Bulletin #1: 2015 Summer Handbook

Important information for participants and parents about the Union for Reform Judaism’s Mitzvah Corps Israel program, sponsored in partnership with the URJ’s NFTY in Israel program

Please read carefully and save for your reference. Refer back to this guide when making pre-trip preparations and during the trip. You will receive Bulletin #2 and Bulletin #3 by email in the spring. Packing list may be found on page 10.

North American Staff Finance Staff Israel Staff Mitzvah Corps and NFTY in Israel NFTY in Israel NFTY in Israel 46 Bowen Road 13 King David Street 633 3rd Avenue, 7th Floor Warwick, NY 10990 Jerusalem, Israel 94101 New York, NY 10017 Phone: (845) 987-6300 Phone: 011 (972) 2-624-6195 Mitzvah Corps Contact: ext. 6354 ext. 101 (212) 650-4071 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] Fax: (845) 986-7185 Fax: 011 (972) 2-624-1295 NFTY in Israel Contact: (212) 452-6517 [email protected] Fax: (212) 650-4016

About Mitzvah Corps Israel Bulletins

Bulletin #1: This Document

This document is Bulletin #1, which contains nearly all the information you will need for making preparations before your Israel summer program, as well as information for parents during the summer. However, this bulletin does not contain information about trip dates or instructions for making domestic travel arrangements (which you should not do until you receive Bulletin #2).

Bulletin #2: Spring Email

You will receive Bulletin #2 by email only, around the first week of April. At this time, the airlines will have confirmed our flight dates, so we are able to share our definite dates and flight times with you. We will also include instructions for making domestic travel arrangements, as well as your group roster, information about renting a cell phone while in Israel, and the details of our pre-summer conference call.

Bulletin #3: Pre-Trip Email

You will receive Bulletin #3 by email only, approximately three to four weeks before your trip’s departure date. In addition to reiterating the most pertinent information from the previous two bulletins, it will include your daily itinerary, information about your staff and Mitzvah Corps Israel’s supervision in general, dates and times when your friends and family in Israel will be able to visit your group, and the details of our social media connections throughout the summer.

Final Email

You will receive a Final Email around a week before your departure with important reminders for the day of travel, including who will serve as your flight chaperone. This email will also include the contact sheet for parents to contact our summer staff if the need arises (we recommend printing and hanging it on your refrigerator).

Table of Contents

Trip Preparation Things to Do Right Now ...... 5 Complete Your Application ...... 5 Passports ...... 6 Put Your Financial Affairs in Order ...... 7 Travel Information ...... 8 Domestic Travel Arrangements ...... 8 International Flights ...... 8 What to Bring ...... 9 Luggage ...... 9 Packing List ...... 10 Electric Current ...... 11 Spending Money ...... 11

While on the Trip NFTY’s Health and Safety Protocols ...... 13 Safety and Security ...... 13 Leaders, Tour Guide-Educators, Staff ...... 14 NFTY’s Brit Kehillah – Code of Conduct ...... 14 Cigarette Smoking ...... 14 Alcohol ...... 14 Healthcare ...... 15 Health and Safety ...... 15 Medical Insurance on International Programs ...... 15 In Case of Illness ...... 15 Medication ...... 16 Immunization Policy Summary ...... 17 Room and Board ...... 18 Accommodations ...... 18 Food ...... 18 Keeping in Touch ...... 19 Cell Phones ...... 19 Other Electronics: Tablets, Laptops, Etc...... 21 Mailing Letters ...... 21 Packages ...... 22 Social Media: Following the Trip from Home ...... 22 Visiting Relatives and Friends ...... 23 Important Contact Information ...... 24

About Mitzvah Corps and NFTY in Israel

Programmatic Partnership and Integration

The Union for Reform Judaism sponsors many programs for youth of all ages. As two of the URJ’s programs dedicated to serving Reform Jewish teens, Mitzvah Corps and NFTY in Israel are partnering to provide an experience that integrates Mitzvah Corps’ expertise in hands-on social justice service with NFTY in Israel’s meaningful, educational travel program. This year, Mitzvah Corps and NFTY in Israel are partnering with Shorashim, a nonprofit organization that builds relationships between Israelis and Americans, and has a long history of providing immersive volunteer opportunities in Israel. They share our values and deep commitment to meaningful programming and the highest levels of health and safety.

Practically speaking, the Mitzvah Corps team in North America will handle general inquiries and questions about programmatic content. The NFTY in Israel team will handle registration, supplemental forms, international travel, program arrangements in Israel, and communication regarding preparation for the trip. Together, we have planned the itinerary, social justice modules and informal education components.

At any time, you may hear directly from either the Mitzvah Corps staff or the NFTY in Israel staff. We will always provide contact information for the appropriate staff to reach in case of questions or follow-up.

Peace of Mind

The health, safety and security of our participants and peace of mind for their parents are our highest priority. Our leadership makes every decision regarding all aspects of our programs with great care, based on nearly six decades of experience in camping, youth work and travel programs in Israel, Europe and North America. The Union for Reform Judaism has a special relationship with and responsibility toward our young people. We take our obligation seriously and expect to be held accountable for the quality of our program and the caliber of our supervision. Our offices in New York and Jerusalem are in touch daily by email and phone with our supervisors on tour in Israel and Europe. In case of an emergency, parents are able to reach our group leaders and senior supervisors in Israel and Europe 24 hours a day. Our Union for Reform Judaism senior staff is available virtually around the clock to answer all questions and concerns regarding our programs in Europe and Israel.

Our Staff in North America

The Mitzvah Corps team in the United States is comprised of Jonah Freelander and Alexa Broida. Jonah joined the team in 2012 after many years as a teacher in New York. Alexa has been managing Mitzvah Corps programs since 2011 and has also served as the NFTY MAR regional advisor. Together, they work to ensure the highest quality of service learning experiences all around the world, engaging Jewish teens and connecting our youth with opportunities to make lasting change in the lives of others.

