Packing lists are very subjective things – especially when it comes to 18 year old young men going to study abroad for a year. There are certain traditions of what to bring such as hot chocolate packets and instant iced tea. Some focus on food products like hot cereal and sugar cereals (which can be purchased in Israel these days) or hard salami and large slabs of ‘American’ cheese. Others choose to bring electrical devices including irons, stereos and amps. Those who emphasize hygiene will load up on detergents, soaps and countless toiletries, while the more athletic- minded will bring an overloaded duffle bag of sports every kind of sports equipment. We are not going to inflate the ‘mesora’ list – part of the fun is doing the research on your own and bringing what you feel you will get good use during the famous ‘year-in-Israel’.

However, we will suggest the ‘basics’ which will keep you clothed throughout the year and well-equipped on tiyulim. If we forgot something, please let us know and we will circulate the information.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS:

The main thing to remember to bring is your good spirits and positive attitude. Most of the rest can be purchased here. Remember– Israel ceased to be a third world country years ago…

Ok – here’s the list. Much of the list is obvious but we didn’t take much for granted.

KODESH ARTICLES:

• Tefillin
• Talit (for those who wear – Kohanim should certainly bring one for Birkat Kohanim)
• 3 pairs of Tzitzit
• 3 Kippot

SEFARIM:

• 1 Siddur (weekday/Shabbat)
• 1 set of machzorim for Yamim Noraim [Artscroll or Metsuda recommended]
• 1 set of Hebrew/English chumashim with Rashi – [new Artscroll version preferred]

During the 2022-2023 academic year, the Yeshiva will be learning Masechet Sukkah during Elul Zman, as well as during the 8:45 PM night slot. After the chagim, we will switch to Masechet Kiddushin for the morning seder. Each student will be required to purchase a regular Gemara after arriving here in Yeshiva.  You may also choose to bring an Artscroll Gemara with you.  They are cheaper to purchase in the US/Canada than here in Israel.

In addition, each student should bring an Artscroll Chumash & Rashi (or Mikraot Gedolot) in order to do the mitzvah of “Shtayim Mikra v’Echad Targum”. 

Sefarim will be offered for sale at the Yeshiva on the first day of orientation. Periodically, a local sefarim seller will come to the Yeshiva as well.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES:

Please Note: DO NOT to bring electrical appliances with 110 voltage. Travel converters are generally not reliable for long periods of time and can cause electrical shorts.  These appliances can be purchased here in Israel.

BEDDING:

• 2 sets of sheets & pillowcases
• 1 good pillow
• 2 blankets: one summer, one winter
• 1 sleeping bag (please do not use this as winter blanket – it is NOT healthy)
• 3 bath towels
• 3 hand towels

SHOES:

• 1 pair dress shoes
• 1 pair of casual shoes/sneakers (high tops for basketball)
• 1 pair of slippers/sandals
• 1 pair hiking shoes

CLOTHING:

In the Beit Midrash, we attempt to create a proper atmosphere of “yirat mikdash me’at”, awe and respect for our place of learning.  And therefore, we have some basic guidelines in terms of what is acceptable in our Beit Midrash.

Talmidim are required to wear shirts with collars (no T-shirts) and long pants. Jeans, ripped pants or sweatpants are not allowed in the Beit Midrash.
Of course, kippah and tzitzit are mandatory.
Baseball hats are not allowed.
Sandals are allowed, but not “flip-flops” or “shower sandals”

The custom of the Yeshiva is to tear ‘kriya’ the first time that we go to the Kotel in Jerusalem. Therefore, plan to bring an old shirt on which to tear ‘kriya’ on the first day.

• 2 suits (1 summer, 1 winter)
• 3 white shirts
• 2 ties
• 5 pair of pants
• 7 button-down collared shirts (polo shirts are fine too)
• 2 sweaters
• 1 hooded sweatshirt
• 1 pair of sweatpants
• 2 pair of shorts
• 1 bathing suit
• 1 light jacket
• 1 winter jacket
• 9 sets of underwear
• 16 pair of socks (dress and white)
• 2 belts

TIYULIM:

• For water hikes, Keens are your best option. They have good traction and are good in the water.
• For regular hikes, boots or good sneakers are fine.  However, boots and sneakers will get ruined on water hikes, so you will still need to purchase Keens for the water hikes.
• A backpack that is strong and sturdy.  It does not have to be large—a standard size backpack is perfectly fine.
• Keeping hydrated is critical.  Please purchase a Camelback that can be placed in the backpack.  In that way, you can hike and keep your hands free, and don’t have to worry about dealing with bottles.

OTHER:

• Passport & Ticket
• 1 camera
• 1 water bottle
• Alarm clock (that shuts off automatically for Shabbat)
• 2 baseball caps/tiyul hats
• Sports equipment (baseball glove, balls, Frisbee, football, basketball, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Eye mask/ear plugs
• Notebooks
• Pens
• Large coffee mug with a tight-fitting cover

TOILETRIES:

• Hairbrush
• Shaver
• Shampoo
• Soap / soap holder
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste/Shabbat toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Dental Floss
• Deodorant
• Q-tips
• Contact lens items/glasses (spare pair)

MEDICINES:

• Prescribed medicine (if applicable and arrangements for refills)
• For those with allergies – Benadryl
• Tylenol/Advil