Brian Brannon
This Week's Hebrew Phrases

This Week's Hebrew Phrases

Shalom: Hebrew word meaning Peace, Completeness, Prosperity….It is used to say Hello, and Goodbye. Every hebrew word is like an onion, there are layers of meanings. How you say Shalom, gives the meaning in which you want to say it.

Shabbat —  This is the Hebrew word literally meaning a Ceasing or Stopping. This word is always used the the Hebrew Bible for the seventh day, the Shabbat, the day work ceases for the purpose of rest.

So On Friday until Saturday at sun down, we say SHABBAT SHALOM!

What Should I Pack?

Getting ready!

Packing Suggestions…and this and that!

Several of you have asked me to write a list of things you might want to pack. So I thought I would just send it out to everyone.

You are allowed ONE suitcase, One Carry on. With our bus being full, we really can not have more than that. Any extra luggage is $100.oo per bag on the airlines.

Also, only up to 50lbs,,,they are strict on this!

Weather

First what is the weather going to be like? AMAZING!!!! We are going to be so blessed!!! Tel Aviv- Tiberias is about 71–74 degrees. Jerusalem is 63–69.Might rain a day or two, but that’s it, and that could change..PRAY!

So is going to be beautiful, as of right now ,So this allows for lighter packing than heavy sweaters.

Sunshine the whole time….wonderful!

Layering is the key to this trip. Might be chilly in the morning and evening, but a little warm during the day.

Israel is EXTREMELY casual! The only time you might want to wear something nicer is the dinner out in Jerusalem, Shabbat dinner, and the wedding vow renewal. Pants are fine, you do not have to wear a skirt. We will be walking around afterwards so plan what is good for you.

So……

Jeans/Pants for 10 days, maybe 4 pair…you can wear several times.

Tops/ Shirts, 3/4 sleeve, long, short….mix it up layer…

Sweaters, maybe a couple.

T-shirts you can layer under other things.

Skirt? If you want one for the wedding renewal, but long, or below knee.

Socks

Under garments/night clothes….the hotel has bath robes…I called. If they are not in your room they said to call and they will bring them to you.

Scarfs…they are the best, use when chilly, on the bus, or to use as a pillow, and of course to cover your head. There is nowhere we are going that it is mandatory.

Sweater/Jacket…both…easy to layer.

Shorts…you might want to wear them for Hezekiah tunnel/ Dead sea. But you really won’t anywhere else probably.

Swimsuit, or something modest or something to wear under your Baptism white robe. Also for the Dead Sea

Shoes: Walking shoes (2) you will want to change back and forth. This is the the most important thing…if your feet hurt, your trip is going to be ruined..there is a lot of walking.

Shoes to wear with your nicer outfit.

Water shoes for the Baptism, Hezekiah Tunnel, Dead Sea. Target has them, and you can toss them afterwards. Maybe a pair of flip/flops.

Sunglasses, hats

Outfit for the Bike ride, Jeans/ Exercise/Yoga/Sweatpants pants. Long sleeve top/shirts, jacket, sweater. CASUAL!!! COMFY..dress warm. You can remove clothes as we go along. Don’t forget it will be cooler that time of night. Around 45–47 degrees.

If you want to wear something special for the wedding vow renewal, that is great. Pants and tops are fine also.

Toiletries/Medications

Israel is not big on washcloths, so if you need it…pack a few. ( maybe old ones you can toss)

Everything you use on a daily basis…toothpaste, hair needs, etc..

I take the Travel unscented baby wipes, I take them with me all day. My favorite!

All your medications, and extra things..pain, antibiotics, contacts, ointments, band aids..etc. Tums…anything you can think of…

Miscellaneous

Phones ….call or visit your carrier about using phones, and charges before you leave.

Credit cards…CALL and tell them you are going away with dates. Find out rates…we use our debit cards, no problems.

I also take US currency, they take it everywhere, more than your cards sometimes. Small bills for little things, and tips. In Jerusalem in the Old City, they take your American money. The shops would rather take cash then cards…so think about how much you keep on you. Depending on your shopping….there is a lot of shopping…haha How much money you bring is a personal matter, and depends if you want to purchase items, such as jewelry, and things like a shofar,or other items we will see at certain locations.

Do not use Travelers Checks…they do not like them.

