You are here: Home » Program » FAQ

FAQ

Do you have questions about our Israel Summer Programs? No problem! We will be providing detailed information before the program begins, but look below for the answers to many commonly asked questions. Feel free to contact us with any additional questions at 800-725-0612 or 212-303-4577.

How does travel to Israel work?
Young Judaea organizes the international travel for all the programs. Each program, whether it starts in Europe, North Africa, or Israel, flies as a group from the New York area. Once we have provided you with the details of your international travel, you should arrange domestic travel around those times. Please do not purchase domestic flight tickets until you have the times and airport for the international flight.

Can I drive to the airport with friends from my neighborhood?
If you so choose, you are welcome to drive to New York with friends or family and meet the group in the airport for the international flight.

Will I be able to fly to New York with other program participants from my city?
Yes, participants often fly to the New York area with other participants from their area. After we send you the confirmed international flight information, and you begin arranging your domestic transportation, feel free to contact us to find out what participants will also be coming from your area. Also, we will mail you a complete participant list before the summer begins, so you can see who lives in your area.

Which programs have Special Interest Week?
YJ Summer Programs all have Special Interest Week (SIW). You will make your placement requests in Israel. Special Interest Week options are subject to change and placement in your first choice is not guaranteed.

How much spending money should my child bring?
The international flight from New York, all meals, accommodations, and park entrance fees are all covered as a part of tuition. However, spending money for laundry, gifts, snacks, and miscellaneous items is the responsibility of each participant and is not included in the tuition cost. The experiences of former participants suggest that each person should bring between $400-600. (All participants should also bring a money belt). In deciding how much you should bring, please consider your child’s spending habits, how many and what type of gifts will be purchased, and whether you will be arriving prior to the program start date or staying in Israel after it’s conclusion. Young Judaea provides three meals a day plus snacks, but chanichim often buy extra snacks with their own money as well.

When determining how much money to bring, factor these things in:
1. Laundry – approximately $40.00
2. Security Deposit – $20.00 (will be returned if your guest room or any other youth hostel is left in satisfactory condition as determined by the staff in Israel)
3. Bus Driver Tip – $15.00
4. Gifts – amount varies from person to person
5. Extra snacks – amount varies from person to person
6. Kupah – $15.00 (Chanichim contribute this amount to a kupah, or a pool of money. At the beginning of the summer, money is collected in order to purchase snacks for certain group events such as birthday parties and gifts for certain employees such as the bus driver and medic. At the end of the summer, the chanichim will decide jointly what to do with any remaining money in the kupah, either redistributing it or giving it to the tzedakah [charity] of their choice.)

What is the best way to bring spending money?
Participants have informed us that a VISA/Debit card is the most efficient and easiest method. While ATM machines are not always as accessible to participants, VISA/Debit cards can be charged just like a regular credit card. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Israel (Visa much more readily).

Another excellent option is through a company called Payoneer; they have developed a pre-paid Mastercard® cash card that provides an optimal way to manage the spending money of your child in Israel. Through use of this card, your child will have the ability to both withdraw funds from ATMs around Israel and charge items to the card. Parents can load money to the card through Payoneer’s personalized Web site for Young Judaea, and can manage the account online. Young Judaea is not responsible for the arrangement of this debit card service, which shall be directly arranged by the parent or child with Payoneer prior to the start of the program. For more details and to sign up for the Payoneer ATM/debit card, go to: http://programs.payoneer.com/programs/YoungJudaea
Be aware that last year’s rates are currently on the Payoneer Web site. Registration of the card must occur at least two weeks prior to the program’s departure date.

We recommend bringing a minimal amount of cash. While cash is convenient, it is irreplaceable! DO NOT pack your money items in your luggage. We suggest carrying these items with you while traveling to (and from) Israel in a money belt.

When is a good time to apply for or renew a passport?
Right now. You are responsible for applying for a passport or renewing your current passport. If you have not done so already, check your passport to make certain it will be valid for this summer and, as requested by the Israeli Ministry of the Interior, for a minimum of six months after the program commences (through January 2014). If you do not have a passport or need to renew your current passport, please do so immediately. Passport insurance and delivery takes approximately six weeks, but recent participants have experienced much greater delays (up to 4 months!) due to a surplus of summer travelers applying for passports.

