usy israel pilgrimage summer 2011 information booklet - United ...

USY ISRAEL PILGRIMAGE
SUMMER 2011
INFORMATION BOOKLET
A Program of United Synagogue Youth and
The International Youth Commission of the United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism
820 Second Avenue
10 th Floor
New York, NY 10017
212‐533‐7800, ext. 1146 * Fax 212‐353‐9439
Email: pilgrimage@uscj.org * Web: http://www.usy.org

INTRODUCTION
Reading this manual is the first step in preparing for the summer of all summers! Only by actually
participating in USY Israel Pilgrimage can you truly experience it, however, we want you to know as
much as possible before the summer begins. This manual will give you a closer look at what will
happen this coming summer. In addition, the basic policies are described, so please read this guide
carefully.
USY Israel Pilgrimage is more than just a tour of Israel, it is a total experience of Jewish living in the
Jewish homeland. It is an opportunity to live Jewishly with new friends from all across the United
States and Canada as you learn and grow together as young adults and as Jews.
Every participant has a special responsibility. You will not only represent yourself, but also USY, the
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the Conservative Movement, and North American
Jewry. Often the attitudes and impressions developed by people in various Israeli communities about
American Jews are based directly on encounters with USY Israel Pilgrimage participants. Thus, your
behavior, language, and other actions in public are crucial at all times to help create the proper
impression of North American Jewry.
USY Israel Pilgrimage is sponsored by United Synagogue Youth in cooperation with the Education
Department of the Jewish Agency for Israel. USY membership is a prerequisite for any USY Israel
Pilgrimage applicant. Anyone who is not a member of USY should contact their local synagogue
advisor and/or Regional Youth Director in order to join a local chapter (please see page ii for
addresses and phone numbers of the Regional Youth Offices).
After taking thousands of USYers to Israel for over fifty years, we are convinced that it's the best
way to spend a summer in Israel. The land of Israel is an important part of your heritage as a Jew, and
USY Israel Pilgrimage is a wonderful opportunity to learn about and to live that heritage.
So read on, and prepare for the best summer of your life!
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1. CRUSY
Arlyne Bochnek
23880 Commerce Park Blvd
#200
Beachwood, OH 44122
216‐765‐2620
216‐916‐4542 FAX
bochnek@uscj.org
2. CHUSY
Julie Marder
601 Skokie Blvd. #402
Northbrook, IL 60062
847‐714‐9130
847‐714‐9133 FAX
marder@uscj.org
3. HANEFESH
Marcus Fink
1800 Silas Deane Hwy. #221
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
860‐563‐5531
860‐563‐5541 FAX
fink@uscj.org
4. ECRUSY
Rabbi Irit Printz
1000 Finch Ave. W, Suite 508
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M3J2V5
416‐667‐1717
416‐667‐1881 FAX
gorman@uscj.org
5. EASTERN PA.
Barbara Sharofsky
c/o USCJ
7605 Old York Rd
Melrose Park, PA 19027
267‐763‐1300
sharofsky@uscj.org
6. FAR WEST
Merrill Alpert
15840 Ventura Blvd. #200
Encino, CA 91436
818‐986‐0907
818‐986‐6903 FAX
alpert@uscj.org
USY REGIONAL OFFICES AND DIRECTORS
7. METNY
Tamar Schwartz
820 Second Avenue – 10 th Fl
New York, NY 10017
212‐533‐0800
212‐533‐0400 FAX‐METNY
siegel@uscj.org
8. EMTZA
Mark Gulner
403 Fulton St
St. Paul, MN 55102
612‐730‐8727
651‐330‐9598 FAX
gulner@uscj.org
9. NEW ENGLAND
Joyce Juda
1320 Centre St. #304
Newton Centre, MA 02459
617‐964‐8210/8610
617‐964‐0647 FAX
juda@uscj.org
10. HAGALIL
Dassy Mark
1090 King Georges Post Road
Suite 1003
Edison, NJ 08837
732‐738‐7960
732‐738‐4304 FAX
rich@uscj.org
11. NEW FRONTIER
Mishkie Barnea‐Smith
Congregation Sinai
1532 Willowbrae Ave
San Jose, CA 95129
408‐892‐2732
newfrontierusy@gmail.com
12. PINWHEEL
Andrea Milman
2282 Keith Road West
N. Vancouver, BC V7P 1Z5
CANADA
604‐961‐4842
604‐983‐4386 ‐ FAX
milman@uscj.org
13. HAGESHER
Ira Pogachefsky
c/o USCJ
7605 Old York Rd
Melrose Park, PA 19027
267‐763‐1300
Pogachefsky@uscj.org
14. SEABOARD
Shira Kaplan
121 Congressional Ln. #210
Rockville, MD 20852
301‐230‐0801
301‐816‐2931 FAX
kaplan@uscj.org
15. HANEGEV
Stephanie Nichol
2600 N. Military Trail #248
Boca Raton, FL 33431
561‐372‐0420
561‐372‐0424 FAX
nichol@uscj.org
17. SWUSY
23880 Commerce Park Blvd
#200
Beachwood, OH 44122
216‐765‐2620
216‐916‐4542 FAX
swusy@uscj.org
18. TZAFON
Sandra Goldmeer
30 Framingdale Rd
Latham, NY 12110
518‐859‐1241
goldmeer@uscj.org
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... i
USY REGIONAL OFFICES AND DIRECTORS ......................................................................ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................iii
HOW WE TRAVEL...................................................................................................................... 5
TRAVEL............................................................................................................................. 5
GROUPING........................................................................................................................5
STAFF ................................................................................................................................ 5
ITINERARY.......................................................................................................................6
TRANSPORTATION AND TOURING ............................................................................ 6
ACCOMMODATIONS...................................................................................................... 7
LAUNDRY.........................................................................................................................7
SECURITY......................................................................................................................... 7
WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL..................................................................................................... 8
SHABBAT.......................................................................................................................... 8
KASHRUT.......................................................................................................................... 8
TEFILAH─PRAYER ......................................................................................................... 8
LEARNING EXPERIENCES ........................................................................................... .9
SUGGESTED READING LIST ................................................................................................. 10
ISRAEL ON THE INTERNET .................................................................................................. 11
WHAT TO BRING...................................................................................................................... 12
PASSPORT....................................................................................................................... 12