There are plenty of ATMs….

Bible/notebook/pens etc.

Small flashlight…when we walk around at night, and for other things. Good to have.

ADAPTER and/or CONVERTER for all your electrical appliances. Check all your devices for different plug ins.

The Israeli power supply is single phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets in Israel have three pin holes, but many of them will work with double-pin European plugs. Visitors who want to use shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may need both transformers and adaptor plugs.

This is an example of a plug adapter:

Tissues

Camera/ Extra Film chips/ battery charger.Video camera…..etc.

Extra pair of your eyeglasses,,,in case something happens to your other.

Small umbrella…not sure we will need it…but you never know.

Plastic bags, maybe small disposable containers to put collectables in, you will want to take home.(rocks, shells, leaves,flowers…etc)

Pack an extra fold up carry on bag…pack it in your suit case..you’ll want to carry your treasures on the plane home…you have to for Vat Tax, and to keep for breakage.

Not necessary …but I take my binoculars. Never know what you might want to look at….I keep them with me on the bus.

CARRY ON ITEMS…

Passport…and plane information.

A change of clothes…at least a top…things happen. Lost luggage, something spills on you during the flight. Things happen! I actually put it in a plastic bag to keep clean. Back up…

Toiletries/ I always take my makeup with me on the plane.

Maybe a little travel blanket for the flight.

Books, Ipod, Ipad, anything for the long trip. Charger for the Newark airport to recharge while you wait.

Copy of your information of credit cards and passport…hide it in your carry on. ( also leave a copy at home with someone)

Upload your travel books to your Kindle/Ipad/Iphone to save on space.

Ok…I hope this somewhat helped….If you have any questions please ask,….

Its coming soon….you will be in the Holy Land…..

Shalom,

Cindy

Frequently Asked Questions

What are our accommodations?

Are all gratuities included?

Yes! A generous tip to guides, drivers, hotel staff, and those serving you at applicable sites is included in your tour cost. We pray that this provision is a blessing and a testimony to those who serve you in The Land.

What out-of-pocket expenses should I expect?

Please plan to bring spending money for lunches (about$10- $20per day), sodas, bottled water, and personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry,or room service.

Is Insurance included in the tour cost?

Baggage, trip cancellation and emergency medical insurance is not included in the tour cost, but is STRONGLY recommended. Information will be provided upon registration.

How much walking will we be doing?

You will average three to five miles of walking per day on your tour. This walking is done in small increments throughout the day and you will have frequent opportunities to rest if needed. To prepare yourself, start walking a little each day. We recommend properly “breaking in” any shoes you plan to wear while touring.

Money

American dollars can be exchanged into local Israeli Shekels easily and locally, and credit cards are accepted by most merchants. Be sure to alert your credit card company before departure that you will be incurring overseas expenses.

Climate

Temperatures in Israel could be between 50-80 F during the spring and fall, and 70-90 F during the summer with cooler nights in the mountains and a hot day by the Dead Sea (earth’s lowest point). Possible rain showers.

Attire

Bring comfortable shoes and active ware for outdoors, walking, hiking, and swimming. Nicer clothes for evening events if you’d like, though Israel is very casual. Religious sites mandate modest clothing (no shorts, no bare shoulders). We recommend dressing in layers so that you can easily peel some off as the day warms up.

Security

 Immanuel Tours has never had to cancel a Tour due to security concerns. You will be safe 24/7 under the care and guidance of qualified and experienced Israeli professionals.

Guides

 A Professional and experienced Israeli guide will accompany your group from the moment you enter Israel until your departure. They will provide the historical, biblical, cultural, and archeological perspectives for the sites and places we’ll visit, as well as be available for any questions or issues arising during our travels, etc.

Communications

Israel is technologically sophisticated, and you’ll have ample access to WiFi and cellular services. You’ll need to secure your own mobile device’s ability to function overseas (if you are interested) with your service provider.

Passports

Each traveler needs to be in possession of a valid passport with at least six months to expiration at the time of departure. US and Canadian passports do not require a visa to enter Israel. All other nationalities should check with their consulates

Electrical Appliances

The Israeli power supply is single phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets in Israel have three pin holes, but many of them will work with double-pin European plugs. Visitors who want to use shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may need both transformers and adaptor plugs.