summer 2014 pre trip orientation power point slideshow

Taglit-Birthright Israel

The Trip LastsTen Days. The Journey

Will Last A Lifetime!

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The ABCs Of Taglit-Birthright Israel

Taglit-Birthright Israel is an umbrella organization that

provides the gift of a free trip to Israel and has three funding

partners.

• CJP - Boston’s Jewish Federation• Campus Israel Initiative - a special project of CJP

that could be considered “Birthright plus” (it’s the trip you are on - all one campus, with a dedicated coordinator).

• Taglit Birthright Israel - the full name for Birthright

• Shorashim – One of the 15 trip organizers for North America. Shorashim is unique because they are the only trip organizer to feature Israelis on the bus for all ten days, not just five!

• Why should you care? - You are going on a trip that is with other students from MIT. When you return, there will be a program professional who will plan reunions and social events. Your bus has a reunion and programming budget. The opportunities for you when you come home are unlike anywhere else in the country.

What is CJP, what is the Campus Israel Initiative, what is “Taglit”, what is Shorashim,

and why should you care?

Getting Ready To Travel

Don’t leave home without:

• Passport/Visas* • Medication/Health

Insurance**• Credit/Debit Card (Money)• Contact Information for

your Trip Organizer

*Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your ticketed date of return.

**All participants must bring proof of health insurance that provides for coverage abroad and covers pre-existing medical conditions.

At The Airport• You are responsible for arriving to

the airport AT LEAST 4 hours before your scheduled departure.

• Our flight departs from JFK Int ’l airport in NY at 11:30pm – you MUST be at the airport by 7:30pm

• Don’t check-in without first finding ME – Meeting at El Al ticket counter,Terminal 4.

• Don’t pack more than you can comfortably carry (50lbs limit on checked baggage).

• Security- it’s a profile, not an interrogation, be honest even if you don’t know an answer to a question.

• When you arrive in Israel and exit Passport Control, a representative from a company named ‘Smile’ will ask each participant for their passport.

Who Will You Be Traveling With?

• 40 North American participants

• 1 Tour Educator/Guide (Elaun Rave)

• 2 North American staff (Shoshana and Jon)

• 1 Medic/Security Guard• Bus Driver• Israeli Peers

An Encounter With Israeli Peers

One of the core components of your adventure will be traveling alongside and living with Israeli peers. Every trip includes a structuredmifgash, or encounter, whereIsraelis your own age will join your trip.

YAY Shorashim – we get the Israelis for ALL10 days!

Safety & Security Umbrella

• Taglit-Birthright Israel constantly reviews and implements the most stringent security measures throughout the trips to ensure a comprehensive safety umbrella. 

• No effort or expense is spared to provide for the safety and security of our participants.

• As a program in which the Israeli government is a partner, Taglit-Birthright Israel is in constant contact with Israeli security and safety authorities.

• Taglit-Birthright Israel utilizes the same measures and procedures used for Israeli school and student groups.

Where Will You NOT Go?

• Our trips do not travel to or through areas of the Gaza Strip or East Jerusalem, with the exception of the Jewish Quarter of the Old City (changes are possible when permitted by the security authorities).

• Groups do not visit any area or drive on roads deemed unsafe by Israeli authorities.

• Itineraries will be changed as security situations warrant.

• Participants do not leave the group to travel, explore, or visit with Israelis on their own during the ten-day trip.

Getting Around

• A private bus and driver remain with the group for the entire trip.

• Drivers are highly trained and never leave the buses unattended or unlocked.

• Public transportation is not allowed at any time.

Traveling Together

• Participants in each group remain together at all times, and follow a set schedule of activities that combine both meaningful activity…and fun!

• Private travel away from the group is prohibited during the trip, but participants should have a few opportunities when friends or family can visit them (during free time or after programming back at the hotel).

• All participants must fully participate in the program and adhere to the program’s drug and alcohol policy.

Alcohol Policy

• It is forbidden to drink any alcohol during organized group activities and programming

• It is forbidden to drink alcohol the nights before Yad Vashem and Masada

• It is forbidden to be intoxicated or unable to participate in activities because of alcohol consumption

• It is forbidden to drink alcohol at the airport before departing for Israel

• Taglit-Birthright Israel rules state that we must send home any participant who is in violation of the alcohol policy

Where Will You Stay?

• Groups sleep at kibbutz guesthouses, hostels, small and medium-sized hotels, and may even spend a night under the stars at a Bedouin camp in the desert.

Summer 2013

Your plane has finally landed at Ben Gurion International Airport after a long flight. Welcome to Israel!

Make your way through passport control, pick up your luggage at the carousel and meet up with your bus to begin your Taglit-Birthright Israel journey!

ArrivalBen Gurion

Airport

Golan Heights

Border Overlook Hike the camera-friendly canyons and gorgeous gorges of the rugged Golan Heights. You’ll also overlook the border with Syria gaining a bird’s eye view of this strategic piece of real estate.

Wander through the winding, hilly streets of the magical city of Tzfat, the home of Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism. Tzfat’s unique synagogues and vibrant art scene make it a city unlike any other.

