Prep Packet

Israel Prep Packet
Compiled by: Jeremy Fine

Overview
This packet is designed to help future JTS classes prepare for their move to Israel. This is not so much a packet for answering questions for when you are in Israel, but it might help. Rather it focuses on helping you know what to look for, know what you are doing, and budgeting before you get to Jerusalem. It can also serve as a checklist. When the year is over I will try to send out a sample budget.

Note: Everything is subject to change including prices, scheduling, etc. Double-check all of these topics. B’Hatzlacha.

1)    Housing
2)    Phones
3)    Cell Phones
4)    Communication
5)    Flights
6)    Information Need
7)    Banks
8)    Funding
9)    Visa
10)    Health Insurance
11)    Things you will need to bring
12)    Marriage
13)    Support for Spouses
14)    Schools and Programs for Spouses
15)    Children
16)    TV/DVD
17)    Entertainment/Athletics
18)    Year Long Storage
19)    Shipping
20)    Major Cost Cutting
21)    Budgeting
22)    Sample Schedule
23)    Sample Calendar
24)    Once Arriving
25)    Websites
26)    Contact Me







Housing
Advice: My biggest advice is to try to take someone’s apartment that was there before you. It will be the least amount of hassle.

Average Prices:
1 Bedroom - $1000-$1350
2 Bedroom - $1100- $1600

Additional Fees:
Most apartments come with two additional taxes. One is called Arnona, which is a city tax. The other is Vaad Beit, which is a building tax. Arnona is about one month’s rent for the year. Expect to pay for however many months you stay. Vaad Beit is anywhere between $20-$100. I know that is a large scale but a lot depends on central heating, how many apartments are in the building, etc. (See below about Arnona).

Discount on Arnona:
Getting a discount on arnona can be difficult. However, I am here are several easy tips to make the process easier.

· Be sure to get the Arnona discount: A municipal tax can run into the thousands of shekalim, however, if you are a student, you can receive discount of, at a minimum of 60% of the original amount. Additionally, if you have been unemployed for a reasonable period of time prior to entering Israel, you can receive an 80% discount.

· Documents…you can never have too many: It is possible that the Iriyah can ask you to bring an endless array of documents. As result, it is good to come prepared the first time you make a visit. Be sure to bring: a copy of your lease, copy of a letter from Machon Schechter saying that you are a student, copy of your password, and a copy of a tazhir, which is a document certifying how you are paying for your expenses while in Israel (which you can receive from Anat at Schechter, or at the Beit Mishpat Ha-Shalom, a government building next to the Iriyah). It is possible you may need other documents, but this is certainly the minimal amount required.

· Documents are required for everyone in the apartment: Any person on the lease of the apartment must present the documents mentioned above. This means that if you are living with 3 roommates, and all 3 are on the lease, all 4 of you must present all of the above documents to the Iriyah (that means 4 passport pictures, 4 letters from your school, etc.). If you are living with your partner, and both of you are on the lease, the same rules apply. Additionally, to be on the safe side, anyone on the lease must go together to the Iriyah to take care of the arnona, and apply for the discount.

· Bring a Lease in Hebrew: This is incredibly important. Even if you are renting an American from a non-Israeli, you must bring a HEBREW copy of your lease to them with the relevant signatures, with all monetary amounts written in SHEKALIM (even if you are actually paying in dollars). Most likely, if your lease is in English, you will be turned away.

· If you are turned away, get a signed note from your clerk: It is entirely possible that you will not be able to get your arnona paid on the first visit, because you are missing documents. However, it is entirely possible that you may have to go through the same process with a different clerk the next time you visit. As a result, if you are missing documents the first time, ask your clerk to write note specifying what you are missing, and ask them to sign their name on the bottom. If you have problems the next time, you can at least have evidence that you followed the correct process. – Josh Rabin

Other Fees:
Plan to pay Electricity and water. Most payments will be according to what you use. I would say budget at least $100 for electricity and $25 for water.

Cable and Internet are usually not included in the apartment. If they are not you will need to order those. Make sure the apartment is cable and Internet ready. A good company that I have dealt with in the past is called HOT. Do not set this up before Israel, wait until you get there because sometimes you will pick up free internet and cable unexpectedly. Also, be patient with ordering HOT. Just like everything in Israel, it will take some time.

I suggest you do not get a landline in the apartment. If the apartment has one, to save money, I suggest you tell the landlord you do not want it. Since I suggest you get an American phone and assuming you will have a cell phone, the landline will not be needed.

