................................................................................................................60 A little Bit a Hebrew .................................................................................................. 62 People you know in Israel .........................................................................................64
So You Want To Go To Israel

If youre 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 youre 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 Ill get on the plane and everything will get sorted out, you may very well find that you dont 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
PreIsraelGuide@gmail.com or (054)STU-DENT (054)788-3368

LIST OF YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES CHOOSING A YESHIVA OR SEMINARY QUESTIONS TO ASK A RECRUITER

LIST OF YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES
Yeshivas
ADERES HATORAH 26 Shmuel Hanavi Zville AHAVAS CHAIM 82 Midbar Sinai AISH HATORAH 1 Rechov HaShvut ASHREI 25 Rechov Beer Sheva Rav Chaim Tzvi Senter Bais Yisroel Rav Moshe Ginian Ramat Eshkol Rav Yosef Hillel Weinberg Old City Rav Yehoshua Kahan Nachlaot Tel: (02)582-6336 Tel: (02)540-1941 ahavaschaim@gmail.com Tel: (02)628-5666 ibmp@aish.com Tel: (054)545-0293 ravyehoshua@ashrei.org.il Tel: (02)587-9537 office@ateret.org Tel: (02)656-1959 Tel: (02)627-1647 office@bircas.org Tel: (02)580-3871 Tel: (02)535-3655 office@ybm.org.il
ATERET YERUSHALAYIM (A.J.) Rav Michoel Jablinowitz 13 Mishol Hadekalim Ramot Bet BAIS YISRAEL 3 Rechov Zevin BIRCHAS HATORAH 4 Ohr Hachaim BIRCHAS MORDECHAI 13 HaRav Koenig Street BIRCHAS MOSHE 21 Mitzpe Nevo BRISK Rechov Press BRISK 2 Grossberg Rav Doniel Lehrfeld Neve Yaakov Rav Shimon Green Old City Rav Yaakov Friedman Beitar Rav Nachum Rabinovitch Maale Adumim
Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveichik Zichron Moshe Rav Dovid Soloveichik Gush Shmonim Tel: (02)581-0188 Tel: (02)582-7967 Tel: (02)651-1178 Shapells@darchenoam.org Tel: (02)654-1379 office@ondec.net Tel: (02)581-4248 Tel: (02)626-4137 derhatal@actcom.co.il Tel: (02)581-0315a ext.3 brickman@ohr.edu Tel: (02)652-2817 dvar@dvar.org.il
CHOFETZ CHAIM Rav Dovid Chait Rechov Yam Suf & Harim Levin Sanhedria Hamuchevet DAAS CHOCHMO Rechov Minchas Yitzchok DARCHE NOAM/SHAPELLS 5 Beit Hakerem DERECH ETZ CHAIM 12 Ibn Dnan DERECH HACHAIM 128 Maalot Dafna DERECH HATALMUD 8 Nachum Ish Gamzu DERECH INSTITUTE 22 Shimon Hatzadik DVAR YERUSHALAYIM 53 Katzenelenbogen Rav A. Meir Sender Minchas Yitzchok Rav Yitzchok Hirshfeld Beit Hakerem Rav Aharon Katz Har Nof Rav Baruch Levi Feivelson Maalot Dafna Rav Chaim Ilson Meah Shearim Rav Moshe Lazerus Rav Nachy Brickman Maalot Dafna Rav B. Horovitz Har Nof
Yeshivas
DIASPORA YESHIVA Har Zion DVAR TORAH 36 Eli Hakohen ERETZ HATZVI 32 Yossi Ben Yoezer HAKOTEL 7 Hamekubalim HAR ETZION /GUSH Alon Shevut HEICHAL HATORAH 92 Katzenelenbogen KEREM BYAVNEH (K.B.Y.) Doar Na Evtach Rav Mordecai Goldstein Old City Tel:( 02)671-6841 diasporayesh@yahoo.com
Rav Menachem Eichenstein Tel: (02)537-3896 Gush Shmonim Rav Yehuda Sussman Gonen Rav Baruch Weider Old City Rav Aharon Lichtenstein Gush Etzion Rav Tzvi Kushelevsky Har Nof Rav Mordechai Greenberg Kibbutz Yavneh Tel: (02)679-1424 office@yehatzvi.org Tel: (02)628-8175 office@hakotel.org.il Tel: (02)993-7300 office@etzion.org.il Tel: (02)651-9402 Tel: (08)856-2007 il@kby.org.il Tel: (02)537-8180 office@kesherisrael.com Tel: (02)533-0331
CHOOSING A YESHIVA OR SEMINARY I QUESTIONS TO ASK A RECRUITER
KESHER/GEVURAS YITZCHOK Rav Michoel Schoen 9 Hameasef Jerusalem KESSER DOVID 21 Hagra KESSER HATALMUD 12 Ramat Hagolan KOL TORAH 32 Hapisga LAKEWOOD EAST 32 Rechov Rubin LEV AHARON 34 Hakablan LEV ARYEH 4 Shadiker LEV HATORAH 37 Nachal Ein Gedi MACHON MEIR 2 Hameiri MACHON SHLOMO 2 Shaulzon MACHON YAAKOV 10 Ibn Denan MARBEH TORAH 25 Maharshal Rav Shimon Katz Telzstone Rav Yitzchok Weitz Ramat Eshkol
admin@kesserhatalmud.com
Rav Moshe Yehuda Schlesinger Tel: (02)641-4674 Bayit Vegan Rav Yaakov Schwartzman Ramot Daled Rav Dovid Laniado Har Nof Rav Aaron Lopian Rav Yaakov Rappaport Neve Yaakov Rav Boaz Mori Ramat Beit Shemesh Rav Dov Bigon Kiryat Moshe Rav Berel Gershenfeld Har Nof Rav Berel Gershenfeld Har Nof Rav Naftoli Elzas Bnei Brak Tel: (02)571-2630 571-2650 Tel: (02)651-4431
Tel: (02)585-9673 levaryehoffice@gmail.com Tel: (02)992-2617 office@levhatorah.org Tel: (02)646-1317 torah@machonmeir.org.il Tel: (02)651-9088 Tel: (02)654 0112 office@machonyaakov.org Tel: (03)570-2090 info@marbehtorah.com