GalileeTzfat (Safed)

In Independence Hall in Tel Aviv, hear the stirring words of the founders of the modern State of Israel as the Declaration of Independence is read from the same spot where it was first delivered in 1948.

Tel AvivIndependence

Hall

Tel AvivRabin Square

Pay a solemn visit to Rabin Square, named for former Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated there at the conclusion of a peace rally in 1995.

Explore the rest of the Old City of Jerusalem, including the labyrinth of underground passages from ancient times, the southern wall excavations, and the lively and charming Jewish Quarter.

JerusalemThe Old City

Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Western Wall is the last remnant of the Second Temple and the holiest site in the Jewish faith. It is customary to leave a written prayer in the wall’s cracks.

JerusalemThe Western Wall

Take some time to reflect on our shared past at Israel’s Holocaust Museum, which is, by government policy, a required stop for any foreign dignitary or leader visiting Israel for the first time.

JerusalemYad Vashem

Shabbat• Shabbat Preparations• Kabbalat Shabbat -

Experience the beauty of Shabbat

– meal & singing.

• T ’filot/Prayer Options• Group Activity - sweets

and snacks for an intimate gathering (called Oneg Shabbat)– with singing, storytelling,

discussion, and schmoozing in the spirit of Shabbat.

• Overnight: Jerusalem

Ascend to the top of the ancient mountain fortress of Masada. Explore the

story of the Jewish revolt against the occupying

Roman army, and enjoy the breathtaking sunrise over the Dead Sea.

Masada

Lather yourself up in spa mud from the Ein Gedi oasis and defy gravity as you literally float in the super-salty Dead Sea, which also happens to be the lowest point on the planet.

Dead SeaFloating in the

Sea

The SouthBedouin Tent

Experience Bedouin hospitality as you enjoy a traditional feast, and learn about tribal culture and customs. Enjoy the tranquility of the desert, and ponder your place in the universe as you sleep beneath the stars.

Tour the National Cemetery of Israel, the final resting place of luminaries like the founder of modern Zionism, Theodor Herzl, Prime Ministers Golda Meir & Yitzhak

Rabin, and Israeli military heroes.

JerusalemMt. Herzl

Your whirlwind journey has come to an end. Another long flight later, and you’re back in North America with a lot of laundry and even more lifelong memories.

DepartureBen Gurion

Airport

Suggested Packing List

• If you can’t carry it, it’s WAY too heavy

• Israeli-style Shabbat clothing• Comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking

and hiking (with good tread on bottom)

• Medications & copies of prescriptions• Extra contacts/glasses• Passport (make copies)• Money (some cash, debit/credit cards

for ATMs and gift purchases)

• Hand Sanitizer, Wrist Watch• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses• Mid-weight jacket – Rain Jacket• Bathing suit, shorts and t-shirts• Toiletries• Electric Converter/Adapter

MONEY•Israel uses the shekel.

•Most everything is paid for except transportation to and from the departure airport!

•Most places accept credit cards and almost all ATMs will work with your American bank account. HOWEVER, there are fees with every use

•Suggestion: Bring $300 in cash to the airport. As soon as we board the bus on the day we land, someone will come on the bus and exchange everyone’s money at the current rate.

Make sure to bring $70 in cash to the airport – it will be a tip for the Israeli staff

Electronics/ Staying Connected

• Cell Phone: We recommend that you rent a cell phone- it is a very cheap “pay as you go” plan. At some point, you will need it. The phone rental is free, and incoming calls are free. They deliver the phones to the bus, and you just dump them in a bag before you leave.

• Power: America and Israel have different plugs. Additionally, American devices run on 110 Volts. Israeli devices run on 220 Volts. So, depending on the device, you will need either an adapter or a converter. An adapter can be purchased for $5 or so. ALL IT DOES IS CHANGE THE SHAPE OF THE PLUG. BUT IT WILL NOT CHANGE THE VOLTAGE. Many devices are equipped to handle 220 Volts. So you will just need an adapter to plug in something like an iPod. But some devices are not. A hairdryer might require a converter. A converter will also change the voltage to 110 Volts. These are much more expensive.

• Computers: You will have very little time, and internet access varies by hotel, so it is not the best environment to bring your computer. But if you must bring a computer, or you really want to do so, it is fine.

Want To Stay Longer?

Interested in staying in Israel after your trip?Extensions are usually possible for up to 90 days. Make certain to speak to your Trip Organizer regarding your specific flight options as some airlines have restrictions.

And if you’re looking for something to do after the trip, your Trip Organizer may be able to recommend some things:• Volunteer• Study• Learn Hebrew• See More of Israel

Coming Home

When you get back, both MIT Hillel and MIT Students for Israel will welcome you!

You will also become part of a large

network of MIT Birthright Alumni!!

Questions & Answers

What other questions do you have before you leave on your trip?

• Deposit Refund• Cell Phone Rentals• Spending Money• Visiting Friends & Family• Dietary Requirements• And, more…

Expectations Of The Trip

• What are your expectations for this trip?

• What is your biggest hope upon embarking on this journey?

• What does Israel mean to you?

• What does being Jewish mean to you?

• How would you define your personal Jewish identity?

See You In Israel!