Fast Facts
Updates from the Pep Rally
Itinerary Updates
There will always be a few changes as we go. Please be flexible as these occur.
Don't forget to download the commUNITY Mission Mobile App.
Another app that will be helpful to have is WhatsApp. Found in the iTunes App Store or Google Play, this group messaging app will be used by your bus captain(s) and professionals to communicate with you regularly during your time together.
Check with your cell phone providers on International calling, data, and text plans. There are many affordable options.
We will be singing Hatikvah, among other songs and blessings, as a community in Israel. The lyrics are available in the Resources section of the mobile App.
And don't forget to pack these vital items: light jacket or sweater, power converter, hat, something white for Shabbat dinner, and comfortable shoes.
What to Pack
Dress is generally informal. We suggest that you bring comfortable, easily laundered clothing such as a pair of slacks and/or khakis. Comfortable walking shoes, sweater and/or jacket are needed. For Shabbat, women generally wear a skirt or dress. Men – a dress shirt and khakis. Tie & jacket is optional. Expensive jewelry, electronics and other valuables should be kept to a minimum. If you opt to bring any of these items, please pack them, your passport and a sufficient supply of any prescription medications you are taking, in your carry-on luggage. Once in Israel, we suggest placing your valuables in the hotel safe and carrying your passport, phone and cash/credit cards with you at all times. For personal track locations that require modest dress, this means covered knees and shoulders. Pants and t-shirts are acceptable.
See our day by day packing recommendations.
Basic Mission Wardrobe
Jeans/khakis
Shorts/skirts
T-shirts/blouses/short-sleeved button-downs
Sweater, jacket, or shawl (evenings in Jerusalem and the desert can be cool)
Walking shoes or sneakers
Sandals
Hat for the sun
Bathing suit
White clothing for Friday Night Shabbat Event: While all-white garb is appreciated, it is not necessary. This can also include a white shirt and khaki pants for men, a white blouse and colored skirt or pants for women.
To be carried with you during travel
Passport
Tickets
Credit card/bank card
Cash
Prescription medication
Change of clothing (if you are arriving before hotel check-in, we recommend you bring a day bag with you on the plane)
Eyeglasses/contacts
Basic Mission Wardrobe
Jeans/khakis
Shorts/skirts
T-shirts/blouses/short-sleeved button-downs
Sweater, jacket, or shawl (evenings in Jerusalem and the desert can be cool)
Walking shoes or sneakers
Sandals
Hat for the sun
Bathing suit
Some white clothing for our community Shabbat event
Once in Israel, we suggest that you place your valuables and passport in the hotel safe and carry your phone and cash/credit cards with you at all times.
Suggested Medical Items
Adhesive bandages
Headache and pain relievers
Prescriptions (must be in original containers) All medications should be kept in your carry-on bag. Do not put in checked luggage.
Suntan lotion
Imodium or Pepto-Bismol and antacids
Eye drops
Anti-nausea medication
Cold medication
Antibiotic cream
Please anticipate your needs. Some items are much more costly abroad.
Itinerary Updates
- Michael Oren and Miri Eisen will be speaking on Tuesday morning
- We will hear from Isaac Herzog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel on Sunday
- Rabbi Yisrael Lau, former Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, will address our community at Yad Vashem
There will always be a few changes as we go. Please be flexible as these occur.
Don't forget to download the commUNITY Mission Mobile App.
Another app that will be helpful to have is WhatsApp. Found in the iTunes App Store or Google Play, this group messaging app will be used by your bus captain(s) and professionals to communicate with you regularly during your time together.
Check with your cell phone providers on International calling, data, and text plans. There are many affordable options.
We will be singing Hatikvah, among other songs and blessings, as a community in Israel. The lyrics are available in the Resources section of the mobile App.
And don't forget to pack these vital items: light jacket or sweater, power converter, hat, something white for Shabbat dinner, and comfortable shoes.
What to Pack
Dress is generally informal. We suggest that you bring comfortable, easily laundered clothing such as a pair of slacks and/or khakis. Comfortable walking shoes, sweater and/or jacket are needed. For Shabbat, women generally wear a skirt or dress. Men – a dress shirt and khakis. Tie & jacket is optional. Expensive jewelry, electronics and other valuables should be kept to a minimum. If you opt to bring any of these items, please pack them, your passport and a sufficient supply of any prescription medications you are taking, in your carry-on luggage. Once in Israel, we suggest placing your valuables in the hotel safe and carrying your passport, phone and cash/credit cards with you at all times. For personal track locations that require modest dress, this means covered knees and shoulders. Pants and t-shirts are acceptable.