Yeshivas
MAYANOT 28 David Yellin Street MERCAZ HATORAH 17 Beit Haarava MEVASERET 50 Rechov HaOren MIDRASH SHMUEL 13 Shaarei Chessed MIKDASH MELECH Haadmor Milubavitch MIRRER YESHIVA 3 Beis Yisrael NEKUDAH TOVAH 3 Rechov Blecher NER MOSHE 5 Amram Gaon NESIVOS AHRON 22 Rechov Yosef Karo NETIV ARYEH 1 Rechov Hakotel NEVE TZION 140 Rechov Gordon OHALEI YAAKOV 32 Alefandri OHR AVRAHAM 17 Ohr Sameach OHR CHODOSH 9 Rechov Gordon OHR DOVID 8 Chizkiyahu Shabtai OHR HATZAFON (Z.A.J.) Midbar Sinai OHR SOMAYACH 22 Shimon Hatzaddik Rav Yisroel Noach Wichnin Zichron Moshe Rav Aryeh Rottman Talpiot Rav Shimon Issacson Mevaseret Zion Rav Binyomin Moskowitz Sharei Chessed Rav Chaim Ben Uliel Bayit Vegan Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel Beis Yisroel Rav Chanayah Ehrman Meah Shearim Rav Shalom Shechter Givat Shaul Rav Moshe Friedman Beis Yisroel Rav Aharon Bina Old City Tel: (02)538.8770 yonatan@mayanot.edu Tel: (02)671-2477 Tel: (02)533-9100 office@ysmz.org.il Tel: (02)566-5302 RabbiBenGoodman@gmail.com Tel: (02)643-9657 Mikdash@verizon.net Tel: (02)532-2320 Tel: (052)627-5470 nekudatova@nekudatova.org Tel: (02)654-0133 Tel: (02)581-8435 Tel: (02)626-6333 info@yna.edu
Rav Chaim Yisroel Blumenfeld Tel: (02)534-1813 Telzstone office@nevehzion.org Rav Moshe Shaefer Mekor Baruch Rav Mordechai Sher Beit Shemesh Rav Mordechai Friedlander Telzstone Rav Yosef Granofsky Ramot Daled Rav Dovid Bergida Ramat Eshkol Rav Mendel Weinbach Rav Nota Schiller Maalot Dafna Tel: (02)538-1953 yeshivasoy@gmail.com Tel: (02)992-4094 info@ohravraham.com Tel: (02)533-2113 info@ohrchodosh.com Tel: (02)563-2826 info@ohrdavid.org Tel: (052)616-3445
Tel: (02)581-0315 Tel: (02)533-2424 office@yoy.org.il Tel: (02)627-4890 office@orayta.org
OHR YERUSHALAYIM (O.J.) Rav Moshe Chaim Sosevsky Beit Meir Moshav Beit Meir ORAYTA Rav David Aaron Rav Binny Freedman Old City
25 Misgav Ladach
Yeshivas
ORCHOS CHAIM 27/1 Rechov Sorotzkin PACHAD YITZCHAK 42 Hakablan REISHIT YERUSHALYIM 21 Rechov Rashi RUACH CHAIM Har Tzion SHAALVIM SHAAR HATALMUD 72 Shmuel Hanavi SHAARE HATALMUD 24 Avraham Talmudi SHAAREI CHAIM 3 Sorotzkin SHAAREI TEVUNAH 11 Chasidei Karlin SHALOM RAV 58 Rechov Bar Yochai SULAM YAAKOV 25 Rechov Beer Sheva TEHILAS SHLOMO Ramat Hagolan TIFERES YERUSHALAYIM 20 Harav Frank TORAH OHR 3 Sorotzkin TIFERES CHAIM 36 Rechov Zolty TORAS MOSHE (TOMO) 24 Maagalei Harim Levin TORAT SHRAGA 40 Rechov Duvdevani Rav Yisroel Fabian Rav Yitzchak Schwartz Rav Yaacov Haber Mattersdorf Rav Yonason David Har Nof Rav Ari Marcus Beit Shemesh Rav Ari Ben Shoshan Rav Moshe Benayon Old City Rav Yechezkel Yaakovson Shimshon Rav Nechemia Kaplan Shmuel Hanavi Rav Yirmeyah Fenster Rav Eliyahu Mitterhoff Neve Zvi Rav Moshe Lewis Rav Moshe Finkelstein Mattersdorf Rav Elya Levin Beis Yisroel
Tel: (02)500-2408 info@orchos.org Tel: (02)651-8885 Tel: (02)999-7155 rashie@reishit.org Tel: (054)451-9432 Tel: (08)927-6652 Shaalvim@Shaalvim.co.il Tel: (02)538-5394
CHOOSING A YESHIVA OR SEMINARY I QUESTIONS TO ASK A RECRUITER
Tel: (057)945-7799 info@hatalmud.com Tel: (02)537-1622 Tel: (02)582-9262 Shareitevunah@gmail.com
Rav Avraham Shimon Weingot Tel: (04)692-3643 Tzfat shrshlom@netvision.net.il Rav Aharon Leibowitz Nachlaot Rav Pinchas Lebovic Rav Chaim Gross Ramat Eshkol Rav Chananya Greenwald Bayit Vegan Tel: (054)469-0330 info@sulamyaakov.com Tel: (052)712-6268
Tel: (02)643-7867 info@yeshivatiferet.com
Rav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Tel: (02)532-2000 Mattersdorf info@torahore.org Rav Yisroel Applebaum Ramat Shlomo Rav Moshe Meiselman Sanhedria Hamurchevet Rav Avishai David Bayit Vegan Tel: (02)571-1210 Tel: (02) 582-6541 Tel: (02)642-9907 office@toratshraga.com