Things You Should Ask if the Apartment has:
1)    Oven/Refrigerator
2)    Dishwasher
3)    Washer/Dryer
4)    Linens/Blankets/Pillows/Sheets/Towels
5)    Kitchen table/Chairs
6)    Beds/Couches
7)    TV
8)    Air conditioning
9)    Central heating
10)    Dishes (2 sets)
11)    Kosher Kitchen

Helpful Websites:
1)    Craigslist.com
2)    Flathunting.com
3)    Homeless.co.il
4)    Tefah.com
5)    Janglo.net

Things to be careful about:
1)    There are scams out there. DO NOT wire money to anyone you do not know.
2)    Be careful when owners/agents tell you they are living in a different country (especially London and India).
3)    Make sure the apartment exists. Its best to have someone visit the apartment for you.
4)    Make sure you have a SIGNED contract before you send a penny.

Agent Fees:
If you are not lucky enough to get a hand me down apartment and you go through a company, most likely there will be an agent fee of one month’s rent tacked on. It is possible to find apartments on various websites that do not have agents and are Israelis or Americans renting out their apartments.

Neighborhoods:
Everyone will have a little bit of a walk towards Machon Schechter. No Buses go up the large hill that leads you to the school. If you are having trouble finding it on a google map try looking for the Israel Museum, it is right next door. Old Katamon is probably the most centrally located neighborhood.

Places to live:
1)    Rechavia (close to Conservative Yeshiva)
2)    Talbieh (close to Conservative Yeshiva)
3)    Old Katamon/Katamon
4)    Germany Colony (Close to Emek Refa’im/Pardes)
5)    Baka (Close to Emek Refa’im/Pardes)
6)    Kiryat Shmuel (closest to Machon Schechter)

Phones
Some apartments come with a landline but those will charge you a lot of money to call the states. I suggest you buy a phone before you go to Israel. SET IT UP IN THE USA. Here are some suggestions.

1)    Magic Jack – This is a $40 charge for the device and year of free service. It works through your computer and is hooked up via your USB outlet on your computer. It is the cheapest option out there. I have enjoyed it thus far. You will need to bring your own phone and phone cord with you to Israel. You computer must be turned on in order to receive phone calls otherwise it goes to voicemail. This can be bought online or at Radio Shack.

2)    Vonage – The cost is $24.99 a month. You will also need to buy the system, which varies in price and is often on sale. I suggest purchasing it at Best Buy. They will even register it for you there. This is more expensive than Magic Jack but unlike Magic Jack it is a separate phone system outside of your computer so it can always be on. You will need an Internet hub to plug it in.

3)    Lingo – Josh Rabin used this company and it is about $20 per month. www.lingo.com

Cell Phones
Machon Schechter will encourage you to get Israelphones (that is the company name). They will get a group rate that has 600 free minutes between IsraelPhones users, options for texting, and an emergency contact plan. There is free incoming calls and text. Also, the students from Schechter get free calling for all students in the Schechter calling network (i.e. the minutes don’t count if you call classmates or spouses/partners in that network).   Note that if you get the group plan Israel Phones will not send your phone to the states. If you want a phone before you land so you can call home, know that you have a phone, or get in touch with your landlord they suggest you rent a short-term phone. Then get your regular phone when you land. They will charge your credit card $100 and reimburse you after 30 days.

I am going to be speaking with Machon Schechter about switching to a different company because Israelphones has had horrible costumer service (according to many people) and you can’t receive your phone before you leave.

There are other companies that offer plans. Check out Talk N’ Save. I have used them in the past and they have been easy to work with.

Communication
There are other ways to stay in touch with your friends and family. Before you leave I suggest setting up webcams for your family. You can use the video chat through Gmail chat and Skype.

Other things people are doing are creating blogs, google calendars, and facebook photo albums to update their families.

Flights
Some issues have come up that are important to know before you make your plans.

1)    Machon Schechter will require you to get your Visa when you come to Israel. Since that is the case you will need to make sure you have round trip plans. Not a round trip ticket, but a departure and RETURN ticket.

2)    The cheapest way to fly is with miles, if you are lucky enough to have them. Continental obviously works for international flights. Also, American Airlines and EL-AL are linked and you can use American Airlines miles to fly EL-AL. I suggest you call far in advance because not every flight has the option for miles. As of now one-way ticket is 45,000 miles. Note that flights are normally only posted 10 months in advance.

