Important Survival Tips for your UJC Mission

Luggage
Baggage regulations for Trans-Atlantic flights are based upon the number of bags you are carrying, irrespective of weight. You are allowed to check in two pieces measuring a total of no more than 107 square inches (107 square inches represents the total of the width, height and depth). Maximum measurement of either piece must be under 62 inches and not exceed 70 lbs. You are also allowed one carry-on piece, which must not exceed 38 inches. All excess baggage charges will be collected at the airport. Kenes Tours and Gil Travel are not responsible for lost or damaged baggage.
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Passport And Visa
You will need a signed valid U.S. Passport for travel to Israel. The expiration date must be six (6) months after entry into Israel. If it expires before then, please renew it immediately. Please carry it with you. Do not pack it in your luggage. Please consult your local passport office if you have any questions about the validity of your passport.
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Transfers and Porterage
Transfers and porterages with the basic mission from Ben Gurion Airport and back again for departure have been included in the price of the mission. All luggage transportation within Israel is also included.

The transfer to the airport for participants extending their stay or arriving on their own or before the mission is not included.
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What To Pack
Israel is a country with defined weather seasons. The following chart will give you an average temperature during different seasons:

Average temperatures in Israel (in degrees Fahrenheit)
	January	April	June	October
Jerusalem	43-53	53-69	66-84	60-78
Tel Aviv	49-65	54-75	70-86	59-83
Eilat/Dead Sea	51-69	66-86	80-102	72-91

At all times, we encourage you to wear comfortable walking shoes. Clothing is informal for most occasions. Bring an outfit for Shabbat/the Kotel. For a more detailed list, please see the Mission suggested packing list.
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Money
The shekel (NIS - New Israeli Shekel) is Israel's legal tender. 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. In Israel, singles and fives are easy to change. You can use travelers checks, personal checks and credit cards. You do not need to change a lot of money into shekels. American money is accepted almost everywhere.
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Israeli Customs
If you bring a video camera, Israeli Customs may request a deposit equal to the value of the camera. This will be returned when you leave the country. Unless you plan to bring valuable items into the country as gifts, Israeli Customs are quick and painless.
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Meals
Most lunches and dinners 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 BASIC MISSION COST. Dietary laws are observed.
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Electrical Appliances
The electrical current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 cycles. 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.
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Shopping Hours
Although big department stores are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, most shops keep traditional business hours, approximately 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Banks are mainly open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Health Regulations
No special health regulations are required for U.S. citizens to travel 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.
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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 YOUR HOTELS. Cash, travelers checks and major credit cards are accepted at most leading hotels, stores and restaurants in Israel. In addition, any drinks, snacks and souvenirs purchased at rest stops are your responsibility.
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Tips
The tips for the guide, driver, and hostess are not included in the basic cost of the mission.
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Unused Services
If you depart from the trip en-route, the UJC will not refund any unused transportation, hotel reservations, sightseeing, meals or any other tour services.
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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.
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UJA Campaign
All participants will be asked to contribute to Jewish social services at home, in Israel, and worldwide by making a voluntary suggested minimum contribution commitment to the 2008 United Jewish Appeal of MetroWest NJ campaign. Each mission may have a different voluntary suggest minimum contribution.

Generally, according to the Internal Revenue Code, the payment of your commitment, amounts previously donated, plus your payments for this mission will be deductible if they exceed the benefit received (i.e. the fair market value of the mission). In addition, any payments for extra air/or land cost are not tax deductible.
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Responsibility
United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey 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. The United Jewish Communities of 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 event 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.
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