The NFTY in Israel office in the United States is located in New York City together with the entire youth programs office of the Union for Reform Judaism. Paul Reichenbach, who is the URJ Director of Camp

and Israel Programs, has overseen NFTY in Israel since 1977 and supervises the NFTY in Israel staff. Laurence Jacobs is the Coordinator of NFTY travel programs and works together with our Registrar, Dan Garwood, who handles the registrations and forms for each participant. Denise Bulnes, our Bursar, works out of the URJ Kutz Camp office year-round in Warwick, New York. Throughout the country, we work closely with the NFTY regional staff and URJ camp staff, who are also able to respond to your questions or concerns before the summer commences.

Our Staff in Israel

The NFTY in Israel office in Jerusalem is fully staffed year-round and is based on the campus of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Rabbi Richard Kirschen is the Director of NFTY in Israel and Rabbi David Wilfond is our Director of Education. They work in close contact with our staff in the United States and with Baruch Kraus, the Principal of our NFTY-EIE High School in Israel. Ruby Sommer serves as our Associate Director, leading a large supporting cast in providing administrative, programmatic and logistical support before and during the summer. Trip Preparation

Things to Do Right Now

Complete Your Registration

Be sure to pay immediate attention to completing the additional forms necessary for your acceptance and participation. These forms are available online at urjisrael.campintouch.com. Some forms are filled out and submitted in your web browser, some are printed, filled out by hand and uploaded back to your account. Please only print and fill out by hand where designated.

All Forms Must Be Submitted by May 1. □ Photo Upload □ URJ Health History and Examination Forms – Divided into 4 parts o Health History o Immunization History o Insurance Cards and Authorization o Medical Examination Form – To be completed by your pediatrician □ Clergy Recommendation □ Brit Kehillah – Code of Conduct □ Participant Survey □ Passport Information □ Visitor Information – optional, if you will have visitors during the summer □ Parent/Guardian Vacation Information – optional, if your parents will be away from home during the summer

Complete instructions for these forms are available online at www.nftyisrael.org/forms.

Doctor’s Appointments After May 1 We understand that many families have their annual physical appointments after our May 1 deadline. If this is the case for your family, please fill out and submit the first three sections of the medical form by May 1. The Examination Form may be submitted as soon as it is complete. There is no need to contact us if you will be sending the final pieces of the Health History form after May 1, but please know that you will still receive automated reminder emails from us.

Passports

If you have not already done so, check your passport to make certain it will be valid for six months after you return from Israel (this is a requirement of the Israeli government). If it will be invalid or you do not have a passport, apply immediately for a passport at your nearest passport office or post office to avoid the spring rush. Please be aware that processing a passport can take months. Visit travel.state.gov/passport for more information about passports.

To obtain a passport, you will need: 1. Processing Fee The fees charged by the U.S. State Department for processing your passport application varies depending on the age of the teen, and whether the application is a first-time application or a renewal, up to $165. Additional fees may apply for optional services like expedited processing. Expedited service costs $60, so do not wait until spring to apply for a passport or renewal. Full information on processing fees may be found at travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/information/fees.html. 2. Proof of Citizenship For first time applicants, a birth certificate or naturalization certificate is required for proof of citizenship. Passport renewals simply require your previously issued passport. 3. Photographs One photo is required. This must have been taken in the last six months and be full-face shots with a white background. The pictures must be in color. You can have these photos taken for a small fee at any photo shop or copy center.

After you receive your passport: Go to urjisrael.campintouch.com and fill out the Passport Form. Please do not send us your passport!

A Note About Foreign Passports If you have a foreign passport and do not also have a United States or Canadian passport, you may need a visa to enter Israel. Please call Laurence Jacobs at (212) 650-4216 to determine if a visa is required. Applying for a visa is your responsibility, but NFTY in Israel will help you as much as possible to complete this process.

Put Your Financial Affairs in Order Billing Office Contact Information Denise Bulnes, Bursar NFTY in Israel Phone: (845) 987-6300 ext. 6354 46 Bowen Road Email: [email protected] Warwick, NY 10990 Fax: (845) 986-7185

Please make checks payable to NFTY in Israel, note the applicant’s name on the memo line, and mail to the above address.

All questions concerning financial arrangements should be directed to Denise.

Finalize Your Payment Schedule with NFTY You will receive an invoice by email in advance of the March 1 interim payment deadline. You can also access your invoice through your CampInTouch account (urjisrael.campintouch.com) or you may request an updated invoice from Denise at any time. An interim payment of $1,000 is due on or before March 1. If you register after March 1, your $1,000 interim payment is due immediately. Your final balance is due May 1.

We ask that you please make your interim and final payments by check. You can simply mail a check for the balance due to the address above. To pay by credit card, please call Denise at the phone number above. If you choose to pay your final balance by credit card, a 2.5% convenience fee will be added.

A Note Regarding Program Fees All program fees are based on airfares and costs as of the preceding October and are subject to change, though this is rare. International airfare is included in your tuition and is based on the cost of flying out of Philadelphia. We will always contact you in the event we are required to adjust fees.

Scholarships for Mitzvah Corps Israel Thanks to generous funding, we're excited to be able to work with congregations to make Mitzvah Corps Israel a reality for as many teens as possible. Between now and March 31, 2015, we are offering dollar- for-dollar matching scholarships up to $1,000. Please contact the Mitzvah Corps office at (212) 650- 4071 or [email protected] for more information.