Yeshivas
TORAS SIMCHA 42 Sorotzkin TORAT YOSEF HAMIVTAR YAGDIL TORAH 1 Zayit Raanan YESHIVA GEDOLAH MOSHAV MATITYAHU YESHIVA GEDOLAH OF BEIT SHEMESH YESHIVAS KODSHIM 2 Dovev Mesharim YESHIVAS REBBE AKIVA 16/4 Tiferet Israel St. YESOD 10 Tidhar YESOD HATORAH 3 Kehilot Yaakov YESODEI HATORAH Meshek 32 YISHREI LEV 8 Rechov HaGra ZEEV HATORAH 16 Ramat Hagolan Rav Asher Zelig Rubinstein Mattersdorf Rav Yonatan Rosensweig Efrat Rav Avrohom Teichman Kiryat Sanz Rav Zev Leff Moshav Matisyahu - Modiin Tel: (02)537-8084 newsletter@torassimcha.org Tel: (02)993-3462 office@ytyh.org Tel: (02)500-0093 Tel: (054)840-0017 info@ygm.co.il
Rav Aaron Holland Tel: (02)532-7330 19 Nachal Uriya - Ramat Beit Shemesh Rav Tzvi Kaplan Tel Arza Rav Shalom Gold Old City Rav Nachy Brickman Arzei Habira Rav Yitzchak Fayazi Ramat Shlomo Rav Pesach Wolicki Rav Scott Kahn Moshav Zanoach Rav Moshe Gordon Telzstone Rav Shmuel Brazil Ramat Eshkol Tel: (02)537-0002 Tel: (054)636-7868
rabbiakivayeshiva@gmail.com
Tel: (052)616-3452 yesod@ohr.edu Tel: (02)581-3804 info@yesodhatorah.org Tel: (02)992-3099 yeshiva@yesodei.org Tel: (02)579-5985 office@yishrei.org Tel: (02)540-9280 info@zeevhatorah.org
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Seminaries
AFIKEI TORAH ATERES BNOS YERUSHALAYIM AZAMRA SEMINARY BAIS YAAKOV MEZURAZ BAER MIRIAM B.J.J. BNOS CHANA BNOS CHAVA BNOS SARA B.Y.A. CHEDVAS BAIS YAAKOV CHOCHMAS LEV DARCHEI BINA ESHEL E.Y.A.H.T. HADAR BAIS YAAKOV LAHAV BAIS YAAKOV JEWEL MAALOT 22 Rechov Nezer Dovid Bayit Vegan 5 Shirat Hayam Ramot alef Ayallon 13 58 Rechov Kutcher Ramot 6 22a Chai Taib Har Nof 38 Rechov Sorotzkin Unsdorf 1/2 Nachal Shacham Ramat Beit Shemesh 1 Beit Yitzchak Har Nof 1 Beit Yitzchak Har Nof 6 Zerach Barnet Har Nof 30 Rechov Farbstein Kiryat Moshe 97 Bayit Vegan Bayit Vegan 22 Nezer Dovid Bayit Vegan 12 Galed St. Old City Jerusalem 22 Imrei Bina Kiryat Sanz 11 Shamgar Kiryat. Belz 27 Shaulson Har Nof 6 Midbar Sinai St. Ramat Eshkol 1 Beit Yitzchak Har Nof Tel:(02)644-8455 info@afikeitorah.co.il Tel:(02)566-3288 Tel:(02) 991-5516 Tel:(02)537-1188 mezuraz@gmail.com Tel:(02)652-9390 baermiriam1@gmail.com Tel:(02)500-0791 Tel:(02)992-5502 rmc@bnoschana.org Tel:(02)654-4557 bcoffice@nevey.org Tel:(02)654-4525 BnosSarah@nevey.org Tel:(02)652-0591 Tel:(02)653-6255 Chedvasbaisyaakov@gmail.com Tel:(02)641-0140 office@chochmaslev.co.il Tel:(02)641-0266 info1@darcheibinah.co.il Tel:(02)966-6621 info@sephardicseminary.org Tel:(02)538-2522 eyaht@eyaht.com Tel:(02)537-6595 Tel:(02)651-9464 lahavbaisyaakov@gmail.com Tel:(02)532-1796 jewelinfo@aish.com Tel:(02)654-4549 maalot@nevey.org
LIST OF YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES CHOOSING A YESHIVA OR SEMINARY I QUESTIONS TO ASK A RECRUITER
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Seminaries