3)    One way to get a lot of miles is to charge tuition to a miles credit card. If you do this for two years you will have almost one flight free ($22,00 X 2 years = 44,000 miles).

4)    Use a search engine to find you flight, but not necessarily to purchase them. Most websites like expedia or orbitz have issues with cancellations. But use expedia and orbitz for checking flights. Also, the EL-AL website is good to check.

Information Need
It is good to bring with you a copy and the actual document of:
1)    Passport
2)    Birth Certificate
3)    Transcripts
4)    License
5)    ID Card
6)    Tickets to Israel
7)    Health Insurance info.
8)    Social Security Card
9)    Marriage License
10)    Apostile
Banks
Our class has done a lot of research on this. Below is the information we have obtained:
1)    Citibank – Citibank charges 3% of each withdrawal.

2)    TD bank -
a.    When Micah and I went in to get an ATM card, we asked about the fee charges.  We told them "we heard that you don't have fees for ATM uses internationally."  And the woman clarified what this meant for us - no charges on the end of TD, but you would still be assessed fees from whatever bank you withdrawal from in Israel.
[Jen Scholsberg]
-    There is some discrepancy about this. I met with TD Bank and they informed me that there were fees tacked on when the initial withdrawal was made, but it was paid back monthly. For this you must have a balance of over $2,500.
-    For TD Bank you must have a proof of an in state address to get a checking account. If you do not have one, JTS will write you a letter stating that you are a current student and you can use 3080 Broadway as your address.
-TD Bank Update - No TD Bank fees but they will NOT reimburse your non-US ATM transactions.

b.    The deals at both First Republic and TD are the same. They will refund all your fees for using another banks ATM as long as you have an average monthly balance of $2500. At the end of the month, if they see that your balance is acceptable, then they will deposit your refund into your account.
[Efrem Reis]

3)    Capital One - B'hatzlacha rabbah on getting a card from them!  I cancelled mine a couple of years ago because I wasn't using it (the one I got as a poor college student with absolutely no credit history!), but we also heard that this was the best credit card deal, so both Micah and I applied for one - to no avail!  I think b/c of the economy, they are being really stringent on their offers of credit cards.  I mean, the reasons that they gave us where "not homeowners" or "has not lived at address long enough" or the like...even though our credit is very good.  So, I encourage you NOT to wait last minute to do this just in case you have similar problems - and not to do it online, but to talk with a real live human on the phone!
[Jen Schlosberg]

4)    First Republic Bank -  does not charge you when you use other ATMs.  If the other bank charges you an ATM fee, First Republic Bank reimburses you directly to your account at the end of each month.  Best part is - this amazing feature continues while we are living and traveling abroad! So we can withdraw money from ANY ATM around the world free of charge!

- If you use their card for purchases (credit/debit), it is a Visa and therefore Visa charges a 1% fee (compared to the usual 3% fee). 
[Aderet Okron Drucker]

5)    Israel banks – Some people set up accounts with Israeli banks. They usually all have offices in NYC. Some banks to look into are Bank Leumi and Bank Hapoalim. If you have an Israeli bank there will obviously be no extra ATM fee when using that bank.

Funding
School:
Regardless if you have the pleasure of being fully funded by school, Schusterman, or Wexner you still might need to take out loans. School will help you. You will get normal aid and loans, sometimes even a little more because of Israel. Make sure to write that you are going to Israel on your financial aid forms.

Bernstein Fellowship:
This is a fund that gives you $500-$2000 for your year in Israel. Our class did not receive this aid, but most other classes have in the past.

MASA:
It is important that you apply for MASA. Do not plan on getting your money until the tail end of your year there, so budget accordingly. Note that there are restrictions depending on age, income, and previous Israel study. You can also apply for extra financial aid through MASA. Be careful to read what you sign because depending on your departure date, MASA will adjust the amount you will receive.

Padres/CY:
Both schools have funding to help your spouses out.

High Holidays:
It has been advised by many previous classes to try to get a High Holiday job in the States. The extra couple thousand dollars can go a long way. It is very hard to obtain a High Holiday job abroad.

Other Outlets:
There were other ways in which students managed to make some money throughout the year, mostly for spending.  Those ways included:

•    Babysitting
•    Finding an American organization with a location in Israel to do office work or some equivalent
•    Writing for MyJewishLearning or another Jewish website (some have freelance writer positions available)
•    Asking Fuschberg Center or Ramah if they have any potential positions available. 