BAGGAGE....................................................................................................................... 12
DEPARTURE PROCEDURES ........................................................................................ 13
PACKING LIST ............................................................................................................... 13
SPENDING MONEY ....................................................................................................... 16
KUPAH─COLLECTIVE TREASURY ........................................................................... 16
CAMERAS ....................................................................................................................... 17
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TO ENSURE AN ENJOYABLE SUMMER ............................................................................. 17
HEALTH CARE AND MEDICAL POLICIES................................................................ 17
VACINATION POLICY.................................................................................................. 19
PARENTAL NOTIFICATION POLICY ......................................................................... 21
BEHAVIORAL POLICIES.............................................................................................. 20
SMOKING........................................................................................................................ 22
EAR/BODY PIERCING- TATTOOS .............................................................................. 22
Early Leave/Dismissal Policy ………………………………………………………..................23
LEISURE TIME AND VISITATION PERIODS ..................................................................... 23
CALLING HOME……………………………………………………………………….24
MAIL ................................................................................................................................ 25
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU ................................................................................................ 26
PERSONAL CONFERENCE........................................................................................... 26
PAYMENT ....................................................................................................................... 26
FORMS............................................................................................................................. 27
CHECKLIST................................................................................................................................ 28
POLICY AGREEMENT............................................................................................................. 29
iv

HOW WE TRAVEL
TRAVEL
Of course, you’re anxious to know exactly when you’re leaving, however, please be aware that flight
schedules are not under our direct control. Therefore, in the spring, once the airlines provide us with
confirmed flight information, we will send out this information. Please do not make any domestic flight
arrangements until we send you this information.
GROUPING
The USY Israel Pilgrimage program is composed of hundreds of people, from all parts of the U.S.A. and
Canada, but they are divided into smaller units called groups. Each group is made up of approximately 45
teenagers and five or six staff members. We consider many factors when making up the various groups.
We attempt to make each group as heterogeneous as possible with a good geographical distribution and a
balanced ratio of males and females. In addition, age, grade in school, USY background, and Jewish
education are also considered when the groups are divided up.
USY Israel Pilgrimage/Poland Seminar travels in multiple shifts. It is important that you advise us in
writing of any special circumstances such as a family event, or a college orientation which requires you to
return by a specific date or makes you unable to leave until a certain date, etc.
If you would like to request to be in a group with someone else, you must send us your request by March
2, 2011. We must receive reciprocal requests from each individual involved, in our office by the deadline
mentioned, in order to assign groups. Requests are not guaranteed and must be limited to two people.
Your request should not be included in the essay, or on any other forms (these items are read later), but
should be made under separate cover!
REMEMBER WE CANNOT COMPLY WITH ANY REQUEST THAT DOES NOT REACH OUR
OFFICE BY MARCH 2, 2011.
STAFF
We choose our staff with an eye to quality. To work for USY Israel Pilgrimage is a coveted position, and
we receive hundreds of applications each year for the available openings. As a result, the personnel
committee spends much time and energy in an effort to provide each Pilgrimage group with the most
qualified staff possible.
Staff selection is based upon extensive Jewish knowledge, commitment, and experience working with
youth. Our staff is comprised of rabbis, educators, and youth workers, both male and female; people who
devote their lives and their talents to the Jewish people in general and to youth in particular. They are
mature, responsible, caring individuals.
Depending on the size, each group usually has three or four American staff members plus two Israeli
staff, one of whom is a chovesh (a trained medic). Together these people form a cohesive, responsible,
and well-rounded staff that works hard to ensure the success of USY Israel Pilgrimage and to ensure a
positive experience for you and your parents.
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There are also a number of individuals who work with all the groups and are responsible for the overall
functioning of the USY Israel Pilgrimage. In addition to the New York office, there is a central office in
Israel. During the summer, there is a full complement of staff members in both our Jerusalem and New
York offices, available to serve the needs of our participants and their parents.
ITINERARY
What are we going to see? Where are we going to stay? To give you some idea as to the answers to these
questions, please visit our website at www.usy.org/escape. In one of our last mailings to you before your
departure we will send you a copy of your own personalized itinerary specifically designed for your group, as
well as copy of “Footsteps in Israel”, a summary of the key places that you will visit.
Besides spending a great deal of time in Jerusalem, you will take trips of varying lengths to all parts of Israel.
One week is spent in the Galilee, visiting the historic and natural sites, the Haifa area, the northern seacoast,
Safed and other exciting places. We also visit Tel Aviv, and its surrounding area. The visit to the Negev
Desert is one of the major highlights of the summer, as well. There is the climb up Masada and several days
are spent enjoying the outdoors, the water, and the sun in Eilat. Some of the places you will visit include an
exploration of the natural surroundings, which provides a lot of opportunity for hiking and walking.