MAAYANOT MACHON MAAYAN MACHON RONI MACHON RAAYA MACHON SHOSHANAT YERUSHALAYIM MACHON TAL MEOHR BAIS YAAKOV MESILOT MESORES ROCHEL MICHLALAH MICHLELET ESTHER MIDRESHES SHMUEL MIDRESHET AMIT MIDRESHET DEVORA MIDRESHET HAROVA MIDRESHET LINDENBAUM MIDRESHET MORIAH MIDRESHET RACHEL MIDRESHET TEHILLA 22a Chai Taib Har Nof 21/1 Rechov Masada Beit Shemesh Mt. Zion Old City Jerusalem 6 R Admor Boyan Har Nof 41 Haadmor MiLuabvitch Ramat Shlomo 7 Beit Hadfus St. Givat Shaul 1 Rechov Haggai Beit Hakerem 11/5 Rechov Mishkelov Har Nof 30 Tachkemoni Mekor Baruch 6 Duvduvani Bayit Vegan 1 Beit Yitzchak Har Nof 1 Chagiz Zichron Moshe 9 Hashayish Jerusalem 12 Israel Eldad St. Jerusalem 50 Rechov Chabad Old City 51 Rechov Leib Yaffe Jerusalem 12 Shmuel Bayit Shaarei Zedek Jerusalem 23 Eliezer Halevi Kiryat Moshe 1 Beit Yitzchak Har Nof Tel:(02)652-9390 info@maayanotsem.com Tel:(02)995-1405 office@machonmaayan.org Tel:(02)671-6841 diasporayesh@yahoo.com Tel:(02)651-1522 bymraaya@gmail.com Tel:(02)587-1711 machonshoshana@gmail.com Tel:(02)654-7222 espw@jct.ac.il Tel:(02)630-0900 office@meohr.org Tel:(02)654-1268 info@compuskills.org Tel:(03)912 5810 israeloffice@mesoresrochel.org Tel:(02)675-0911 machal@macam.ac.il Tel:(02)654-4543 meoffice@nevey.org Tel:(02)622-3810 info@midreshes.org Tel:(02)645-0435 denab@amit.org.il Tel:(02)673-1461 midreshetdevora@yahoo.com Tel:(02)626-5970 office@harova.org Tel:(02)671-0043 office@lind.org.il Tel:(02)652-7449 office@midreshetmoriah.org Tel:(02)654-0622 mrachel@darcheinoam.org Tel:(02)654-4578 rjeremykagan@yahoo.com
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Seminaries
MIDRESHET YEUD MIGDAL OZ M.M.Y. NACHLAS BEIS YAAKOV NEVE YERUSHALAYIM NISHMAT PENINIM SEMINAR SHAALVIM FOR WOMEN SHAAREI BINA 33 Rabinovitz Jerusalem Kibbutz Migdal Oz Gush Etzion 25 Nagara 60 Derech Chevron Baka 99 Shmuel Hanavi Gush Shmonim 1 Beit Yitzchak Har Nof 26a Berel Locker Pat (Jerusalem) 30 Farbstein Kiryat Moshe 38 Rechov Frank Bayit Vegan 21 Hadishon Malcha Malcha (Jerusalem) 92 Rechov Yud Bet Tzfas Tel:(02)644-9010 office@midreshet-yeud.org.il Tel:(02)993-4520 susans@etzion.org.il Tel:(02)652-7257 office@mmy.org.il Tel:(02)581-8550 info@nachlas.org Tel:(02)654-4555 info@nevey.org Tel:(02)640-4333 info@nishmat.net Tel:(02)653-6255 pninimseminary@gmail.com Tel:(02)643-9303 office@seminar-y.com Tel:(02)678-4062 sfw@shaalvim.co.il Tel:(04)697-3172 shrshlom@netvision.net.il Tel:(02)581-4382 admin@bnottorah.com Tel:(02)651-4240 shearim@shearim.com Tel:(052)864-8818 shirbamidbar@yahoo.com Tel:(054)524-6063 info@shiratdevorah.org
SHARFMANS / BNOT TORAH 27 Yam Suf Sanhedria SHEARIM SHIR BAMIDBAR SHIRAT DEVORAH TIFERES BNOS YAAKOV TIFERET TOMER DEVORAH 23/2 Agassi Har Nof 44/7 Mitzpeh Nevo Maaleh Adumim Rechov Beer Sheva Nachlaot
140 Sanhedria Meurchevet Tel:(02)582-3366 Sanhedria Meurchevet tiferesby@gmail.com 2 Nachal Shimshon Ramat Beit Shemesh 54 Atzag Ramot Tel:(02)999-7957 info@tiferetcenter.com Tel:(02)571-6633 office@tomerdevorah.net
WHAT DOES ONE CALL THE SON-IN-LAW OF A CHASSIDISH MESHULACH? Collectors Eidim
13