Visa
Once you get to Israel you will need to obtain a visa. Here is what you will need to know and bring.

Married Students:
1. Passport for yourself and your spouse
2. Passport pictures for yourself and your spouse
3. Paperwork from SRS (you will receive this from Anat at Schechter when you arrive in Israel).
4. NIS 160 to pay for a multitime entry and exit pass.  While this is not required, it is highly recommended, as many students travel during the year.  In addition, please note that according to the Ministry of the Interior guidelines, if you do not acquire a multitime entry pass and you leave and return to Israel during the year, your visa will be cancelled and you will be required to go through the same process again. 
5. Your spouse will need to be present at the Ministry of the Interior for the meeting. If your spouse wants and is eligible for a student visa, you will need to pay NIS 320 for this.    If your spouse is not in the country, Anat will assist you in writing a letter which will include your spouse's passport number and will be signed by you.  Please note that the amount of money that you will be required to pay may change.
6. Maiden name of your mother and birth date of your parents
7. The original of your marriage license and a copy of your marriage certificate
8. An apostille (this document is necessary only if your spouse's last name in the passport is different from yours). This needs to be obtained at the Secretary of State’s office. It’s no more than $20.
9. A letter from your rabbi indicating that you are Jewish. It must have an official stamp.
10.  A student who has gone through conversion must bring an authorization of conversion (the original, not a copy) as well as a letter from his/her hometown rabbi (the original, not a copy) certifying that s/he is a convert.
11. A letter stating that you are a student registered with Schechter for this academic year. (You will receive this from Anat at Schechter when you arrive in Israel)

Single Students:
1. Passport
2. A passport picture.
3. Paperwork from SRS (you will receive this from Anat at Schechter when you arrive in Israel)
4. Maiden name of your mother and birth date of your parents
5. NIS 160 to pay for a multitime entry and exit pass.  While this is not required, it is highly recommended, as many students travel during the year.  Please note that according to the Ministry of the Interior guidelines, if you do not acquire a multitime entry pass and you leave and return to Israel during the year, your visa will be cancelled and you will be required to go through the same process again.  Please note that the amount of money that you will be charged may change.
6. A letter from your rabbi indicating that you are Jewish. It must have an official stamp.
7. A student who has gone through conversion must bring an authorization of conversion (the original, not a copy) as well as a letter from his/her hometown rabbi (the original, not a copy) certifying that s/he is a convert.
8. A letter stating that you are a student registered with Schechter for this academic year. (You will receive this from Anat at Schechter when you arrive in Israel)

Following are several clarifications that we have received from the Ministry of Interior:

1) A student's spouse and children receive an A4 visa for the entire year. This visa is similar to a student visa.

2) As we wrote above, every student and his/her spouse must have a letter (the original, not a copy) from their hometown rabbi attesting to the fact that they are Jewish. The letter must be signed and with an official stamp.

3) For children of students, an original birth certificate must be provided.

4) If one parent of a student is Israeli but the student does not have an Israeli passport or an Israeli ID card, then she or he should bring his/her original birth certificate.

5) All passports should be valid at least for 1 year and 7 months

Health Insurance
You:
For most people you get health insurance through the school/Columbia health. It will be about $2000 for the year. If you opt out and have other health insurance, you will still have to pay around $ $386 a semester to JTS for Columbia services.

Spouse:
There is a lot of confusion with this but here are is what we have compiled.

The school health insurance for a spouse is around $5000. That is very expensive. Therefore we chose to purchase a basic (Select Blue) plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (I think each state has their own policies). It is around $125 a month. This will cover your spouse in the states. It has minimal co-pays. Deductibles vary.

Israel:
On top of whichever health insurance you choose for you and/or your spouse, it is suggested that you also purchase Israel health insurance. It is called Shiloach and its about $1 a day. Most American health insurances cover emergencies overseas but not regular visits (although there are travel plans). The Israeli health insurance will cover everyday health needs. But it will not cover pre-existing conditions so if you have extenuating medical conditions, you should start speaking with your insurance provider a year before you go.
Shiloach (or Harel as it was once called), it is a $1 a day while you are in Israel, and $1.50 a day while you travel.  So technically, you do not need to get your spouse additional insurance (if they are in good health and require basic needs only).  While you are in Israel, if you decide to go travel outside of the country or come to the US for a visit, you would go on the “$1.50 a day for traveler’s” insurance.  I received this response from the contact at Shiloach (their information is below).