Additionally, you may be eligible for a need-based or merit-based scholarship from one of the following sources:

1. Your synagogue and/or clergy discretionary funds 2. Your local Jewish Federation or Bureau of Jewish Education 3. Some NFTY regions have scholarship funds; contact your regional NFTY staff to find out if such funds are available and how to apply

Travel Information

Domestic Travel Arrangements

Participants and parents are responsible for all domestic travel arrangements and associated costs. In Bulletins #2 and #3 you will be told when and where to meet your group on the program’s day of departure. Mitzvah Corps Israel departs from and returns to Philadelphia.

Please wait for instructions contained in Bulletin #2 before you book your domestic flight arrangements. You will receive Bulletin #2 in late April.

Bulletin #3 includes instructions for making the easy transfer from the domestic terminals at Philadelphia Airport to the international terminal where the group will rendezvous on the day of departure. We do not facilitate these transfers – thousands of NFTY in Israel alumni have done so in the past without incident. We will provide emergency contact information for our staff at the airport in case you encounter difficulty while making the transfer.

International Flights

NFTY in Israel programs fly only on American, Israeli and European Airlines via regularly scheduled or special chartered flights. These airlines provide and follow the highest American, Israeli and European standards of safety and security at airports and in the air.

What to Bring

Luggage

Before the summer, you’ll receive a set of three NFTY luggage tags. We send them around the same time as the Bulletin #3 email.

Please plan on bringing the following types of baggage: 1. Carry-On Backpack You may bring one small carry‐on bag with you on your airplane flights. We request that you bring a schoolbag-sized backpack, which you will need every day during your trip. This is the bag you will carry every day with your water bottle, camera, hat, and whatever else you will need during the day while traveling. Remember, it must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you on the airplane. On the day of your departure, we recommend packing travel-sized toiletries, a change of clothes and a sweatshirt/sweater, your valuables, medications, snacks (no drinks!) and anything else you will need for the plane ride and your first 24 hours on the trip. 2. Large Suitcase or Duffel You should pack most of your belongings into one large bag. We strongly recommend a soft-sided or partially-structured duffel-style bag with wheels, similar to the bag pictured here. Hard-sided and rigidly structured bags are much more challenging for our participants to handle during the summer.

Weight: The airline will only allow a maximum weight of 50 pounds for your checked bag. Do not over-pack. You will be charged extra by the airline for overweight baggage and your bag may be bumped off the flight. See the packing list (next page) for tips to keep your bag’s weight under the limit.

Size: Different airlines have different size restrictions for checked luggage, usually a maximum for the added dimensions of length, width and height. Please check the website of the airline we have booked for your travel for their specific size restrictions. In general, a bag that weighs near 50 pounds when full will be well within the size limits. 3. Small Collapsible Nylon Duffel This bag should be versatile so it can be used for various different purposes. During the trip, it may be used as a laundry bag. When departing from America for Israel, you should collapse this bag and pack it in your large suitcase.

Lost Luggage Our experience has been that delayed luggage (meaning that it does not arrive on the same flight as the group) usually arrives on the next flight. If it is determined that luggage is indeed lost and is not retrievable, the group leaders will assist the participant in purchasing whatever items he or she needs. The cost of these purchases is the sole responsibility of the participant and his or her parents.

Packing List

This packing list is comprehensive. While some participants may choose to bring items not listed here, we find that participants will have everything they need for the summer if they follow this list.

□ Passport (this is the only piece of ID you will need; do not bring other forms of ID) □ 14 pairs of socks □ 14 sets underwear Flip-Flops and Tank Tops: You may bring flip- □ 1 - 2 sweaters or sweatshirts flops and tank tops with you if you wish, □ Pajamas which you will be permitted to wear while □ 1 - 2 bathing suits hanging out at your hotel. During daily □ 1 - 2 large towels (for the beach or the pool) touring, you will only be allowed to wear □ 12 short-sleeved shirts (not tank tops) closed-toed shoes and regular T-shirts to □ 2 pairs of jeans (1 pair may get very dirty) prevent injury and sunburn. □ 5 - 7 pairs of shorts □ 1 - 2 skirts that are knee-length or longer for holy sites (women) □ Shabbat clothing (casual but appropriate for services; mix-and-match for 4 or 5 Shabbat services) □ Kippa/Yarmulke (required for men, optional for women) and Talit (optional) □ 1 pair hiking boots, trail shoes, or sneakers (broken in, comfortable for walking and standing) □ 1 pair casual shoes (flip-flops, boat shoes, Tom’s, Converse, etc.) □ 1 pair sandals with a heel strap (Teva or Chaco, etc.) or water shoes (Keen, etc.) – No Crocs □ Hygienic and shaving supplies o Dry-skin lotion o Shampoo o Soap/body wash o Deodorant o Toothbrushes and toothpaste o Facial tissues o Disposable razors and shaving cream o Band-Aids □ 1-2 water canteens or bottles that can hold a combined total of 3 liters – Required (Nalgene or Camelbak recommended) □ Baseball hat or bucket hat (not a sun visor) – Required □ Sunglasses – Required □ Mesh laundry bag – Required □ Sunscreen – Required □ Flashlight with extra batteries – Required □ Insect repellent – Required □ Camera □ Wristwatch – Required □ Travel diary/journal □ Small mirror (optional) □ Sewing kit (optional) □ Pens and other writing materials (post cards and stamps must be purchased while on the trip) □ Traveling clothes line and clothes pins for hand washing (optional) □ Packages of Crystal Light or Kool-Aid, etc. to flavor your canteen water (optional) Additional Information Israel is an informal country with a hot summer climate. Lightweight, easily laundered, drip-dry, cotton or cotton-blend sports clothing is recommended for most touring days. Hiking boots, trail shoes or very supportive sneakers, as well as a hat (not a visor), sunglasses and water bottle are absolutely essential for the extensive walking you will be doing in Israel, which will take you over rocky terrain, up mountains, and through deserts. Be sure to mark all items with your name.