See our day by day packing recommendations.
Basic Mission Wardrobe
Jeans/khakis
Shorts/skirts
T-shirts/blouses/short-sleeved button-downs
Sweater, jacket, or shawl (evenings in Jerusalem and the desert can be cool)
Walking shoes or sneakers
Sandals
Hat for the sun
Bathing suit
White clothing for Friday Night Shabbat Event: While all-white garb is appreciated, it is not necessary. This can also include a white shirt and khaki pants for men, a white blouse and colored skirt or pants for women.
To be carried with you during travel
Passport
Tickets
Credit card/bank card
Cash
Prescription medication
Change of clothing (if you are arriving before hotel check-in, we recommend you bring a day bag with you on the plane)
Eyeglasses/contacts
Basic Mission Wardrobe
Jeans/khakis
Shorts/skirts
T-shirts/blouses/short-sleeved button-downs
Sweater, jacket, or shawl (evenings in Jerusalem and the desert can be cool)
Walking shoes or sneakers
Sandals
Hat for the sun
Bathing suit
Some white clothing for our community Shabbat event
Once in Israel, we suggest that you place your valuables and passport in the hotel safe and carry your phone and cash/credit cards with you at all times.
Suggested Medical Items
Adhesive bandages
Headache and pain relievers
Prescriptions (must be in original containers) All medications should be kept in your carry-on bag. Do not put in checked luggage.
Suntan lotion
Imodium or Pepto-Bismol and antacids
Eye drops
Anti-nausea medication
Cold medication
Antibiotic cream
Please anticipate your needs. Some items are much more costly abroad.
Dates
October 14-22, 2018
Designated Flight Information
All participants are required to make their own flight arrangements. We will have designated flights for this Mission, with departures to Israel on Sunday October 14, 2018 and return flights to Newark on Sunday October 21, 2018 (landing on Monday morning October 22, 2018). Anyone on the departure designated flight will be picked up at Ben Gurion Airport. Anyone on our return designated flight will be driven to Ben Gurion Airport at the conclusion of the Mission.
Designated Flights
Departure on October 14 (4 flights that day):
El Al #28, departing October 14 at 1:30 pm. Arriving in Tel Aviv on October 15 at 6:55 am
United #84, departing October 14 at 4:45 pm. Arriving in Tel Aviv on October 15 at 10:15 am
El Al #26, departing October 14 at 9:00 pm. Arriving in Tel Aviv on October 15 at 2:25 pm
United #90, departing October 14 at 10:50 pm. Arriving in Tel Aviv on October 15 at 4:20 pm*
*Participants on this flight will be brought directly from the airport to the opening event at the Tel Aviv port.
Return on October 21/22, (2 flights that evening):
United #91, departing October 21 at 11:10 pm. Arriving in Newark on October 22 at 4:20 am
El Al #27, departing October 22 at 1:00 am. Arriving in Newark on October 22 at 5:45 am
If you are coming to Israel on flights other than the designated flights, either before or after the commUNITY Mission, our Mission Department will gladly help you with transfers and/or additional hotel rooms (additional cost). Please forward your flight information and all transfer requests to Heidi Kuperman, Missions Director at hkuperman@jfedgmw.org.
Hotel Information
The commUNITY Mission will be staying in 5 star accommodations throughout the Mission. We will be in Tel Aviv October 15-17, 2018 (David Intercontinental and the Royal Beach) and Jerusalem October 17-21, 2018 (David Citadel and Waldorf Astoria).
Travel Insurance
We recommend you purchase travel insurance in case of an emergency. Here are some providers should you wish to purchase travel insurance. Inclusion on this list should not be construed as an endorsement by Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest.
