Posted on 08/14/23
Jerusalem, Israel - Aug. 12, 2023 - It's hard to believe this week is already Rosh Chodesh Elul. For those families sending their child to Israel for the year and feeling overwhelmed, these tips on what to buy in Israel and what to bring from home should help you make better-informed decisions. BJL worked in collaboration with Pack for Israel on these suggestions hoping the tips would be helpful.
A lot has changed in Israel, the store shelves are filled with American goods. It is no longer necessary to fill your bag with tuna, American brand deodorant, soft toilet paper, Twizzlers, ketchup, and peanut butter. All of these are widely available in Israeli supermarkets. There are even gluten-free food options and tasty vegan snacks.
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Buy in Israel
Bulky Linens & Towels
Airline weight restrictions have gotten a lot stricter over the years. Typically, the bulkiest items you need are linens - blankets, pillows,
towels, etc. A great way to save valuable space in your bag is to order bulky linen directly to the school in Israel and have it waiting for them when they arrive.
Toiletries
While teens may have a favorite shampoo and conditioner, they may not be ideal for the hard water in Israel. Many high-quality, international brands of toiletries are suited to local conditions and are available in Israel at reasonable prices.
One exception: If your child has toiletries for specific needs (e.g. face wash for sensitive skin), bring it from home.
Small Appliances
When it comes to small appliances (fans, hair dryers, toasters, etc.), take note that the voltage system is different in Israel (220v vs 110v). Though it may be tempting to buy a step-up transformer, this can be dangerous for electrics that heat up (hair dryer, sandwich maker, etc) and not work properly for items such as clocks. Check whether each appliance is made to work on dual voltage. If not, you are better off just buying it in Israel.
Extra Storage Space
School dorm rooms are not widely known for their abundant storage space. That's why one item that is particularly popular among students is a plastic set of drawers to store all their extra stuff. Obviously, this is not something you're going to take in your bag so it's best to buy it in Israel.
You can purchase other storage solutions that are really useful for keeping organized. There are different solutions ranging from under-bed storage for extra toiletries and clothing to over-the-door storage for storing shoes and other smaller items to closet space organizers for increasing shelf space or adding drawers.
Seforim
Seforim are heavy. They're also inexpensive and widely available in Israel. Some schools will actually bring a bookseller to the school but if they don't it can be fun to venture out to Mea Shearim to buy them. Most people prefer to bring their own familiar siddur/machzor from home.
School Supplies
Israeli school supplies come in different formats than their US counterparts (binders have 2 holes instead of 3, and the paper is larger) so once again, buy ‘em when you get there.
Bring From Home
In general, if it's lightweight and easy to bring or just more practical and economical to buy, then bring it from home. You can buy these items in your local department store or buy them online and have them shipped to your home.
Soft trunk and bags
You will need luggage. Most airlines allow a maximum bag size for checked baggage of 62 inches of all the dimensions combined (length + width + height). A 30- or 33-inch bag is definitely small enough to fit all requirements for air travel. For details see a blog about packing for air travel. You’ll also need a versatile bag or backpack that is light and easy to carry your laundry in, use on a tiyul, or for a Shabbos away.
Clothing
Your teen will be sure to buy some cool tee shirts in Israel, but most of their bag should be filled with the clothing they need. Your school will probably send you a detailed list of clothing with their specific requirements.
A note about the weather. Israeli weather can be extreme. The summers are very hot although Jerusalem often has a cool breeze in the evenings. Depending on where you are, the winter can be quite cold. It rains between Sukkos and Pesach so basic rain gear is a must.
Quick Tip: Bring lots of socks and underwear. Your kid will be doing their own laundry, so you don’t want them to run out.
Medicine and Eyewear
Make sure to send any relevant prescription medicine and bring extra pairs of glasses and contact lenses. For more information about navigating the medical health system in Israel, The Medical Health Handbook for Your Gap Year in Israel.
Make yourself at home
Bring little items that will make your dorm feel like home - family pictures, a favorite teddy, etc.
Jewelry
One rule: If it’s really expensive, leave it at home, do not bring it.
Tallis and Tefillin
Just in case you forget them somewhere, label them carefully so they can be returned. The left-on-the-bus stories abound.
Concluding with a couple of items you may not have considered:
Electronics
You probably won't need to remind your teen to bring cellphones or ipods from home, but when they get to Israel they may want to pick up adapters and power strips for Israeli outlets. And boys, don’t forget to bring your shaver if you use one.
Power Strip
A small dorm room is often shared by 4 students with 2 power outlets. If you want to charge your phone and plug in your fan and lamp at the same time, a simple power strip is essential. It's best to buy this in Israel because it's going to be suitable for Israeli electricity and it will also fit your Israeli appliances.
Sleep Sack
In Israel as a gap year student, there should be opportunities to go away for Shabbos. You don't want to burden your hosts to provide linens and you don't want to have to take off all your sheets and schlep them every time. A sleep sack is lightweight and basically acts as all your linens in one.
About Pack for Israel
BJL worked in collaboration with Pack for Israel on these suggestions hoping the tips would be helpful. You can order what you need in Israel: Bedding, towels, toiletries, small appliances (220V), storage accessories, etc., and if you have questions about packing for Israel contact the owners Melissa and Gaby, and they will be happy to answer your questions.