USY Israel Pilgrimage is not just a tour of Israel. It is an active experience, which strives to examine how
Jewish values are carried out in the land of the Jews. We don't want to just show you places, we want to
introduce you to the life that goes on in those places. Through our tzedakah program, you will see places
like Lifeline for the Old, a workshop for the elderly and disabled of Jerusalem, where you will interact
with the people and share their stories and love and Table to Table an organization that collects thousands
of meals and distributes this food to organizations that operate soup kitchens, food pantries, meals on
wheels programs, after-school initiatives, programs for seniors and homeless shelters. These experiences
add a new dimension to the word tzedakah and they stay with you for a lifetime. You will also participate
in amazing seminars and listen to speakers who will bring Israel alive. Don’t forget all the extra fun and
games that go along with the adventure!
Special Note for L’Takayn Olam Participants:
L’Takayn Olam will have a unique itinerary. Additionally, you will be participating in intensive and exciting
social action and Mitzvah projects throughout Israel. Most of these projects will allow you to directly involve
yourself and impact the communities around you.
TRANSPORTATION AND TOURING
While in Israel, we travel in air-conditioned chartered buses. Whenever possible, we maintain the same
drivers throughout the summer.
In addition, we are often accompanied by morei derech (tour guides). While not considered part of the staff,
these guides are an informative and delightful addition to our group. It is the job of the morei derech to guide
the group through specific areas of the country by leading them through appropriate and exciting sites,
explanations, and exercises.
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Our groups stay at a variety of facilities during the course of the summer, including hotels and youth
hostels that are carefully chosen by USY Israel Pilgrimage to provide the best possible location and living
conditions. The hotels and youth hostels are probably not what you are used to from traveling with your
parents. They are built to house three to six participants in a room. While the bases may not be luxurious,
they do provide the necessary living comforts throughout Israel.
While in Jerusalem, most groups stay at the beautiful Fucshberg Center for Conservative Judaism. Our
campus is fully equipped with dining halls, multi-purpose rooms, and plenty of outdoor space for
programs and hanging out.
Breakfast and dinner are usually served at our base and usually the group brings along box lunches for their
day of touring, but from time to time, we will eat in restaurants on the road. The food is wholesome and
nutritious. Being in Israel will give you the opportunity to try out new foods you may never have eaten, such
as falafel, humus, and other Middle Eastern specialties. You may even find a new twist to the foods to which
you're accustomed. Vegetarians and others with special diets will be accommodated; however we must be
notified of your specific needs prior to the summer.
LAUNDRY
What do you do about cleaning your clothes? While washing by hand is sometimes necessary, in Jerusalem
you have access to laundry service, which will pick up your clothes, wash and dry them, and return them
neatly folded - all within 24 hours! Each laundry bag costs approximately $9 and is at your own expense.
SECURITY
USY takes every possible precaution to ensure your health, welfare, and safety. Each participant is our
responsibility, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Our touring schedule is reviewed with the
appropriate Israeli authorities for security and safety control. Each facility we stay in has its own security
precautions. To gain admittance to one of our bases, we often require identification of both Pilgrims and staff.
If you have relatives or friends who visit, you will be asked to come to the main entrance, identify them as
people welcome to our base, and escort them inside.
While traveling, we take all security measures recommended and required by the authorities. Rather than take
unnecessary chances, we err to the side of caution when deciding on issues of security. We always take the
cautious, conservative approach in matters of health, safety and security.
All youth groups traveling in Israel have occasionally experienced theft. It is, therefore, extremely important
that the program participants follow all regulations as established by USY Israel Pilgrimage for protection of
their property.
When participants have their Chufsha (free) weekend (July 15 – 17, 2011), our Jerusalem bases will be
open and fully operational with staff coverage. In addition to Shabbat meals and staff supervision we will
also provide programming (of a lighter nature) at the base for Shabbat as well as appropriate social/
recreational opportunities during the day on Friday and Saturday night.
While USYers are most welcome to stay on base, we recognize that many parents and USYers will still want
to take advantage of the opportunity to visit with relatives/friends in Israel. We will provide charter bus
transportation to pre-designated pick up locations in the Tel Aviv and Haifa areas as we have done in the past.
7

USYers must be picked up and returned by their hosts at one of these locations. Staff members will wait until
all USYers have been picked up.
USYers will only be able to visit people whose names, addresses, and phone numbers for whom we have
written permission from parents. USYers will not be permitted to accompany a friend from their group to visit
their relatives/friends unless the name and address appears in writing from your parents.
WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL
USY ISRAEL PILGRIMAGE is a very special experience. We invest extra time and money in a number of
aspects of the program to ensure the best possible experience for our participants. In the areas of
transportation and accommodation, for example, we refuse to take shortcuts that could lower the quality of
our program.
Past participants have described it as "marvelous," "enlightening," "meaningful," but the program must be
experienced to be truly understood. The combination of good friends, Jewish prayer and ritual, study,
holy and historical sites, shared meals, and new Hebrew words creates an atmosphere where Judaism
springs to life and takes on new meaning.
On the human level, too, we maintain an exceptionally high staff/USYer ratio. This enables us to supervise
activities closely, to have smaller discussion groups, and to provide participants with a more personalized
relationship with individuals who have vast experience in traveling to Israel. It also helps ensure the highest
level of personal attention and care for each participant.
SHABBAT
Shabbat in Israel is a truly memorable experience. To appreciate the uniqueness of Shabbat, one must
experience the family feeling of each Pilgrimage group gets from the joy of being together. No matter how
much or how little experience you have had with traditional Shabbatot in the past, Pilgrimage will afford you
a special opportunity to enjoy and to participate in a meaningful Shabbat experience.
Shabbat is a day set apart from the hectic week, which affords you an opportunity to relax with your friends,
take a leisurely walk, and catch up on sleep. The ruach shel Shabbat, or spirit of Shabbat, which your group
creates will have an important impact on the experience for each and every member of your group. Therefore,
in order to create the most effective Shabbat atmosphere, both as a group and as individuals, we refrain from
traveling, writing, handling of money, listening to ipods or musical instruments, and using telephones.