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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 dont know you, they cant 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 LEVEL
The 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.
HASHKAFAH
Are 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 BODY
Where do the students in the school come from? In town, out-of-town. Are the students serious?
WHY DONT THEY TEACH NAVI IN YESHIVA?
Because theyre Non-Prophet organizations
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LOCATION
A 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.
ALUMNI
CHOOSING A YESHIVA OR SEMINARY
What 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 whats 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.
LIST OF YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES CHOOSING A YESHIVA OR SEMINARY
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?
QUESTIONS TO ASK A RECRUITER
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?
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LIST OF YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES I CHOOSING A YESHIVA OR SEMINARY
THINGS TO SET UP
INSURANCE CELLPHONES ORDER SEFORIM ARRANGING A DIRA MONEY
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THINGS TO SET UP
INSURANCE
Medical Information Insurance

During 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 wont 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 dont 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.
Harel
Harel is Israels 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.
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THINGS TO SET UP
INSURANCE CELLPHONES I ORDER SEFORIM I ARRANGING A DIRA I MONEY
new
*
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
1-800-4-AIM-PLAN
info@aim.co.il <www.aim.co.il>
by AIM*
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THINGS TO SET UP
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
CELLPHONES
Meuchedet
This insurance company is one of the big HMOs 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
Cellphones
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.
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
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Monthly fees and local calls. May be more expensive than getting a plan directly through an Israeli company
THINGS TO SET UP
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 Landaus you can sign up for great deals tailored to suit your usage with NO COMMITMENT!!!. Contact us via email (landau.stores@ gmail.com) 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 youll have your line active as soon as you land !!! Find out why Landaus has become a favorite among American students for over 10 years.
INSURANCE CELLPHONES ORDER SEFORIM I ARRANGING A DIRA I MONEY
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 many commercial 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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THINGS TO SET UP
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 nonkosher 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.
CELLPHONES
PROS
Could be least expensive option. Phone is paid off with the plan which lasts 36 months Fewer distractions. Good for when youre 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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INSURANCE
CELLPHONES ORDER SEFORIM I ARRANGING A DIRA I MONEY
THINGS TO SET UP
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THINGS TO SET UP
ORDER SEFORIM
Earn up to 106 credits

towards your Bachelor's degree at
Without even leaving your school!
RIJSUniversity@Gmail.com www.rechtijs.com
02 627-1647 (818) 206-5859
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THINGS TO SET UP
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 youll feel it) 2)The seforim will delivered to your school 3)Youll be able to relax since your seforim will be in school before you will, so youll 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 Shankys 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 youre 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 Shankys and order your books now.
INSURANCE I CELLPHONES ORDER SEFORIM ARRANGING A DIRA I MONEY
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THINGS TO SET UP
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 youll 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
ARRANGING A DIRA
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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THINGS TO SET UP
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 youre 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 wont 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 dont 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!
INSURANCE I CELLPHONES I ORDER SEFORIM ARRANGING A DIRA MONEY
WHATS A BIRDS FAVORITE MITZVAH? Pidgeon Shvuyim
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THINGS TO SET UP
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 dont 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.
MONEY
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)
Budgeting
Some 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 dont 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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THINGS TO SET UP
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 persons 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.
INSURANCE I CELLPHONES I ORDER SEFORIM I ARRANGING A DIRA
HOW CAN I FIND WAYS TO SAVE MONEY?

LAUNDRY/DRY-CLEANING 1. Do your laundry at a family/teachers 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 its not dirty it doesnt necessarily need to go to the cleaners. 3. Buy wrinkle-free shirts to save money on dry-cleaning. FOOD 1. 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, its better than eating Ptcha 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 youll have a lot of cream cheese for 2 shekel. SHABBOS 1. 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 Angels rugelach or a MAKs 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.
MONEY
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THINGS TO SET UP
TRAVEL 1. 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 Vchazor 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 OUT 1. 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. Dont 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 theyre 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 PreIsraelGuide@gmail.com and we will be happy to include your ideas in future printings.
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MONEY
THINGS TO SET UP
Money in Israel
10 AGUROT* Gold colored worth about 2.5 cents
HALF SHEKEL* Gold colored largest coin worth about 12.5 cents
1 SHEKEL* Silver smallest coin worth about 25 cents
2 SHEKEL* Silver new coin slightly smaller than the five shekel. Be careful not to confuse them. worth about 50 cents
5 SHEKEL* Silver worth about $1.25 also useful for borrowing shopping carts in supermarkets
10 SHEKEL* Gold inside and silver outside. Recently there have been frauds. Make sure the coin you receive has all of the featuresclearly pronounced worth about $2.50
MONEY
20 SHEKEL* Green Bill made of shiny plastic. Worth about 5 dollars
50 SHEKEL* Purple and yellow Worth about $12.50
100 SHEKEL* Blue and brown Worth about 25 dollars
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.
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THINGS TO SET UP
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 childs 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.
MONEY
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 childs yeshiva to find out about your options.
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THINGS TO SET UP
TECHNICAL STUFF
CONSULATES AND RED TAPE AIRLINES
MONEY
35
TECHNICAL STUFF
CONSULATES AND RED TAPE
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 440 Atlanta, Georgia 30309 P: (404)487-6500 F: (404)487-6555 BOSTON ISRAELI CONSULATE 20 Park Plaza,Suite 1020 Boston, 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 Plaza Houston Texas 77046 P: (832)301 3500 F: (832)301 3555 www.Israelhouston.org LOS ANGELES ISRAELI CONSULATE 6380 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1700 Los Angeles, CA 90048 P: (323)-852-5500 F: (323)852-5566 E: info@losangeles.mfa.gov.il WASHINGTON D.C. ISRAELI EMBASSY 3514 International Dr. N.W. Washington DC 20008 P:(202)364-5500 www.israelemb.org MIAMI ISRAELI CONSULATE 100 North Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 1800 Miami, Florida 33132 P: (305)925-9400 F: (305)925-9451 E:Consular.dep@miami.mfa.gov.il Army@miami.mfa.gov.il Visa@miami.mfa.gov.il NEW YORK ISRAELI CONSULATE 800 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 P: (212)499-5302 emergency F: (212)499-5355 www.israelfm.org SAN FRANCISCO ISRAELI CONSULATE 456 Montgomery Street Suite 2100 San Francisco, CA 94104 P: (415)844-7510 F: (415)844-7555 E: sf@israeliconsulate.org
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TECHNICAL STUFF
Airlines
The following is a list of toll-free numbers and web addresses for various airlines that have ights to Israel. You might want to check up on your ight 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 ying 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 Air France Alitalia American Airlines British Airways Czech Airlines Delta Air Lines El Al Israel Airlines Iberia KLM Lufthansa Malev Hungarian SWISS United Airlines US Airways Virgin Atlantic AirCananda.com AirFrance.com Alitlia.com AA.com BritishAirways.com CzechAirlines.com Delta.com ELAL.co.il Iberia.com KLM.com Lufthansa.com Malev.com Swiss.com United.com USAirways.com Virgin-Atlantic.com 888-247-2262 800-237-2747 800-223-5730 800-433-7300 800-247-9297 800-223-2365 800-221-1212 800-223-6700 800-772-4642 800-374-7747 800-645-3880 800-223-6884 877-359-7947 800-241-6522 800-428-4322 800-862-8621
CONSULATES AND RED TAPE AIRLINES
WHAT IS A COWS FAVORITE HAFTORAH? Nacha-Moo
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PACKING FOR ISRAEL SHOULDNT BE A HASSLE!