Packing Tips To save room and weight in your suitcase, we recommend the following tips:  Wear your heaviest pair of shoes on the airplane.  Liquids are heavy; pack travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and other necessary toiletries for the first few days of the trip, then buy more when a supermarket or pharmacy is available in Israel.  Pack at least one change of clothes and a sweater or sweatshirt in your carry-on; this will save weight in your suitcase, and you’ll have a change of clothes in case your luggage is delayed.  Don’t pack anything in your collapsible bag on the way to Israel. It can be unwieldy to carry three full bags on the trip.  Pack your valuables, medications and whatever you will need for the first 24-36 hours of the program in your carry-on bag.

Protecting Your Valuables Upon arrival at your first destination on all NFTY in Israel programs, passports will be held in a safe place by your NFTY group leaders until departure. You should leave at home any unnecessary documents such as U.S. driver's license, school ID or credit cards that you will not need in Israel. In addition, you should leave behind any expensive watches, jewelry or other sentimental belongings to avoid losing them along the way.

Electric Current

Electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC (in the U.S. and Canada it is 110 volts) and uses Type C (two- prong) and Type H (three-prong) plugs. We recommend that any adapters you buy are Type C plugs, as these can plug into both types of outlets. Transformers to convert voltage can be purchased at Radio Shack and other electronics stores. Appliances such as hair dryers, hair straighteners, radios and clocks require transformers to convert the 220 volts from the wall into the 110 volts usable by the appliance. Electronics like smartphones and music players usually have plugs with dual voltage already built into their systems, so you will only need an adapter for the prongs.

Spending Money

Spending money for gifts, extra snacks and miscellaneous items must be provided by each participant on the program and is not included in the program fee. We find that $400-$600 ($100-$150 per week) is the average amount spent by participants on a 4 week NFTY in Israel program. If you are planning to purchase many gifts, you may need more. Our teens mostly spend their money on snacks and souvenirs.

Do not bring cash! Do not bring traveler’s checks! Do not purchase Israeli Shekels before leaving for the trip!

Exception: We suggest that you bring about $50 in American/Canadian cash in small bills so you have cash for the first 24 hours of the program, upon your return at the end, and in the event you can’t use your ATM card right away. Do not pack it in your luggage.

Managing Your Money on the Trip Please plan to bring a debit card or ATM card with you for withdrawing cash. We recommend using a card provided by your own bank or preferred pre-paid debit card service. Please make sure that you notify your bank that the card will be used in Israel. You will also want to inquire about the foreign transaction fees you will incur. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted throughout Israel, but vendors and ATMs that accept American Express are much less common. Any debit card that is connected to the MasterCard or Visa system will be usable at any vendor that also accepts those credit cards.

For your own convenience and peace of mind during the trip, we suggest you discuss with your debit/ATM card provider how you can track the account balance from home and provide additional funds if needed.

Please know that NFTY in Israel staff are unable to provide support for lost or stolen ATM cards brought from home. However, if a debit/ATM card is lost during the trip, we will ensure your teen has access to spending money.

What About Cash? Throughout the trip, ATMs will be regularly available so that participants do not have to carry large amounts of cash. Staff will suggest when to take out cash for spending money. You will have the opportunity to withdraw local currency from an ATM shortly after landing in Israel.

Important: At the end of the summer make sure that you have at least $25 (U.S. or Canadian currency) to cover miscellaneous expenses on the way home (bus, cab, airport meal, telephone, etc.).

Group Kupah (Kitty) At the beginning of your program, each participant contributes approximately $30 in U.S. currency or the equivalent in Israeli Shekels into the group kupah. The group uses these funds for special occasions such as birthday parties or an occasional group treat. At the conclusion of the program, any funds remaining in the kupah are used to purchase the group t-shirt.

You will give your kupah money to your staff upon arrival in Israel. We suggest bringing cash from home in a specially labeled envelope. You may bring this cash in addition to the $50 suggested for emergency spending money.

Laundry Laundry service will be provided approximately three times during the trip. Laundry will be picked up by a laundry service and returned within 48 hours (washed, dried and folded). The cost of laundry is not included in the program cost and is paid by each participant from his or her own spending money. Please budget approximately $50-$70 towards laundry expenses in your teen’s spending money when calculating the amount of money you will send with your teen over the summer. We find this amount generally covers the whole summer’s laundry expenses. We ask that each teen come with a mesh laundry bag specifically for this service. Teens will pay the laundry service in Israeli cash, so do not send American cash for this purpose.

Summary – What to Bring  Your own debit/ATM card with access to $400-$600 ($100-$150 per week), plus an additional $50-$70 for laundry  $50 cash in small bills of U.S. or Canadian currency for expenses on the day of travel  $30 cash in a labeled envelop to contribute to the group Kupah While on the Trip

NFTY’s Health and Safety Protocols

Safety and Security

Since 1958, NFTY has been sponsoring outstanding summer and semester programs in Israel. During that time, NFTY has earned a well-deserved reputation for aspiring to provide the highest standard of health, safety and security in all its youth travel programs. Much has been learned since 2001 regarding how to operate a program that always places the welfare of young people entrusted to our care above all other considerations. Parents will always be able to reach, at a moment’s notice, NFTY staff in Israel to respond to questions or concerns. We will always do all we can to answer the questions of participants and parents regarding travel to Israel and precautions taken. It is our goal to provide as much information as we can so that each family is able to make an informed decision regarding the participation of their son or daughter. Please don’t hesitate to call or write at any time.