KASHRUT
Kashrut (the Jewish dietary laws) is observed at all times by USY Israel Pilgrimage participants. This applies,
of course, to all regular meals as well as to snacks. We wait three hours between eating meat and eating dairy
foods. In addition, Kashrut is also to be followed when you are away from the group or on free time.
TEFILAH/PRAYER
USY Israel Pilgrimage provides the opportunity for you to learn about and experience prayer in a setting that
only being in Israel can provide. Imagine the beauty of a sunrise Shacharit service at Masada, Mincha service
at the Kotel, or a Kabbalat Shabbat service overlooking the old city of Jerusalem. Imagine Hip-Hop Shacharit,
or expressing prayers through the arts. Such experiences happen every year and have served to remind
8

Pilgrimage participants how fortunate they are to have maintained and strengthened their identity as Jews by
participating in a Jewish experience. Or, think of the scene of your group discussing the meaning of a single
blessing and wondering and learning how it relates to your current surroundings. Creativity is very welcome
and usual in the Pilgrimage prayer experience. This only serves to enhance the Pilgrim’s overall experience.
The religious aspects of USY Israel Pilgrimage aim at creating an understanding and appreciation of Tefillah.
For many, this will be the first opportunity to pray on a regular basis and it may seem strange, particularly if
one is unfamiliar with the structure of the service and the individual prayers themselves. You, your fellow
Pilgrims and your staff will come together to create a support group and the proper atmosphere in which we
can feel comfortable while we pray.
All participants in the USY Israel Pilgrimage program engage in daily prayer, including the Shacharit
(morning) service, as well as Mincha (afternoon) and/or Maariv (evening) service. On Shabbat, we have
additional services starting Friday evening with a lively Kabbalat Shabbat and concluding on Saturday
evening with a meaningful Havdalah.
Every Meal begins with HaMotzi and ends with Birkat Hamazon (Grace after Meals). By the end of the
summer, all participants will have an understanding and deeper appreciation of this prayer.
Tefilah is an important part of the USY Israel Pilgrimage program. Males must bring kippah, tallit and t'fillin
with them, they are required to wear all three items at weekday morning services, kippah and tallit at Shabbat
morning services and a kippah at all other appropriate times (including all meals and study sessions). Females
who want to wear talit and t'fillin are encouraged to do so.
Learning Experiences
The educational program is a stimulating aspect of the total Israel Pilgrimage. It encompasses not only the
land of Israel and its people, but also an understanding of Jewish tradition and values. Educational
programming is offered on both formal and informal levels. We would not want you to think of "formal" as
meaning that the class will take place in a classroom, but, rather, as an opportunity to explore topics of
Judaica with a superb staff, perhaps on a hillside, a roof, in the desert, or in a hotel lounge. Study sessions
may be part of the morning, afternoon or evening schedule, or may be included as part of another program.
We know that some of our participants either do not read Hebrew or have great difficulty doing so. We will
be delighted to help you during the summer so please ask your staff! Although it is not necessary to speak
Hebrew to be part of USY Israel Pilgrimage and to be in Israel, we do hope you will make every effort to
learn more of this language during the course of the program. Where can you find a better opportunity to
study a language than in the land where it exists as the official language? Take advantage of this opportunity.
9

SUGGESTED READING LIST
One way to prepare for the most unforgettable summer of your life is to read as much as possible about Israel;
its history, people, politics, geography, etc. The books listed below should be available from your synagogue
library or local bookstore. Try to read a few, so that your summer becomes even more meaningful.
Exodus by Leon Uris
Rejoice With Jerusalem by Jules Gutin
The Revolt by Menahem Begin
O Jerusalem by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre
My Country by Abba Eban
The Israelis: Founders and Sons by Amos Elon
Israel: An Echo of Eternity by Abraham Joshua Heschel
The Holy City: Jews on Jerusalem by Avraham Holtz
The Seventh Day: Soldiers Talk about the Six Day War Avraham Shapira, Editor
Am Israel V'Eretz Israel: The People and Its Land by Simcha Kling
Breakthrough by Moshe Dayan
Heroes of Israel: Profiles of Jewish Courage by Chaim Herzog
Self Portrait of a Hero: Letters from Jonathan Netanyahu
My Life by Golda Meir
The Source by James Michener
In the Land of Israel by Amos Oz
Israel Myths and Facts by Mitchell Bard
Warrior: An Autobiography by Ariel Sharon
If a Place Can Make You Cry: Dispatches from an Anxious State by Daniel Gordis
What Israel Means to Me by Alan Dershowitz, Editor
From Beirut to Jerusalem by Thomas Friedman
The Case for Israel by Alan Dershowitz
The Case for Peace by Alan Dershowitz
Shalom, Friend: The Life and Legacy of Yitzhak Rabin by David Horovitz
Coming Together, Coming Apart: A Memoir of Heartbreak and Promise in Israel by Daniel
Gordis
A History of Israel: From the Rise of Zionism to Our Time by Howard M. Sachar
10

Israel on the Internet
Reshet Bet-Live (only) radio
Shaliach Net – What do Shlichim Talk About
Galei Tzahal – Army Radio
The Jerusalem Post
The Masorti Movement
Virtual Jerusalem (Kotel live)
Israel On Line
Israel Foreign Ministry
Maven – More then 2,500 Jewish/Israel Links
CNN Interactive
Educational Library of WZO
The Israeli Knesset
TAPUZ – list of Hebrew sights
Israel Interactive – list of sites
Radios 100FM – radio in Tel Aviv
Free Ron Arad
Israel’s Yellow Pages
Office of the Prime Minister
Maariv English
Israel Radio
Ha’Aretz English
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
IDF Spokesman
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Jewish Agency
AIPAC
Anti-Defamation League
CAMERA
MERCAZ USA
YnetNews
The Israel Highway
http://bet.netvision.net.il/
http://youth.org.il/shaliach
http://www.glz.co.il
http://www.jpost.com
http://www.masorti.org
http://www.virtual.co.il
http://www.iol.co.il
http://www.israel-mfa.gov.il/