How religious are the programs? Are kosher meals served?
Young Judaea is a religiously pluralistic movement that welcomes those of all streams of Judaism. Jewish tradition is an important element in all of Young Judaea’s programs and we strive to make each participant comfortable regardless of his or her background. During the summer, Shabbat is kept in all public places. The use of electric devices or musical instruments is not permitted in the hallways or public areas of any accommodations. In general, personal music players (ex. iPods) may be played within one’s own bedroom as long as it is not a problem for other roommates.

You will have t’fillot (prayer services) on Shabbat (Friday night and Saturday morning) and at times during the week when visiting “spiritual sites” or reciting Birkat Hamazon (The Blessing after Meals). Young Judaea is not affiliated with any single religious movement, and all of these activities are conducted in a religiously pluralistic environment. On many occasions, participants will help conduct the services.

All food that we serve in Israel is kosher under the supervision of the central rabbinical administration in Israel (Harabanut Harashit L’Israel). In Europe and North Africa, all food provided by Young Judaea will be either from local kosher restaurants, Jewish community centers, or cooked vegetarian meals.

How many counselors are in each group?
Every group (depending on group size) has a permanent staff of four adults: 1 Rosh Kvutzah (Israeli Group Leader and Guide), 1 Israeli Madrich (Counselor), and 2 American Madrichim (Counselors). Also, an Israeli armed guard/medic accompanies each group at all times. All staff members participate in an extensive, two-week training session in both Israel and the U.S. in preparation for the summer. Many of our madrichim are alumni of the YJ Summer Programs – they are extremely knowledgeable about the programs, from the perspective of both madrich and participant.

What kind of luggage should I bring?
You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage throughout the summer, so your bags or suitcases should be made of lightweight but durable material. Past participants highly recommend the duffel bag on wheels. A bag with side pockets is preferred over one with just one big packing section. Do not bring a trunk. You will want enough room to bring back presents from Israel for your family and friends, so don’t over-stuff your bag!

On international flights, you are allowed one piece of checked luggage, however we strongly discourage bringing two. One large duffel on wheels is the best way to go. Also, bring a weekend or sports bag folded inside your larger bag. DO NOT BRING TWO LARGE SUITCASES! The permitted total dimensions of the two pieces of luggage are 124 inches, with no one bag exceeding 62 inches. This total is calculated by adding the length, width, and height of each bag. Thus, if one bag measures 62 total inches, the other cannot exceed 62 inches. The weight per bag is limited to 50 lbs. The fee for extra luggage or for exceeding the luggage regulations is approximately $100 per piece.

Domestic airlines are quite strict about additional luggage and may charge at least $25 per checked-bag over the 1-bag restriction. You should be prepared to pay the fee if you need to bring more than one checked bag.

In addition to your checked luggage, you will be allowed one piece of carry-on luggage with a maximum total dimension of 30 inches. Most participants bring their daypack/backpack as their carry-on. We strongly suggest that you put a change of clothes (or at least underwear and socks), toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. in your carry-on so that you will be prepared in the unlikely event that your luggage is temporarily misplaced. Also, please carry all medications you may be bringing to Israel in your carry-on luggage. This backpack will be used during hikes and on day trips.

What is the packing list for the program?
MANDATORY ITEMS:

* Hiking Boots (“high-top” boots that are light, comfortable and already worn in!) Do not feel the need to break the bank; a basic hiking shoe providing more support than a sneaker is necessary for the hiking and physical activity. Crocs are NOT acceptable for any sort of hiking.
* Canteen/water bottle holder (plastic only — metal gets too hot). It should hold at least three liters of water. CamelBak-types are highly recommended by past participants for their ease of use on hikes.
* Hats (2) Chanichim (participants) will be required to wear a hat on every hike. Therefore, hats should be comfortable and should provide sun protection. While baseball hats are acceptable, hats which cover the entire head and ears are most protective from the powerful sun. Visors are not acceptable.
* Bandanas
* Sunscreen
* 1 Bath Towel
* Sleeping bag (small and lightweight). All you need is a standard sleeping bag, not one for any severe weather condition. Don’t forget to write your name on the outside of the sleeping bag, and it must fit inside your luggage.
* Pair of shoes that can be worn in water (Tevas have been highly recommended) that have straps or laces, and that won’t fall off easily. You will wear these on river walks, rocky beaches, etc. Flip-flops and Crocs are NOT acceptable. Old sneakers are also OK.
* Flashlight with batteries
* Watch
* Alarm clock (battery operated)
* Some form of identification with name, address and photo. Since you won’t be carrying your passport with you, it is important to have some form of ID. While this can be a school ID or a driver’s license, a school picture of the chanich with their name, home address and telephone number written on the back is also acceptable.
* Double supply of any medication you will need
* Extra pair of prescription glasses (and an extra prescription)
* Insect repellent

INTERNATIONAL ONLY:

* Money belt/fanny pack
* Light poncho

The following is a suggested packing list. Keep in mind that you will send your laundry out at least twice during the Program.