Allianz Travel Insurance: www.allianztravelinsurance.com 1-866-672-9580
Insure My Trip: www.insuremytrip.com 1-800-487-4722
Travelex Insurance: www.travelexinsurance.com 1-800-228-9792
Travel Guard: www.travelguard.com 1-800-826-4919
Travel Insurance Services: www.travelinsure.com 1-800-937-1387
Passport and Visa
You will need a signed US Passport for travel to Israel, valid for at least 6 months after the return date to the U.S. Please carry it with you. Do not pack it in your luggage. Consult your local US Passport office if you have any questions about the validity of your passport or if you must renew your current one. If you are not a US citizen please contact the Israeli Consulate for the most up to date entry requirements.
US citizens need not apply for a visa before leaving for Israel: they will be given this visa upon their arrival in Israel free of charge. Anyone traveling to other countries requiring visas should check with the appropriate Consulates directly for application forms and information on how to process the application.
Federation Commitment
Federation’s commUNITY mission is an investment in the future of our Jewish community and identity. We have contributed significant financial and human resources and leveraged powerful partnerships to provide an unparalleled Israel experience. The result is a heavily subsidized mission where participants can join for a price that is well below the $3,499 actual cost. While there is no minimum gift to participate, a meaningful contribution to the 2019 UJA Annual Campaign is required. A meaningful contribution will not be defined universally, rather on an individual basis pursuant to an appropriate and relevant community conversation.
Generally, according to the Internal Revenue Code, your gift is deductible only to the extent that it exceeds the benefit received (mission subsidy). In addition, any payments for extra air/or land cost are not tax deductible.
Transfers and Porterage
Transfers and porterage with the basic mission/designated flights from Ben Gurion Airport and back again for departure have been included in the price of the mission. Luggage transportation is also included.
Phone or SIM Card Rental
Federation has arranged for exclusive rates for participants on this Israel Mission. To order a SIM card, please visit: http://talknsave.net/jfed-of-greater-metrowest-nj/community-mission or call 1-866-TALKNSAVE (1-866-825-5672).
Weather
Money
The shekel (NIS - New Israeli Shekel) is Israel's legal tender; you can change money at the airport. Many stores and hotels will gladly accept your dollars, and may give you a discount when you pay in dollars. Bring a lot of small bills for miscellaneous expenses. In Israel, singles and fives are easy to change. Credit cards are widely accepted. You will want to bring a credit card with you that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Your bank ATM card is also accepted at many Israeli bank ATMs. You do not need to change a lot of money into shekels. American money is accepted almost everywhere.
Meals
In Israel, all group meals will be kosher. Dietary laws are observed. Any other special meal requests should be indicated on the mission application.
Most meals are included in the cost of the Mission program. An Israeli breakfast will be served, consisting of a complete smorgasbord-style meal of fish, cheese, juices, and hot beverages. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND SOFT DRINKS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE BASIC MISSION COST but some meals will have complimentary wine.
Electrical Appliances
The electrical current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 cycles. Most hotels have hair dryers, and irons are available. If you are taking electric shavers, hair blowers, irons or other electrical appliances, we advise that you bring a small converter kit (most local hardware stores carry them). In some instances, the hotels have a limited number of adapters available; however, availability of these adapters cannot be guaranteed.
Health Regulations
No special health regulations are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Israel. Of course, we recommend that you take every precaution to safeguard your health while you are abroad and that you see your physician prior to your departure if you have any medical problems.
Medicines and other medical supplies should be carefully labeled and stored with your carry-on luggage. It is suggested that you bring a second pair of prescription eye glasses/contact lenses. Also, as mentioned above, bring all prescriptions with you in case you need a refill for any reason.
Itinerary
The itinerary is always subject to change. If you want to visit family and friends, please use your extension or the free time allotted in the itinerary.
Items not Included
Not included in the cost of the program are items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar bills, etc. THESE PERSONAL EXTRAS MUST BE PAID WHEN CHECKING OUT OF EACH OF YOUR HOTELS. Credit cards are widely accepted for this purpose. Cash and major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, stores and restaurants. In addition, any drinks, snacks and souvenirs purchased at rest stops are your responsibility.
Tips
Gratuities for the guide, driver and hostess are not included in the basic cost of the mission. We have added $150 per person to your final bill so we will not need to collect tips while we are in Israel.
Unused Services
If you depart from the trip en route, the Federation will not refund any unused transportation, hotel reservations, sightseeing, meals or any other tour services.
U.S. Customs
For specific information concerning items purchased abroad and what you may bring back duty-free, please contact your local U.S. Customs Office. Also, contact them regarding any new, European camera equipment you are taking with you; in such instances, it is beneficial to register such items with the Customs Office prior to your departure.