http://www.maven.co.il
http://www.cnn.com
http://www.jajz-ed.org
http://www.knesset.gov.il/
http://www.tapuz.co.il
http://www.israelinteractive.com
http://www.100fm.co.il/Hindex.htm
http://www.ron-arad.org.il
http://www.yellowpages.co.il
http://www.pmo.gov.il
http://www.maarivintl.com
http://israelradio.org/english
http://www.haaretzdailyu.com/
http://www.jta.org/
http://www.idf.il/english/news/main.stm
http://www.mfa.gov.il/
http://www.jewishagnecy.com
http://www.aipac.org
http://www.adl.org
http://www.camera.org
http://www.mercazusa.org
http://www.ynetnews.com
http://www.Israelhighway.org
11

WHAT TO BRING
PASSPORT
Of course, to enter Israel you need a passport. For those of you not holding valid passports, an application
form with complete instructions can be obtained through your local post office or local passport office. For
further passport information, including information on where to obtain forms, please call the toll-free Federal
Information Number 1-800-688-9889. Canadian citizens should apply at the appropriate government office,
as well. In the weeks preceding summer vacation, the government is deluged by requests for passports and
often takes weeks to reply. To avoid any problems, apply for your passport immediately! When you receive
it, make sure you have filled in the required information on the inside front cover. Leave the section marked
"Bearer's Foreign Address" blank. Also, please make sure that you sign your legal name in the appropriate
place. You do not need a tourist visa. If you already have a passport, check that it will be valid through
February 15, 2012. If the passport is not valid through February 2012 you will need to renew your passport
before traveling on USY Israel Pilgrimage.
Those of you who are citizens of countries other than United States or Canada should write immediately to
the appropriate consulate regarding visas and re-entry permits. In addition, you should check with the Israeli
Consulate to determine their requirements for entry of citizens from your specific country.
If you are Israeli-born, you must supply the details of your birthplace, parents' citizenship, etc. and have a
valid Israeli passport. Additionally, you must travel with both passports.
It is important that citizens of any countries other than Canada or the United States alert the Pilgrimage office
in New York of their citizenship so that we can assure that the proper process is followed.
DO NOT MAIL YOUR PASSPORT TO OUR OFFICE AT ANY TIME.
Make two copies of the second and third pages of your passport. This is very useful if for any reason your
passport needs to be replaced. Leave one copy at home with your parents.
Before leaving home, please check, that you have your valid passport with you.
Passport Information must be received by our office no later then April 15, 2011.
BAGGAGE
You are permitted only one suitcase that must not exceed 50 lbs and cannot be larger than 26”x20”x10”. We
recommend duffel bags/soft suitcases with wheels.
Additionally, you should bring a backpack as a carry on bag.
Please Note:
‣ Any portable musical instrument not exceeding 39 inches in length will be considered as one 39-
inch piece.
‣ A carry-on item such as a backpack, pocketbook, jacket, camera and other small hand-carried
items are permitted aboard free.
12

‣ Larger hand-carried items, such as overnight bags, briefcases, cosmetic cases, and heavy cameras
will be counted and charged as one extra bag unless the item, when combined with other carry-on
items, does not exceed 45" for the three dimensions of length, width and height.
‣ The airline also reserves the right to further limit the 45" maximum for carry-on luggage to actual
under-the-seat space dimensions.
‣ It is highly recommended to use luggage on wheels. If luggage has straps please ensure that they
have removable shoulder strap, as straps can easily get caught on the airlines' conveyer belts.
‣ Please check the TSA website for up to date restrictions.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
We urge you to keep these stipulations in mind when preparing your luggage. In addition, the airlines' rulings
on these matters are subject to change. Should this happen, we will be in touch with more up to date
information.
Please note: If you are traveling on domestic flights to and from New York, please check with your
domestic carrier about additional luggage restrictions.
USY Israel Pilgrimage does NOT insure baggage or provide trip cancellation. Our insurance covers
only medical care. Should you desire any other kind of insurance, including trip cancellation insurance,
you may secure it through your own agency. We suggest that you contact the company that handles your
homeowners insurance first to see if you already have some coverage. You can also visit
www.TravelInsuranceIsrael.com. (We do not endorse this company or their product. We provide this
information as a service to you.)
DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
"All our bags are packed; we're ready to go....” You will be leaving on that jet plane with one of USY Israel
Pilgrimage's departures. On the day of your departure, you will have a chance to meet your fellow USYers
and your staff in New York. We will spend some time getting to know one another and briefing you about the
details of the flight and arrival in Israel. Then, we’re off!
Final details about your departure date will be mailed to you at a later date.
PACKING LIST
1) General Information: When you pack, keep the informality of Pilgrimage in mind. You will want
easily laundered sports clothes made of permanent press fabrics. Remember, though, that Shabbat comes
once a week, and dressier clothes are needed then. Skirts below the knee and shirts with more than a capsleeve
for girls, and long dress pants and dress shirts for boys, will be necessary when visiting various
religious sites and on Shabbat. Believe it or not, in some parts of Israel it actually gets chilly at night during
the summer. Therefore we advise you to bring along a sweater or light jacket. It never rains in Israel during
the summer, though, so you can leave your rain gear at home (unless you are traveling first to an Eastern
European country, where rain is likely). During the day the sun can be scorching, so you will need a hat
(mandatory when outdoors). A canteen that can hold 3 liters of water is mandatory for all participants.