 NFTY is cautious and conservative  Throughout their stay, NFTY groups reside in secure accommodations  With appropriate safety protocols in place, NFTY provides comprehensive touring and educational programs focused on ancient and modern Israel  NFTY’s full-time education and logistics professionals in Israel consult daily with the Security Department of the Jewish Agency for Israel who are in constant contact with the government, police and military authorities, to ensure that planned routes and destinations are safe  NFTY groups only travel in the safest and most secure areas  NFTY groups are accompanied by an Israeli security guard as prescribed by the Jewish Agency’s Security Department and travel only in our own chartered buses – never on public transportation  Parents can reach the program supervisors and group leaders in Israel and North America 24 hours a day for the duration of the program  Contingency plans are in place and will be implemented if necessary to move groups to safety and/or to bring them home as appropriate  NFTY participants and parents must sign the NFTY Code of Conduct, signifying their willingness to abide by all rules, regulations and safety guidelines throughout the program  NFTY staff members and participants receive a thorough orientation regarding expectations for appropriate behavior and safety and security procedures and protocols

 It is our goal to provide as much information as possible, enabling families to make informed decisions about their teen’s participation

This summer we look forward to welcoming hundreds of teens to Israel on NFTY’s programs and to providing them with a wonderful summer adventure full of fun, friendship and personal discovery.

Leaders, Tour Guide-Educators, Staff

The Mitzvah Corps Israel group will consist of approximately 30 teens who will travel together on a bus with 4 adult staff: a tour educator, a group leader, a counselor and an Israeli medic/security guard.

Many of Mitzvah Corp’s group leaders are alumni of Reform synagogues, NFTY and our Union for Reform Judaism camps. Every leader has years of experience working with teens, a love of Reform Judaism and extensive knowledge of Israel and the sites to be visited. NFTY in Israel insists that senior group leaders are mature adults who truly understand the depth of responsibility for the well-being of young people entrusted to their care. Mitzvah Corps Israel group leaders participate in an intense training program alongside the rest of the NFTY in Israel summer staff covering every aspect of their responsibility for teens.

NFTY’s Brit Kehillah – Code of Conduct

In order to ensure the success of our NFTY in Israel programs, we ask every participant and parent to read and sign NFTY’s Brit Kehillah – Code of Conduct. Participants not able to live within the reasonable boundaries set forth in the Code may ultimately be asked to leave the program, at the discretion of the Union for Reform Judaism and NFTY in Israel executive staff. The full text is available at www.nftyisrael.org/mytrip. You will be asked to electronically sign the Brit Kehillah as part of the supplemental forms available at www.nftyisrael.org/mytrip/forms.

Cigarette Smoking

In order to protect the health of all participants and in compliance with tobacco related laws in North America, the Union for Reform Judaism, Mitzvah Corps and NFTY in Israel have a firm no smoking policy for all programs.

Alcohol

We are proud of our superb tradition for creating healthy and supportive environments for teenagers.

Parents, please be sure to discuss the following with your teen: 1. The purchase or drinking of alcoholic beverages will not be tolerated. 2. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to expel participants from our program. 3. Even if your teen is 18 years old (legal drinking age in Israel), they are expected to adhere to our alcohol policy while participating on this program.

Most of our participants will have heard that alcohol is readily available in Israel regardless of age. Our participants have easy access to purchase alcohol in many stores or kiosks. Purchasing or drinking alcohol will not be tolerated. Please make sure that your son or daughter understands the consequences for such behavior while on the Mitzvah Corps Israel program.

The Mitzvah Corps and NFTY in Israel executive staff will determine the process regarding how issues of discipline will be handled. All decisions made are carefully and thoroughly considered and take into account the situation and individual participant(s) involved.

Healthcare

Health and Safety

Health and personal safety are always our highest priorities. NFTY in Israel’s executive staff reviews each itinerary daily, ensuring group safety and security. NFTY in Israel’s network of doctors and nurses, together with Mitzvah Corps group leaders and staff, provide an unsurpassed level of health care, safety and supervision. Group leaders are trained in health, safety and security issues and are familiar with the personal medical histories of every participant in their group. A trained medic will travel with the Mitzvah Corps Israel group to coordinate health care issues.

Medical Insurance on International Programs

The cost of your program includes automatic enrollment in a travel health insurance plan. Your membership entitles you to treatment (doctors, hospitals, medicine, etc.) in Israel. It does not cover the costs of continuing illness, pre-existing conditions, dental work, eyeglasses or medications such as allergy shots.

If you choose to go to a doctor or hospital privately, you will have to pay directly. In Israel, the cost of private medical care is the same as in the United States and Canada. We strongly urge that sickness and accident coverage be provided for you under your family’s policy in the United States or Canada for medical expenses incurred in the event medical treatment must be continued when you return home. In other words, be certain to maintain your existing health insurance policy.

Please note that our insurance provider requires the participant’s passport information in order to offer coverage. It is essential that we receive your passport information in a timely manner in order to ensure that you are covered from the beginning of the program.

In Case of Illness

If you do not feel well, inform your group leader. The group medical staff will help you decide whether over-the-counter medications carried in the group’s first-aid kit are appropriate treatment. If need be, arrangements will be made for you to be examined by a physician who can travel to your hotel, at a clinic or at a hospital emergency room (the usual procedure in most countries after regular office hours).

In case of an accident, you will be taken to the nearest emergency facility to determine the extent of the injury. When an unusual or significant medical event occurs, our medical coordinator in Israel will contact parents (or emergency contacts, if parents are unavailable). Parents will be notified only in the event of illness that is beyond the usual day-to-day medical situations typical to a NFTY in Israel program.