Responsibility
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ and its representatives act only as agents for participants making arrangements for hotels, transportation, sightseeing, restaurants, or any other services in connection with your itinerary. However, we do not assume any liability for any damage, loss, accident or delay to person or property because of any fault of any services included in the program. Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, New Jersey accepts no responsibility for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdowns, quarantine, government restraints, weather or any other cause beyond its personal control. No carrier shall be responsible for any act, omission or events during the time participants are not on board its own conveyances.
In view of statutory or contractual limitations that may apply to personal injury or personal damage losses, the purchase of accident and baggage insurance is strongly recommended.
In addition, you may wish to purchase travel insurance protecting you in the event you must change your itinerary and lose the return fare.
The shekel (NIS - New Israeli Shekel) is Israel's legal tender; you can change money at the airport. Many stores and hotels will gladly accept your dollars, and may give you a discount when you pay in dollars. Bring a lot of small bills for miscellaneous expenses. In Israel, singles and fives are easy to change. Credit cards are widely accepted. You will want to bring a credit card with you that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Your bank ATM card is also accepted at many Israeli bank ATMs. You do not need to change a lot of money into shekels. American money is accepted almost everywhere.
Meals
In Israel, all group meals will be kosher. Dietary laws are observed. Any other special meal requests should be indicated on the mission application.
Most meals are included in the cost of the Mission program. An Israeli breakfast will be served, consisting of a complete smorgasbord-style meal of fish, cheese, juices, and hot beverages. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND SOFT DRINKS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE BASIC MISSION COST but some meals will have complimentary wine.
Electrical Appliances
The electrical current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 cycles. Most hotels have hair dryers, and irons are available. If you are taking electric shavers, hair blowers, irons or other electrical appliances, we advise that you bring a small converter kit (most local hardware stores carry them). In some instances, the hotels have a limited number of adapters available; however, availability of these adapters cannot be guaranteed.
Health Regulations
No special health regulations are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Israel. Of course, we recommend that you take every precaution to safeguard your health while you are abroad and that you see your physician prior to your departure if you have any medical problems.
Medicines and other medical supplies should be carefully labeled and stored with your carry-on luggage. It is suggested that you bring a second pair of prescription eye glasses/contact lenses. Also, as mentioned above, bring all prescriptions with you in case you need a refill for any reason.
Itinerary
The itinerary is always subject to change. If you want to visit family and friends, please use your extension or the free time allotted in the itinerary.
Items not Included
Not included in the cost of the program are items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar bills, etc. THESE PERSONAL EXTRAS MUST BE PAID WHEN CHECKING OUT OF EACH OF YOUR HOTELS. Credit cards are widely accepted for this purpose. Cash and major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, stores and restaurants. In addition, any drinks, snacks and souvenirs purchased at rest stops are your responsibility.
Tips
Gratuities for the guide, driver and hostess are not included in the basic cost of the mission. We have added $150 per person to your final bill so we will not need to collect tips while we are in Israel.
Unused Services
If you depart from the trip en route, the Federation will not refund any unused transportation, hotel reservations, sightseeing, meals or any other tour services.
U.S. Customs
For specific information concerning items purchased abroad and what you may bring back duty-free, please contact your local U.S. Customs Office. Also, contact them regarding any new, European camera equipment you are taking with you; in such instances, it is beneficial to register such items with the Customs Office prior to your departure.
Responsibility
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ and its representatives act only as agents for participants making arrangements for hotels, transportation, sightseeing, restaurants, or any other services in connection with your itinerary. However, we do not assume any liability for any damage, loss, accident or delay to person or property because of any fault of any services included in the program. Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, New Jersey accepts no responsibility for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdowns, quarantine, government restraints, weather or any other cause beyond its personal control. No carrier shall be responsible for any act, omission or events during the time participants are not on board its own conveyances.
In view of statutory or contractual limitations that may apply to personal injury or personal damage losses, the purchase of accident and baggage insurance is strongly recommended.
In addition, you may wish to purchase travel insurance protecting you in the event you must change your itinerary and lose the return fare.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING THIS
TRIP OF A LIFETIME WITH YOU!
TRIP OF A LIFETIME WITH YOU!