Past participants recommend a Camelback water bottle.
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2) A Special Note About Clothing
Please be certain to bring the proper clothing this summer. Girls should be sure that some of their dresses are
knee-length for synagogues, the Kotel, and touring in Poland and Eastern Europe. Boys should be sensitive to
the type of clothing they bring and how they dress at all times during the summer, and are expected to wear
kippot. No tank tops, bare midriff styles, halter-tops, leggings, or see-through blouses are permitted on Israel
Pilgrimage. Appropriate dress will be worn for tefillot. Keep in mind that those traveling on Eastern
Europe/Israel Pilgrimage will not do laundry for the first 2 weeks of the trip.
Dress is an important expression of Shabbat. Girls must bring at least two skirts and tops and/or dresses to
wear on Friday night and Saturday. These dresses should be somewhat modest in their presentation (i.e. skirts
and dresses must extend below the knee and tops must not be sleeveless). Suits are not required for the boys;
however, a nice pair of slacks (no jeans) and a nice shirt is the appropriate type of dress.
The clothing regulations noted here are strictly enforced on all Israel Pilgrimage programs and are
in effect for your health and safety, and are in accordance with the Jewish concept of tzni’ut
(modesty).
3) Girls' Packing List - You will want your wardrobe to be as versatile as possible. T-shirts and
short and elbow length sleeved blouses will be by far the most useful and acceptable. Skirts and dresses
should have a hemline at knee length or below.
9-11 T-shirts (Hanes white t-shirts in addition to regular t-shirts)
4-5 pr. Shorts (Soffees are a popular choice)
2 pr. Slacks/jeans
5 Shabbat outfits (keep in mind that it can be cold at night)
1 skirt for those going to Eastern Europe, that can be easily put on over clothes.
1-2 long-sleeve shirts
1 Sweatshirt or light jacket (sweatshirt often worn when sleeping outdoors during Desert
Experience and Bedouin tent)
2 Bathing suits (one-piece or tankini—no bikinis)
2 pr. Pajamas
Underwear, enough for 16-18 days
Socks (many pairs as they are easily lost)
1 pr. Shoes for walking/hiking (can be sneakers if they provide sufficient support).
1 pr. Dress shoes (can be nice sandals)
1 pr. Flip-flops
1 pr. Sandals (Teva sandals or Naot--consider purchasing in Israel)
1 pr. Water shoes with backs (can be a second pair of sneakers)
Girls in previous summers have brought a few outfits to be worn at night when the group goes downtown.
There is often time to shower and change before dinner.
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4) Boys' Packing List
8-10 T-shirts
4-5 Shirts--drip-dry, knits; avoid 100% polyester material
2 pr. Dress slacks/khakis for Shabbat
2 pr. Jeans
3-4 pr. Shorts (some for touring in cities, some for hiking)
1 long-sleeve shirt
1 Sweatshirt or light jacket
2 Bathing suits
Underwear, enough for 16-18 days
Socks (many pairs as they are easily lost)
1 pr. Shoes for walking/hiking (can be sneakers if they provide sufficient support).
1 pr. Dress shoes (can be Naot if in Israel; dressier shoes are appropriate in Eastern European
countries)
1 pr. Sandals (Teva sandals or Naot--consider purchasing in Israel)
1 pr. Flip flops
1 pr. Water shoes with backs (can be a second pair of sneakers)
MALES MUST BRING TALIT, T'FILLIN, AND
3 KIPOT IN HAND LUGGAGE.
ANY MALES WHO DO NOT BRING THEM WILL BE
REQUIRED TO BUY THEM.
(Talit and T'fillin together can cost upwards of $200. This expense will come out
of the individual participant’s spending money)
General Packing List:
Mandatory Items for Everyone
HAT (no: visors, bandanas, or headbands)
1 Water canteen that can hold at least 3 liters of water (most recommend using a Camelback)
Camera and memory cards that can hold 600-800 pictures (see pg. 22)
1 ea. Toothpaste, toothbrush
Beach towel
Flashlight and batteries
Deodorant, shampoo, conditioner
Hair accessories (brush, comb, etc.)
Fanny pack or small backpack for day trips (to hold camera, sunscreen, water, wallet, phone, etc.)
Sun screen and lip protection
1 pair Sunglasses (at least)
Optional Items (if you think you will use this, it can’t hurt to bring along)
Adaptor/converter and all necessary chargers for ipod and digital camera.
Liquid detergent for clothes
Tissues
Additional pair Sunglasses
Insect repellant
Wash and dries or face tissues
(6) Ball point pens
Travel alarm clock
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Sewing kit
Hand lotion or moisturizer for skin
Calamine lotion
Notebook for journal writing
Band-aids
SPENDING MONEY
How much money should you bring? Previous participants recommend taking about $700. Many of them
spent a great deal less. The money is used for postage, snacks and treats (at the supermarket, ice cream after a
long hike, dinner at Burger King), souvenirs, and gifts. The gifts purchased for family and friends usually
account for over half the total amount spent. We urge you to discuss with your parents beforehand for whom
you will be purchasing the gifts.
In recent years many Pilgrims have begun to bring credit or debit cards with them. There are ATM
machines in most places where we travel in Israel and you may use them as a means of taking out cash.
Additionally, most of the large souvenir places take most major American credit cards. Payoneer has
designed a prepaid MasterCard/debit card program to accommodate the specific needs of participants
traveling to Israel and Europe. Additionally, most banks and AAA have Visa/debit cards available for
purchase.
It is safest to bring most of your money in the form of pre-paid debit/credit cards
Lost cash cannot be recovered.