With over 6 years of experience, Blanket Express Plus has been serving students by providing all their bed, bath, and small appliance needs for Israel. 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
DISCOUNT on Delivery Charge for orders placed before July 15, 2012
www.BlanketExpressPlus.com
718-360-4534
Monsey N.Y. 10952 - Beitar Illit 90500
PACKING AND LEAVING

PACKING ADVICE AND LISTS PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE JUST FOR FUN
PACKING AND LEAVING

PACKING ADVICE AND LISTS
Advice for Packing

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 dont need to pack? Whats 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 cant 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 dont 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!! Youll 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 dont 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 dont have to worry about ruining yours. You can order some of these products from BlanketExpressPlus.com.
TOILETRIES
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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.
PACKING AND LEAVING

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.
PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE I JUST FOR FUN
MONEY
Dont 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 dont 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 Shankys 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 DONT THEY TEACH KSUVIM IN YESHIVAS?
Because then they would have to get a Job
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PACKING AND LEAVING

OVERPACKING
You may find that you cant 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
FOOD
Today 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 PreIsraelGuide@gmail.com and well 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.
Baked goods available for all occasions. Mehadrin Kosher certication. All products are Parve.
1.718.360.8625 from the US 02.993.3178 in Israel

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PACKING AND LEAVING
Seminary Girls Packing List

We have prepared a handy dandy packing list for you. In order to help you gure 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 PreIsraelGuide@gmail.com 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 *.
PACKING ADVICE AND LISTS PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE I JUST FOR FUN
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, Youre

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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PACKING AND LEAVING

Dental Supplies (whitening strips/

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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PACKING AND LEAVING

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 Youll 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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PACKING AND LEAVING

Yeshiva Bachurs Packing List

We have prepared a handy dandy packing list for you. In order to help you gure 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 PreIsraelGuide@gmail.com 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 Sandals Shabbos Shoes Shower Shoes Slippers Sneaker Water Shoes Yom Kippur Shoes
SHOES
Boots Crocs Everyday Shoes Flip Flops Hiking Boots Rainboots
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PACKING AND LEAVING

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 Duvet Cover) *Sleeping Bag (for tiyulim) Sock Bag Tide Pen (Or Any Other Stain Remover) *Towels *Washcloths
LINENS
Bathrobe *Blanket *Comforter Laundry Bag *Pillow *2 Sheet Sets (Sheet, Pillow Case,
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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PACKING AND LEAVING

MISCELLANEOUS
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 Flash Drive/Memory Stick Flashlight/Torch *George Forman Grill Mp3 Player/Ipod And Charger &
Extra Headphones
ELECTRONICS
Adapters / Transformers Alarm Clock (Battery Powered) Batteries Camera And Charger
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. ATL.............................................................. ORD............................................................ LAX............................................................. DFW ........................................................... JFK .............................................................. IAH ............................................................. SFO............................................................. PHX ............................................................ EWR............................................................ MCO........................................................... DTW ........................................................... MIA ............................................................ SEA ............................................................. PHL ............................................................. BOS ............................................................ LGA............................................................. IAD ............................................................. BWI.............................................................
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PACKING AND LEAVING
Preparing For Your Departure

GROUP FLIGHT
Many Yeshivas and Seminaries arrange group ights for their students. Some require you to go on the group ight, while others just suggest it. Going on the schools group ight 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 its great to travel with your schools ight 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 ight, 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 ight is so you wont have to arrange your own transportation to your school and try to figure out how to get there.
PACKING ADVICE AND LISTS PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE I JUST FOR FUN
FLYING ALONE
If your school does not have a group ight or you will not be ying with your schools ight you can arrange your transportation from the airport before you leave, but you dont 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 FLIGHT

Packing 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 (its 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 ight so you dont have to go searching ten minutes before you have to drive to the airport.
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PACKING AND LEAVING

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 ight ex.
Extra food (Bagels etc.) Home baked cookies from your mother (you might not get them for a few months) Snacks Siddur/Tehillim/Sefer
PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE
Comfortable slippers for the ight 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 DEVICES
Your 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 LAIBEL

It 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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PACKING AND LEAVING
VALUABLES
Many 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 dont need to bring your best jewelry, most people in Israel dont wear such fancy things and why risk losing the necklace you received for your Bas-Mitzvah for no reason.

PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE
MONEY
Dont 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.
JUST FOR FUN
Make an address book of names of relatives and friends in Israel that you can visit for Shabbos. Its 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. Its 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.] wont 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: stamps@kewnet.com
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PACKING AND LEAVING
Just For Fun

Just a few games for you to play on the ight.
HUMAN BINGO
A great way to meet new people in a group setting. You can play human bingo in the airport before your schools ight 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 who likes pistachio ice-cream ..................................... Someone who is reading something ..................................... Some one reading a book ..................................... Someone wearing headphones ..................................... Someone who is from out-of-town Someone who has a pet Someone who can turn their tongue upside-down ..................................... Someone with blue eyes. .................................... Someone who hates ying ..................................... Someone wearing Crocs Someone with glasses ..................................... Someone who goes by two names ..................................... Someone who speaks more than two languages .................................... Someone who is an only child ..................................... Someone whos coming to Israel and really wants to learn ..................................... Someone who has the Pre-Israel Students Guide .....................................
..................................... ........................... Someone who has more than four siblings Someone with redhair
JUST FOR FUN
..................................... ........................... Someone whose wearing something blue ..................................... Someone who lives in New York FREE SPACE
..................................... ........................... Someone who brought cookies from home
Someone who Someone who has a sibling living can make themselves in Israel cross-eyed .....................................
..................................... ...........................
WHAT DO YOU CALL A CHASSIDIC MASTER WHO HAS NO ORGANIZATION TO COLLECT FOR?
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Rebbe Without a Cause
PACKING AND LEAVING
Jew-do-ku
Su-do-ku is a popular number game. In each game there are nine squares each with nine subsquares 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 -Thanks Yitzy
PACKING ADVICE AND LISTS I PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE
GAME #1
JUST FOR FUN
GAME #2

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PACKING AND LEAVING
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 youll need to think outside the box. Some are easier than others. If there are any answers you cant figure out, text us at (054)STU-DENT or send an email to us at PreIsraelGuide@gmail.com and well 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.
JUST FOR FUN
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)
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.
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PACKING AND LEAVING

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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ISRAEL STUFF
ISRAEL STUFF
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 Avrahams 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 1700s 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 1700s, almost simultaneously, students of the Vilna Gaon and members
56
ISRAEL STUFF
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 1800s 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).
ISRAEL STUFF HASHKAFIC I HECHSHERIM I A LITTLE BIT A HEBREW I PEOPLE YOU KNOW IN 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 Knessets 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
Jews: 5.8 milion
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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Sephardim 52%
Ashkenazim 48%
Arabs: 1.6 million
Other
ISRAEL STUFF
1967-THE SIX DAY WAR - Egypt began moving troops into the Sinai Desert in order to get close to Israels borders to prepare for war. Shortly thereafter they blocked the Straits of Tiran in order to block Israels 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 Israelis 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 airforce, 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 Israels 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.
ISRAEL STUFF
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ISRAEL STUFF
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 Drebbe 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!
ISRAEL STUFF HASHKAFIC I HECHSHERIM I A LITTLE BIT A HEBREW I PEOPLE YOU KNOW IN ISRAEL
WHICH BASKETBALL TEAM WAKES UP EARLY TO PRAY? The New Jersey Netz
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ISRAEL STUFF
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.
HECHSHERIM
BADATZ EIDAH CHAREIDIS* (02) 670-0200 Hours:10am - 2pm & 5pm - 7pm Rav Naftali Halberstam
BADATZ MEHADRIN HARAV RUBIN* (08) 939-0816 Hours: 9:30am - 7pm Rav Avraham Rubin
RAV LANDAU (BNEI BRAK)* (03) 619-3582 Hours: 9:30am 3:30pm Rav Moshe Landau
BADATZ AGUDAS YISROEL* (02) 538-5251 538-4999 Hours: 11am - 1pm Rav Tzvi Gefner
BADATZ MACHZIKEI HADAS (BELZ)* (02) 501-6777 Hours: 9:30am 4:30pm Rav Mordechai Brisk
CHUG CHASAM SOFER BNEI BRAK* (03) 618-3572 (03) 579-2601 Hours: 10am - 5pm Rav Shmuel Eliezer Stern
60
ISRAEL STUFF
SECULAR I HASHKAFIC
CHUG CHASAM SOFER PETACH TIKVA* (03) 931-7040 (03) 931-7040 Hours: 9am - 5pm Rav Daitch
RABBANUT MEHADRIN* (02) 621-4830 Hours: 9:00am-3:00pm Rav Eliyahu Shlesinger
HECHSHERIM
BADATZ BEIT YOSEF* Office: (02) 652-0220 Hours: 9:30-5:00pm Rav Ovadia Yosef
RABBANUT YERUSHALAYIM* (02) 621-4830 Hours: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
A LITTLE BIT A HEBREW I PEOPLE YOU KNOW IN ISRAEL
BADATZ SHEARIS YISROEL* (03) 677-3330 Hours: 9am - 4:30pm
HARAV MACHPUD* Imrei Chaim 45 Bnei Brak (03) 676-5888
U
O.U. ISRAEL* Rabbi Yosef Minsky Kashrut@OUIsrael.org (02)560-9122
*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.
ADVERTISE IN THE 2012 13