“…The international law is that a country that one is not a citizen in cannot sell that person insurance when he goes abroad. We got special permission to insure our students when they are in Israel to leave the country up to 30 day vacations {assuming they are usually going back to their country of origin to visit}…”

Contact Shiloach for more details:
Sasson Chacoty
S.C Insurance Agency
Tel: 02-6254488
Fax: 02-6251276

Things you will want/need to bring
Here is a list of things to bring:
1)    Deodorant/Contact solution (two things that are expensive and hard to find in Israel)
2)    Contacts for a year or 10 months.
3)    Phone (vonage/magic jack/etc)
4)    Camera
5)    Checks
6)    Zip drive with important notes
7)    Isaac Klein’s Guide to Jewish Living (suggested by other classes).
8)    Converters
9)    Electric razor users get one that is battery operated
10)    Specific prescriptions (Israel might have generic or different brands).

Avoid bringing:
1)    Things that plug in (might defuse and hard to have many outlets)
2)    Heavy Books (they weigh a lot)
3)    Suit or sport coat (you really don’t even need a tie)

Marriage
It is a trend to get married right before you leave for Israel. Here are some helpful tips:

1)    If your spouse does not plan on changing his/her name, you should make sure you have your marriage license and an apostile paper. You will need this as a proof of marriage. One student was told that the paper was needed regardless. This is an internationally accepted document that makes your US marriage license accepted in other countries. This needs to be obtained at the Secretary of State’s office. It is no more than $20.

2)    If the spouse does change their name make sure you give him/her enough time to change their passport as well.

3)    You will need to legally change the name and carry all the proper documents.

Spouse/Partner Support
One thing to keep in mind is that many of you will have spouses/partners. They will also need their own outlets. One thing we as a class did was form a facebook group so people could see each other and get acquainted before Israel. Also, JTS set up some meetings. We have discussed forming social outings just with the spouses and date nights. I encourage all of you to think of how you can incorporate them both before you land and while you are in Israel.

Schools and Programs for Spouses
1)    Conservative Yeshiva offers classes all day long for people from all backgrounds and Hebrew levels. People truly love it there. The people to talk to are Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb (he comes to JTS throughout the year) and Rabbi Gail Diamond. There are scholarships available. It is closer Ben Yehuda. Also, JTS spouses get half price on tuition and there is a $1,000 discount if participant spent the summer at Ramah.

2)    Pardes is also a great learning environment. It is a non-affiliated school. Also, Pardes offers all sorts of classes. It is closer to Emek Refa’im. 2009/2010 Pardes tuition is free

3)    Dorot Fellowship?


Children
I have been told for those with younger children to pack as many diapers as possible because they are expensive in Israel. Also, to make sure the baby has American and Israeli health insurance.

TV/DVD
Most apartments come with a TV. But they may not come with a DVD player. You can use your computer or buy a cheap one in Israel. Although if you do make sure it plays international and American DVDs. There are different versions/systems for Europe and USA.

I suggest getting cords to hook up your computer to any TV. It will cost you no more than $40 for the three cords. One cord connects audio. And then two different cords connect your computer to the TV for visual.

Entertainment/Athletics
Exercise:
Plenty of classmates found different places to go for exercise, but here are some of the most popular places that people went-

- Breikhat Yerushalayim- This is the only olympic-sized pool in Jerusalem.  It also has a small gym.
  - YMCA- Has an excellent gym, and you can take classes ranging from pilates to hip-hop.
  - There is one gym near Ben Yehuda street
  - Jerusalem Tennis Center- Near the mall, there is a huge tennis center, where a person can play for very cheap rates. I highly recommend it.

Basketball (games and leagues tend to be for males only):
- There tends to be a Sunday basketball game that Americans play in. Each year the person who runs it changes, so just ask around.

- Friday mornings at Gan Hapamon (park) there are games with Americans.

- There are also Yeshiva leagues during the winter that play in a gym just of Ben Yehuda street. There are flag football leagues as well at Kraft field.

Entertainment:
For evens go this website: www.jerusalem.muni.il/jer_main/TopSiteJeruEng.asp?newstr=8&src=/english/sys/culture/events/show_results.asp?first=1&cont=40.

Year Long Storage
Some classmates whose parents live within driving of JTS might be able to loan you some basement/garage space. Manhattan mini-storage is also a great option. They often have deals, including free moving van, and will have sale prices at various points. I've had good luck negotiating as well when I said I would be there for over a year. Also, on their webpage, be sure to look at different locations. I'm saving over $40 a month by storing at W23rd instead of at W110th. It's all based on real estate prices.