GENERAL ITEMS:

* 12 pr. Underwear
* 12 pr. Socks
* 3-4 pr. Shorts
* 10-12 T-shirts

Note: For health reasons, chanichim will not be permitted to wear sleeveless shirts/tank tops on hikes or during long outdoor activities while in Israel. Keep this in mind when packing!

* 3 pr. Jeans/pants (casual)
* 1 Long sleeve shirt
* 1 Light sweater/sweatshirt
* Sleepwear
* 1 pr. Casual shoes (sneakers for example)
* 1 pr. “Dressy” shoes (not too formal, something for Shabbat or less casual activities)
* 2 Towels (packing is easier if you bring lightweight towels that are not too thick!)
* 1 Bathing suit
* Kippah for males
* Extra pair of glasses
* Sunglasses

* Modest Dress & “Dress” Clothes
Our itinerary includes a number of visits to religious sites. When packing, be sure to include one or two “modest” outfits for these visits. Boys should bring a pair of long pants. Girls should bring a long skirt (it should go below the knees) and blouse/shirt that minimally covers the shoulders. These visits often occur in the middle of the day, so bring clothes that you can carry in your backpack! (Girls often find that a long, lightweight cotton skirt is best for this purpose.) Also, it is customary that for Shabbat, chanichim wear nicer clothing that will contribute to the Shabbat atmosphere. Dress is more casual in Israel, however, so don’t bring anything too dressy. Our itinerary includes exciting evening activities, so you’ll want to bring some casual clothes you’ll enjoy wearing while strolling around town.

* Toiletry Items
Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, shaving supplies, contact lens solution, etc. As time to purchase such items is very limited and the cost of many toiletries is quite high in Israel, we recommend that you bring enough of the essentials to last you for the whole summer, especially if you have a brand that you just can’t do without. Feminine hygiene products, especially, are VERY expensive in Israel, so girls will want to bring enough for the summer.

OPTIONAL/SUGGESTED ITEMS:

* overseas adapter/transformer
* laundry bag / mesh bag
* fanny / waist pack
* nail clipper
* small mirror
* journal / diary
* camera and film
* moisturizer/lip balm
* reading material
* extra batteries
* musical instruments
* games, deck of cards
* stationery and addresses
* tallit and t’fillin
* portable music player (ex. iPod)
* small packets of soap powder/hand-washing liquid for hand laundry
* an Israeli guidebook such as Let’s Go Israel or Lonely Planet

Former chanichim suggest that some items may get lost, left behind or swapped with friends. Therefore, do not bring anything that will cause a great deal of distress if it does not come back.

FOR THOSE PARTICIPANTS WHO WEAR CONTACT LENSES:
Contact lens wearers are strongly advised to bring a pair of glasses for emergencies. If nothing else, the dust of the Israeli desert can be a problem with contacts. We strongly suggest that you clean your contact lenses with a chemical system and not by a heating system.

How many times is laundry done on the program?
Laundry will be picked up by a laundry service and returned within 24 hours – washed, dried, and folded. The amount of times laundry will be done is determined by each group and their madrichim, but on average, it is about 2-4 times over the course of 5 weeks. It is mandatory to label clothing, and we discourage bringing clothing that requires delicate care.

The cost of laundry is not included in the program tuition cost and is the responsibility for each participant. Participants should bring approximately $40 for laundry costs in addition to their spending money. As a reminder, Hadassah/Young Judaea is not responsible for losses and/or damages to any personal property under any circumstance.

What is the electric current in Israel?
Electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC. (In the U.S. it is 110 volts.) Transformers to convert voltage can be purchased at Radio Shack and other electronics stores. Many appliances such as hair dryers, radios, and clocks require special transformers, so be sure to check with your dealer. Also, some appliances are available with dual voltage already built into their systems.

When can I visit family or friends while in Israel?
We encourage you to visit your relatives and close friends while in Israel! Family Weekend will take place from July 2013. Participants can be picked up and dropped off at several places in Israel. There will be a form on the application where you can let us know who you will be staying with, so start planning now!