As the summer gets closer your parents will receive an email with a form on which you can fill out your
credit/debit card information. Your staff will be given a copy of this information, so that if replacement is
necessary, it can be handled quickly.
What if you run out of money? We urge parents to contact our New York office to discuss options should
this occur.
Please Note: There have been instances where it has taken up to two weeks for the money to arrive in Israel.
A staff member will accompany your child to pick up money that has been wired. This can only be done,
however, when it does not conflict with scheduled programming. Because of this, it may be some days before
the money can be picked up.
KUPAH─COLLECTIVE TREASURY
There are a number of events, which occur within a group, such as birthdays or oneg Shabbat, which
the group will want to celebrate or for which the group will want to prepare a special activity. In
order to make sure this is possible, each group has a Kupah (treasury). Each participant puts in $65,
which is used for birthday cakes, group pictures, a concert, t-shirts, tree plantings, decorations for
Shabbat, a group CD and video, and the final banquet. The Kupah is important because it provides
the group with the ability to incorporate these little touches, which can make the summer truly
memorable.
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CAMERAS
One of the greatest treasures you can bring home to remember and share with your family is your pictures of
Israel. To insure that you get all the shots you want, bring memory cards with space for 600-800 pictures, and
your battery charger and adapter along with replacement batteries. Make sure you bring extra batteries!
To protect your camera, keep it in a case and make sure your name is on it. If you buy a new camera, try it out
before leaving home so you'll know how to use the camera to its best advantage in Israel. You'll have many
memorable experiences and visits to share with everyone back home, so keep a written record, also, of what
you photograph. You will come to treasure those pictures.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
USY accepts responsibility only for those items of value and monies deposited with the group staff. Staff
will hold onto your passport, domestic plane ticket, and any money requested. Please understand that we
do not have facilities for large items, such as cameras or video equipment, and cannot take responsibility
for those items in any instance. Participants must take responsibility for their personal belongings used on
a daily basis, i.e. expensive cameras, camcorders, ipods, etc. If you are afraid of losing or breaking it
then please think twice before packing it.
We suggest that you contact the company that handles your homeowners insurance to see if you have
coverage for items lost while traveling. If not, you may want to consider supplementary coverage. You
can do so by inquiring through local travel agencies, insurance companies, or at
www.TravelInsuranceIsrael.com. (We do not endorse this company or their product. We provide this
information as a service to you.)
HEALTH CARE AND MEDICAL POLICIES
TO ENSURE AN ENJOYABLE SUMMER
Each group is provided with a chovesh (medic) who will attend to the health of the group. In addition, each
participant is enrolled in a special medical plan. This plan covers doctor's consultations, medication, and
hospitalization. It does not, nor does Israel Pilgrimage, cover dental care, optometry care, psychiatric
consultations, or treatment related to pre-existing conditions (mental or physical). Our medical insurance
begins when you reach your first destination and ends when you board the plane for North America or depart
from the group at Ben Gurion Airport.
If you wear glasses, or contact lenses, please bring an extra pair plus a written copy of your prescription with
you and give it to your group leader before departure.
Medications: All prescription medications (with the exception of one epi-pen and emergency inhaler) must
be clearly indicated on the medical form, or in writing if prescribed after submission.
Pilgrims may not hold their own prescription medication. A staff member will be responsible for
holding medications for the Pilgrims to take as prescribed.
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If allergy or growth hormone shots are required during the summer, please be sure to bring extra vials of
serum in case one should be lost. Ice is difficult to find in Israel, therefore, you should also bring some type of
insulation with an ice pack for your serum.
The Pilgrimage staff has the responsibility of joining together with you in keeping you healthy during the
summer. We hope you will take this matter seriously at all times and follow all aspects of the program
established by the staff. The medical form enclosed is to be filled out completely by your parents and family
physician.
In order for our staff to be able to deal with medical problems, they must be made aware of them.
Failure to report existing or developing conditions may jeopardize your participation on USY Israel
Pilgrimage. The medical form is due in our office by April 1, 2011. You will not be accepted for
Pilgrimage until the medical form is returned to the USY office. Be sure that the medical form has all
signatures and information.
NOTE TO PARENTS: It is absolutely necessary that we be informed of any special medical, health, dietary
restrictions (including vegetarians and lactose intolerance) or personal situations and conditions in order for
our staff to be properly briefed and prepared. If any situation changes between the time we receive the initial
information and the time that Pilgrimage leaves, we should be advised immediately. Only with honest, upto-date
information, can we be responsible for your health and well-being.
IF ANY PHYSICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESS OCCURS ON THIS TRIP AND
IT IS FOUND THAT THERE IS A PAST HISTORY OF THIS ILLNESS, WHICH WAS
NOT REPORTED, THE PARTICIPANT MAY BE SENT HOME WITH EXPENSE TO
BE INCURRED BY THE PARENTS.
It is essential that your group leader and chovesh be familiar with your physical health before you arrive.
Otherwise, we may not be able to obtain the proper assistance for you if needed. It is best if you allow the
chovesh to tend to you during the course of the summer, rather than nursing yourself. Headaches and cuts that
you would ordinarily handle yourself should be taken care of by the chovesh.
Visits to the doctor prevent you from participating in activities, while seeing a chovesh is very easy. If you
take a prescription medication, be sure to have the generic English name with you. This information is
important should you need to see a doctor for any reason. Please note that sharing of prescription
medications is absolutely prohibited.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY, in order for you to return
the form on time. We have found in the past that Pilgrims who do not make this appointment immediately
upon receipt of these instructions often have difficulty returning the forms on time.
Be sure that the medical form has all signatures and information. You cannot be accepted for Wheels until
the completed medical form has been returned to the USY office.