Shipping (More info need)
Pardes' sight http://www.pardes.org.il/student_life/incoming_students/
It has info on taxes incurred if you ship stuff to Israel as well as info on electronic usage.

Major Cost Cutting
Tickets: Miles
Rent: Find a place without an agent fee and try to get rent for only the months you are there.
Phone: Magic Jack
Cell Phone: Israel Phones pay as you go
Health Insurance: You –School, Spouse – Blue Cross Blue Shield
Checking: TD Bank or First Republic has free withdrawals
Credit Card: Citibank 20% Cash Return
MASA: Fill it out
High Holidays: Stay and take a job
DVD Player: Get the plugs that connect Computer and TV.
Payments: Try to pay in dollars and not Shekels.
Discount Card: Not sure if this is worth it (see link below) www.myisic.com/MyISIC/Specials/SpecialsAndDiscounts.aspx?MenuID=3000

Budgeting
Apartment Rent X 9 or 10 Months   
Arnona and Vaad Beit X 9 or 10   
Electricity and Water X 9 or 10   
Cable and Internet X 9 or 10   
Spousal Activities/Classes   
Phone    
Cell Phone X 9 or 10 (per)   
Food   
Travel   
Health Insurance   
Tuition   

Sample Schedule
    Sunday    Monday    Tuesday    Wednesday    Thursday
8am    Services    Services (7:45)    Services    Services    EXPERIENTIAL
8:45am    Talmud    Hebrew B    Hebrew A    Talmud    Until 6pm
10:15am    Break    Break    Break    Break    Bi-weekly
10:30am    Talmud    Hebrew A    Hebrew B    Talmud   
12:00pm    Lunch    Lunch    Lunch    Lunch   
1:00pm    Hebrew A    Halacha    1: Medieval Philosophy

  2: Kabbalah    1: Hebrew?

2: Bible Elective   
2:30pm    Mincha    Mincha    Mincha    Mincha   
3:00pm        Halacha        1: Tefillah

2: Bereavement and Trauma   
5:00pm                1: Israel   

Sample Calendar

Oct 12th -15th     Orientation
Oct 18th     1st Semester Begins
Dec 13th – 19th     Hanukah Break
Jan 28th     Semester 1 ends
Jan 31st – Feb 2nd     1st Semester Finals
Feb 3rd – Mar 2nd     Break (includes Purim)
Mar 2nd     2nd Semester Begins
Mar 25th – Apr 7th     Passover Break
Apr 19th & Apr 20th     Israel Independence Break
May 18th- May 20th     Shavuot Break
June 10th     2nd Semester ends

Once Arriving
Once you land in Israel there are a few tips you should remember:
1)    Most importantly you want to take a Sheirut to Jersualem NOT a taxi. A Taxi will over $100 and a Sheirut is like $12. It is a big van that fills up with 10 people and will take you directly to your location (only stopping for other drop offs). Flat rate of 50 Shekels. You can tip like 5 shekels if you so feel.
2)    Tipping: Waiters/waitresses get 10%. Taxi cabs get 0.
3)    If you order your phone to your apartment someone will need to be there to receive it.
4)    It is important that you remember to have your landlord and maybe a friend or twos number on you just in case you can’t get into your place.
5)    If you apartment lacks the supplies you need I suggest going to the Mall, which is basically across from Pardes. On the bottom floor it has a huge grocery store and a home good store. Most of you items will be cheapest there (I found this out the hard way). Try the home goods store first.

Websites
Cell Phones:
www.israelphones.com
www.talknsave.net

Phones/Communication:
www.vonage.com
www.magicjack.com
www.skype.com
www.lingo.com

Housing:
www.craigslist.com
www.tefah.com
www.flathunting.com
www.homeless.co.il
www.janglo.net

Schools:
www.uscj.org.il/yeshiva/index.php
www.pardes.org.il
www.schechter.edu

Jobs:
www.janglo.net

Health Insurance:
www.health.columbia.edu/docs/csmip/overview/index.html
www.bcbs.com

Funding:
www.masaisrael.org

Banks:
www.citibank.com
www.tdbank.com
www.firstrepublic.com
www.capitalone.com

Flights:
www.elal.co.il/ELAL/English/States/General/
www.israirairlines.com/
www.aa.com
www.continental.com
Contact Me

If you have questions about anything in this packet feel free to contact me at jeremymichaelfine@gmail.com