Parents, please keep in mind that slight stomach upsets and/or colds are common, as your teen becomes accustomed to a new environment and changes in food and water. They are usually short in duration and should not cause alarm. Mitzvah Corps Israel takes every precaution possible in caring for young people entrusted to our care. If your teen contacts you to complain of an illness, please first ask if he or she has told the group staff. We can only provide medical care if we are made aware of the issue. Please encourage your teen to contact his or her group staff before you call our office in New York, as it will take longer for us to relay a message from you back to our staff in Israel than it will for your teen simply to inform the staff.

Medication

Although most medicines are readily available in most countries, you should make advance preparations to bring the regular medications you will need for your 4 week program. Usually Israeli doctors are more hesitant to medicate than their American counterparts.

Medication During the Summer Participants on NFTY in Israel programs are responsible for carrying, administering and caring for their own medications. In some extreme circumstances, on a case by case basis, the staff may be able to assist with this.

Bring an extra prescription or note from your doctor listing the brand name, generic names and active ingredients of the medication(s) you are taking. This is important for bringing medications through customs and in case you need to quickly get a replacement of your medication.

Allergy Shots, Insulin and Growth Hormone Injections If you require injections, be sure to bring your serum with you. Shots for chronic conditions are not covered by your Union for Reform Judaism-NFTY in Israel travel health insurance plan. If your shots require a clinician to administer them, you will be responsible for any fees incurred both for administration of the shots and transportation to and from the clinic.

If your medication requires refrigeration, make sure you remind your group leader so that arrangements can be made. Please be sure to bring an insulated carrying case to protect your temperature-sensitive serum on the plane and when traveling between hotels. Bring chemical cold packs (the kind used for sports injuries) so you can maintain the temperature in your carrying case as necessary.

URJ Camp and Israel Programs Medication Disclosure and Medication Vacation Policy The URJ Camp and Israel Programs require that parents fully disclose on the camper health history form all medications that their teen has been taking within the last six months. If it is the intention of parents to keep their child off certain routine medication for the summer–especially during their time at camp– we require that this be disclosed as well.

For the full URJ Camp and Israel Programs Statement on Medication Vacations, please visit urjyouth.org/camps/medication-vacation-policy.

Immunization Policy Summary

All those attending URJ Camp and Israel programs are required to have had all age-appropriate vaccines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Canadian Paediatric Society, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), with the exceptions noted.

The AAP list of vaccines that are required for URJ Israel program participants and staff:

• DTaP, DT, Td, or Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis) • Tdap vaccine is now required for children over age 11 • IPV (Poliovirus) • HIB (Haemophilus influenza type b bacteria) • PCV 13 (Pneumococcal) vaccine • Rotavirus vaccine • Hepatitis B • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) or serologic evidence of immunity. • Varicella vaccine (Varivax – for Chicken Pox), or serologic or historical evidence of immunity • Menactra (Meningococcal disease / Meningitis) - required for those age 11 and older

Strongly Recommended Vaccines: • The URJ Camp and Israel Programs strongly recommend the administration of the Hepatitis A vaccine according to the standard AAP/CDC vaccine schedule. Please consult with your doctor about the recommended AAP/CDC schedule for the Hepatitis A vaccine. • Due to recent outbreaks of Pertussis and to the possibility that immunity may deteriorate over time, we are strongly recommending the Tdap booster for those 11 and over who need a Tetanus containing booster and who have not already had one Tdap. • Seasonal flu vaccine, which since 2009 has included immunization against the H1N1 virus.

The URJ makes the following exceptions:  Gardasil or Cervarix (HPV vaccine): though recommended by the AAP and CDC, it is relatively new for both young women and young men, and we are not in a position to mandate its use.  Menactra: In Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization has not yet endorsed general use of Menactra; therefore, Menactra is not covered by the provincial health plans. Accordingly, while Canadian participants, faculty and staff attending URJ Camp and Israel Programs are strongly advised to receive Menactra, at this time they will not be mandated to receive it.

Policy Exceptions: We recognize that individuals who have had a documented allergy or severe adverse reaction to a particular vaccine will not be able to receive further doses of that individual vaccine. In addition, individuals with medical conditions such as congenital immunodeficiency or HIV, malignancies receiving chemotherapy, transplant patients, and persons receiving immunosuppressive drugs and chronic steroids will not be able to receive certain vaccines. In these instances, a physician

documenting the problem and exempting the child from further doses of that specific vaccine must be furnished to the Camp or Israel Program. In addition, if an individual or his/her family believes that a specific situation poses extenuating circumstances, and furnishes a letter from a medical doctor (MD) substantiating this contention, the program will review such situations on a case by case basis.

Complete URJ Camp and Israel Programs Immunization Policy urjyouth.org/camps/vaccination-policy

Room and Board

Accommodations

Mitzvah Corps and NFTY in Israel believe that the participants’ personal comfort and convenience contribute to a successful summer experience. Therefore, we provide appropriate accommodations and three substantial meals per day throughout the program. Conditions at different locations vary, but all offer safe and clean environments.

Usually 2-4 individuals share a room. Room assignments will rotate to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to meet other people and spend time with new and old friends. Initial rooming assignments will be made by the group staff before the trip begins. Subsequent room assignments will be made taking participant requests into account.

Accommodations will be in 3 star level hotels, kibbutz guesthouses of the same level, and may include camping out.

Food What to Expect Eating in foreign countries is a gastronomic adventure, especially in the Middle East. Please be open to sampling the local cuisine, as it will add to your appreciation of the travel experience.

Breakfast is usually a light buffet of cereals, rolls and spreads, eggs or pancakes and often yogurts, cheeses and salads.

Lunch and Dinner are served in a variety of ways. Some of the meals will be taken with the full group at a restaurant or hotel. We’ll frequently eat box meals on the road. Occasionally, we give participants the opportunity to purchase their own meals in specifically designated and selected neighborhoods. We will provide teens with funds to cover the cost of these meals.