YESHIVA & SEMINARY
STUDENTS GUIDE.
Where over 000 American Students will see your ad over and over and over. CONTACT US AT: YeshivaSemGuide@gmail.com The Yeshiva & Seminary students survival guide to a successful year in Israel
(054)843-2747
61
ISRAEL STUFF
A Little Bit O Hebrew

If you havent 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.
A LITTLE BIT A HEBREW
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 dont know! I dont understand! I love you! Im ne, thanks! Im 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 Meat Tistakel!
? ? / // ? ? ? ( / ). ! , / !
62
ISRAEL STUFF
SECULAR I HASHKAFIC I HECHSHERIM
My Hebrew is very bad. My name is ... Oh! Thats good! See you later! Sorry (for a mistake) Thank you very much! Today/ now Wait one moment please! Wazzup? What does glida mean in English? What is this? What time is it? Whats this called in hebrew? Whats your name? Where are you from? Where is the bathroom? Yes/ no Youre welcome!
(for thank you)
Ha ivrit sheli garua meod Korim li Ze tov meod Nitrae bekarov! Ani mitztaer Toda raba Hayom / achshav Chakeh rega bevakasha! Ma nishma?
.... / ! ? ? ? ? ? ? ( ).- ? /
A LITTLE BIT A HEBREW
Welcome! (to greet someone) Baruch haba! Ma ze glida beanglit? Ma ze? Ma hashaah? Eych korim leze beivrit? Eich korim lecha (fem.-lach)? Meiafo attoh (fem?-at) Eyfo hasheirutim? Ken/ lo Bevakasha
PEOPLE YOU KNOW IN ISRAEL
WHAT IS WINNIE-THE-POOHS FAVORITE MONTH? Iyor
63
ISRAEL STUFF
People I know in Israel

Name ................................................................. Phone............................................................... Address..........................................................................................................................................
Name ................................................................. Phone...............................................................

PEOPLE YOU KNOW IN ISRAEL
Address..........................................................................................................................................

64

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Important Phone Numbers

PACKING AND LEAVING

So You Want To Go To Israel

PreIsraelGuide@gmail.com or (054)STU-DENT (054)788-3368

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

LIST OF YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

CHOOSING A YESHIVA OR SEMINARY I QUESTIONS TO ASK A RECRUITER

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

Tel: (02)581-0315 Tel: (02)533-2424 office@yoy.org.il Tel: (02)627-4890 office@orayta.org

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

LIST OF YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

CHOOSING A YESHIVA OR SEMINARY I QUESTIONS TO ASK A RECRUITER

Tel: (057)945-7799 info@hatalmud.com Tel: (02)537-1622 Tel: (02)582-9262 Shareitevunah@gmail.com

Tel: (02)643-7867 info@yeshivatiferet.com

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

Fresh baked treats with love from home!

FOR when yOu cant be theRe In PeRSOn...

we deLIVeR anywheRe In ISRaeL

Visit our website for details on gift baskets

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

Choosing The Right Yeshiva / Seminary For You?

WHY DONT THEY TEACH NAVI IN YESHIVA?

Because theyre Non-Prophet organizations

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

What do the students do after they leave the Yeshiva/Seminary?

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

Questions to Ask the Recruiter

LIST OF YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES CHOOSING A YESHIVA OR SEMINARY

QUESTIONS TO ASK A RECRUITER

QUESTIONS TO ASK A RECRUITER

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

YESHIVAS AND SEMINARIES

QUESTIONS TO ASK A RECRUITER

Medical Information Insurance

1. RENT A PHONE AND A PLAN

OTHER THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

CELLPHONES ORDER SEFORIM I ARRANGING A DIRA I MONEY

Earn up to 106 credits

Without even leaving your school!

02 627-1647 (818) 206-5859

INSURANCE I CELLPHONES ORDER SEFORIM ARRANGING A DIRA I MONEY

HOW TO FIND A DIRA.

INSURANCE I CELLPHONES I ORDER SEFORIM ARRANGING A DIRA MONEY

WHATS A BIRDS FAVORITE MITZVAH? Pidgeon Shvuyim

WAYS TO SET UP YOUR MONEY SITUATION:

REASONS WHY YOU MIGHT CHOOSE ONE OPTION OVER ANOTHER.

HOW CAN I FIND WAYS TO SAVE MONEY?

INSURANCE I CELLPHONES I ORDER SEFORIM I ARRANGING A DIRA

10 AGUROT* Gold colored worth about 2.5 cents

1 SHEKEL* Silver smallest coin worth about 25 cents

20 SHEKEL* Green Bill made of shiny plastic. Worth about 5 dollars

50 SHEKEL* Purple and yellow Worth about $12.50

100 SHEKEL* Blue and brown Worth about 25 dollars

200 SHEKEL* Reddish orangish largest denomination Worth about 50 dollars

Financing the Year

Consulates and Red Tape