Dietary Restrictions NFTY in Israel has significant experience providing food for teens with all kinds of dietary needs, both medical and personal choice. In over 50 years, we’ve seen it all! You’ll inform us of your dietary restrictions on your health history form, but please be sure to remind your group leader when you meet them in Israel so we can make sure you have healthy and satisfying meals.

Kashrut Keeping Kosher in Israel is easy, but you can always ask your group staff if you’re unsure whether a restaurant is serving kosher food.

Keeping in Touch

Cell Phones Regarding Phone Usage While we encourage our teens to stay in touch with their families and friends by phone, we do have a few guidelines for their use.

 Always remember the time difference! Israel is 7 to 10 hours later than local time in the continental United States and Canada. Try not to wake up your teens in the middle of the night – they need their sleep!  Mitzvah Corps Israel participants are not permitted to use their cell phones during any tour or program time. Parents, please do not call our offices or group staff looking for your teen, as this is likely the reason he or she is unable to answer their phones.  Please do not set times to speak by phone in advance, as both our schedule or yours could unexpectedly change, causing unnecessary anxiety when you cannot connect by phone.  Please do not ask your teen to call home on a daily or mostly-daily basis, as this can be disruptive to the itinerary, programming or experience on the whole. Please do encourage your teen to call during free time.  Please do not ask your teen to call immediately after arrival, as there are all kinds of circumstances that could make it difficult for teens to call home when they first arrive in the country. We will provide you with instructions for tracking our group flights and send notification emails upon their safe arrival.  Most of Israel has consistent cell phone service, but some remote areas (like the Negev Desert) may not. Please keep in mind your teen’s itinerary when trying to reach them by cell phone.

Smartphones As smartphones become more integrated into teens’ Be Careful: All smartphones provide the daily lives, it is important to address their use on the option to allow “Data Roaming” when Mitzvah Corps Israel program. As with regular cell outside of your normal service area. Data phones, teens will not be allowed to use roaming on an international network is smartphones during times that would be disruptive exorbitantly expensive, unless you have to programming. There are many practical uses for made prior arrangements with your service smartphones on a summer Israel program, including: provider for a foreign data plan. You must disable this option before bringing your  Contacting program staff and family phone to Israel, unless you have made members while in transit at U.S. airports appropriate prior arrangements. Mitzvah  Posting about the trip to social media Corps and NFTY in Israel will not be  Keeping in touch with friends and family responsible for any fees you incur for  Personal entertainment during down time international phone usage.

If you do choose to bring a smartphone, you will have two options for connecting it to the internet.

 Free public Wi-Fi, when available  Using a foreign data plan (options detailed below)

Mitzvah Corps and NFTY in Israel will not be responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen smartphones. If you are uncomfortable sending your teen with a smartphone, you may wish to consider the phone rental option described below.

Bringing a Phone from Home If you choose to bring a cell phone from home, you will have different options to connect to cellular phone and/or data service in Israel, depending on your service provider. Please do not contact NFTY for assistance with these options. Your cell phone provider will have the best information available about using a U.S. cell phone in a foreign country.

 If your phone accepts a SIM card, you may be able to rent a SIM card to provide cell and/or mobile data service in Israel. Before leaving for Israel, you will need your cellular service provider to unlock your phone so that it can be used on a different network. Your local wireless store should be able to perform this service for a small fee.  If your phone does not accept a SIM card, you may be able to supplement your current mobile plan with a foreign roaming service, which will allow your teen to use his or her phone in Israel at a preferred rate. You must add this service to your mobile plan before your teen departs for Israel, otherwise you may be charged the full cost of roaming on a foreign cellular network. Your cellular provider may have plans for both phone and data service.  If are not sure about the above options, please contact your service provider directly for assistance with using your cellular phone in Israel.  Any Wi-Fi enabled phone can connect to free public Wi-Fi internet service without making prior arrangements. Such service is common in Israel, though connection quality varies. As such, we do not recommend using free Wi-Fi to connect to internet telephone service (such as Skype or FaceTime) as your primary means of communication during the summer, but it will likely be adequate for less data-intensive tasks, such as email and Facebook.

Renting a Cell Phone or SIM Card We work with an Israeli company called IsraelPhones to provide cell phone rentals to participants on our programs. We will provide information on the costs and a link to the online order form in the Bulletin #2 email you’ll receive in early spring. You will have the option of renting a cell phone or just a SIM card for use in an unlocked phone you provide. If you choose to rent a phone, you can purchase insurance on the phone, and Israel Phones can replace a phone that has been lost, damaged or stolen. The same service cannot be provided for your own phone if you rent a SIM card.

It is not essential for your teen to have access to a cell phone in Israel, but it is highly recommended. The Mitzvah Corps Israel staff appreciates being able to contact teens by phone in the unlikely event of emergency.

Calling Cards If you do not wish to have a cell phone in Israel, you can bring an international calling card for use when a land line is available. You can purchase a pre-paid card (make sure to check the rates for calling the U.S. from Israel) or your American phone carrier may have a plan for customers.

Other Electronics: Tablets, Laptops, Etc. A Word of Caution In general, we strongly recommend against bringing expensive electronics on Mitzvah Corps Israel, as the chance of loss, damage or theft can be high on a densely packed itinerary like ours. However, we recognize the expanding culture of social connectivity prevalent among today’s teens, and do not forbid electronics. That said, we encourage families to consider the summer in Israel as an excellent way to “disconnect” from usual internet communication behavior.

As with cell phones, computer or electronic usage will not be allowed to disrupt the program.

Internet and Email Participants may have very limited access to public computers at some hotels. Do not count on being able to maintain constant email or social media contact in this way.

Free public Wi-Fi is often available, though not always, at our hotels. This is the only way you will be able to connect a tablet, laptop, e-Reader or iPod Touch to the internet. To reiterate, however, we recommend that you leave your expensive electronics at home for the summer.

Mailing Letters

Feel free to write often, but keep in mind that mail service between North America and Israel can often be slow; letters may take up to three weeks to arrive in Israel. During the summer, we distribute mail to our groups usually twice each week.

Sending Mail to Israel Mark the envelope clearly ISRAEL and AIRMAIL.

Under the best of circumstances it takes 7 to 10 days for regular airmail letters to reach Israel. Nothing should be mailed to Israel after whatever date is at least 10 days before your teen’s date of return.

Please send mail to the following address (note there is no ZIP code for mailing letters): NFTY in Israel 13 King David Street Jerusalem, ISRAEL Attn: First and Last Name, Mitzvah Corps

Sending Mail from Israel Our staff will help participants purchase postage and will collect any mail to send on a regular basis. If you plan on writing letters, be sure to bring pens, airmail paper and airmail envelopes with you. Postcards, of course, can be purchased just about everywhere.

Packages

Please do not send care packages to your teen, even though we know you care a lot! Package service can be exorbitantly expensive and take a long time. Additionally, all packages sent to Israel will be inspected by customs and may be subject to import duties (sometimes as much as 100% of the cost of the item) that your teen will be required to pay in order to receive the package. If you must send a care package, contact an Israeli merchant who can deliver it to our Jerusalem office.

Forgot to Pack Essentials? If you have forgotten to pack a truly essential item (retainers, glasses, medications and the like), please contact our New York office for assistance in getting the items to Israel. You can reach us at (212) 452-6517 or [email protected].

Social Media: Following the Trip from Home

Over the past several years, NFTY in Israel has developed several channels for communicating the excitement and adventure of the trip back to friends and family at home. You will receive complete details in Bulletin #3, but for now you can check out www.nftyisrael.org/social/ to see all the different platforms we use. You can even Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nftyisrael and www.facebook.com/nftymitzvahcorps) and start following us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/nftyisrael and www.twitter.com/mitzvahcorps) now!

Setting Expectations Please know that during the summer we put every effort into ensuring there is a regular stream of photos, tweets, blog posts and newsletters coming in from our groups in Israel. However, there are very likely to be disruptions to this stream during the summer for a few reasons.

1. The health and safety of our teens is our absolute highest priority. Our staff will not prioritize social media updates over ensuring that all our teens are safe and well cared for. 2. The intensity of our itinerary sometimes makes for a hectic schedule on the ground. Staff simply may not have the time to post updates while ensuring that the buses are loaded on time, meals are served and planned programming is executed. 3. Technological constraints may hinder the process. A laptop might refuse to interface with a camera, a memory card could physically break, the internet at a hotel could be down or have too little bandwidth. Even in the present day, technology can be unpredictable, especially when frequently on the move.

If you have not heard from our group via social media, please do not be alarmed or assume that there is something wrong. We will always contact families directly by phone or email in the case of a significant concern. We will send information about group-wide or program-wide concerns by broadcast email, not through our social media channels.

Visiting Relatives and Friends

Two dates on Shabbat will be set aside for visits while the group is staying at a centrally located hotel. Your group leaders will help you contact your relatives and friends and make arrangements for them to meet you. If your relatives or friends are unable to travel on Shabbat, we will help make alternate arrangements for them to see you in Israel.

Your family or friends may be allowed to take you out from your hotel during this free time. This decision is at the discretion of NFTY in Israel’s director and senior staff based on their present understanding of the safety and security situation in Israel. Participants may not leave on their own to meet friends or family.

Participants will not be allowed to take buses or other public transportation by themselves while in Israel. Participants will only be allowed to travel in taxis supervised by an adult staff member or relative, or in personal vehicles operated by an adult relative.

Important Contact Information North American Staff Finance Staff Israel Staff Mitzvah Corps and NFTY in Israel NFTY in Israel NFTY in Israel 46 Bowen Road 13 King David Street 633 3rd Avenue, 7th Floor Warwick, NY 10990 Jerusalem, Israel New York, NY 10017 Phone: (845) 987-6300 Phone: 011 (972) 2-624-6195 Mitzvah Corps Contact: ext. 6354 Ext. 101 (212) 650-4071 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] Fax: (845) 986-7185 Fax: 011 (972) 2-624-1295 NFTY in Israel Contact: (212) 452-6517 [email protected] Fax: (212) 650-4016

Mitzvah Corps NFTY in Israel Professional Staff Professional Staff North American Office Israel Office Bradley Solmsen Paul Reichenbach Rabbi Rich Kirschen Director of Youth Director, URJ Camp Director, NFTY in Israel Engagement and Israel Programs Baruch Kraus Jonah Freelander Laurence Jacobs Principal, NFTY-EIE Assistant Director Coordinator, NFTY in Israel High School in Israel Alexa Broida Rebecca Bigman Ruby Sommer Coordinator Coordinator, Israel Programs Associate Director Aliza Greenberg Daniel Garwood Rabbi David Wilfond Registrar Registrar, NFTY in Israel Director of Education Denise Bulnes Yudit Berkowitz Bursar, NFTY in Israel Office Administrator

Who to Contact For questions about: Contact:

General information and program content Jonah Freelander or Alexa Broida (212) 650-4071 | [email protected]

Travel deviations, air travel, medical or allergy Laurence Jacobs concerns, safety and security (212) 650-4216 | [email protected]

Billing and invoices Denise Bulnes (845) 987-6300 ext. 6354 | [email protected]

Registration and supplemental forms Dan Garwood (212) 452-6517 | [email protected]

Questions or concerns about teens in Israel Refer to the Summer Contact sheet included in during the summer the Final Email sent before the trip