If a Pilgrim contracts mononucleosis within 90 days of the day of departure, please have your physician send
written authorization for him/her to participate in the program. Due to the contagious nature of this condition
we need to be very careful.
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Please have your teeth checked before departure, so that if you are in need of dental attention, you can
complete it before the program starts. If you have braces or other orthodontic devices, please make sure to
have them checked before the summer as well. Poor teeth can suddenly become very painful and dental and
orthodontic care on Pilgrimage is more difficult to arrange than normal medical services. Of course, any
emergencies will be taken care of immediately at your expense.
Vaccination Policy
All participants attending USY Summer Programs must have completed a primary series of vaccinations
for the following high risk diseases:
1) DTP (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) with one dose after age 4
2) Polio (oral or inactivated – with booster dose after age 4)
3) Tetanus Booster -Td or Tdap (Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis) within the past 5-10 years (5 years
preferred)
4) MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – 2 doses after age 1
5) HBV (Hepatitis B)
6) Chicken Pox (in absence of disease history) – 2 doses - 1 after age 4
7) Menactra (meningococcal meningitis)
8) Hepatitis A (highly recommended but not required)
Those who choose not to be vaccinated will not be allowed to participate on a USY Summer Program. If a
participant is not vaccinated for reasons of immunodeficiency, or other medically documented reasons,
they must provide USY Summer Programs with a detailed explanation by a physician, and their
participation will then be subject to further approval by the USY office.
PARENTAL NOTIFICATION POLICY
Health and safety are the most important priorities on USY Israel Pilgrimage. Our standard operating
procedure for the notification of parents when a health incident does occur is as follows:
1. For routine doctor visits in doctor's offices, infirmaries, or clinics, USY Israel Pilgrimage Policy is to
communicate the information by e-mail or fax to USY Central Staff in New York. USY Pilgrimage
Central Staff in NY will then contact the parent and relay the information. Due to the 7-hour time
difference between Israel and New York, there is usually a time lag between the time that a participant
sees the doctor for the routine visit and parental notification. Because of the nature of the program,
participants may be situated in out-of-the way locations where scheduling a routine doctor visit would
mean waiting. In these cases, USY treats the participant immediately by bringing them to an emergency
room. Notification in these cases is handled in the same manner as a routine doctor visit (see above).
PLEASE NOTE: With the use of cell phones, it is possible that your child may call you with information
on their condition before the New York office has received the information from the Israel office. Do not
be concerned. The New York office will contact you to discuss any pressing issue.
2. In cases where participants are taken to an emergency room because of a non-routine occurrence,
standard operating procedure designates that USY Israel Pilgrimage Central Staff in Israel communicates
information either directly to parents (as per USY Central Staff's reasonable judgment) or via USY Israel
Pilgrimage Central Staff in New York in the following manner:
19

a. Once a diagnosis and/or treatment is found, parents are contacted directly through the
USY Israel Pilgrimage Office in Israel or New York City. In a case where a participant
must be taken to an emergency room for a non-routine occurrence, USY Pilgrimage
policy is to wait for a diagnosis by the treating physician before notifying New York
Central Staff and/or parents so as not to unnecessarily alarm parents while full information
is not yet available.
b. In cases where, after a reasonable time, a diagnosis or treatment has not been found,
parents are notified via USY Israel Pilgrimage Central Staff in Israel or New York that
their child is in the hospital undergoing testing with the goal of finding diagnosis and
treatment.
3. In the event of a major emergency, a member of the USY Pilgrimage staff in Israel and/or New York
will contact parents directly. We do our best to call as quickly as possible, but we give higher priority to
more serious cases.
PLEASE NOTE: At no time is Pilgrimage group staff permitted to speak directly with parents. In
addition, USY cannot be held responsible for the relay of inaccurate information if parents are notified in
an unofficial manner, i.e., by their child calling them directly.
BEHAVIOR POLICIES
Every USY Israel Pilgrimage participant has a special responsibility. You not only represent yourself, but also
USY, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the Conservative Movement, and North American
Jewry. Often, the attitudes and impressions developed by people in various Israeli communities about
American Jews are based directly on encounters with USY Israel Pilgrimage participants. Thus, your
behavior, language, and other actions in public are crucial at all times in creating the proper impression of
North American Jewry.
USY has set certain standards for itself. As a participant in our program, it is your responsibility to maintain
these standards. The following represents some of the standards for which you will be responsible:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
LEAVING THE GROUP WITHOUT PERMISSION MAY
RESULT IN BEING SENT HOME
ANTI-GROUP OR DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR, VIOLATING CURFEW,
VANDALISM AND MISTREATMENT OF OTHERS ARE TYPICAL ACTIONS THAT
WILL FORCE US TO RE-EVALUATE YOUR PARTICIPATION ON PILGRIMAGE
AND MAY LEAD TO EVENTUAL DISMISSAL FROM THE GROUP, WITHOUT
LIABLITY ON THE PART OF USY ISRAEL PILGRIMAGE
THE USE OF AND/OR POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL DRUGS OR
NARCOTICS IS ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN. THIS INCLUDES TAKING
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS THAT WERE NOT PRESCRIBED SPECIFICALLY FOR
YOUR USE.
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ANYONE IN POSSESSION OF, OR FOUND USING ILLEGAL DRUGS OR
NARCOTICS WILL BE SENT HOME ON THE NEXT AVAILABLE
FLIGHT AT HIS/HER PARENTS' EXPENSE.
The Israeli police are very strict about enforcing the illegal narcotics laws of Israel. Unfortunately, there are
foreign teenage visitors who have learned this lesson in an Israeli prison before being sent out of the country.
The use or purchase of intoxicating beverages is absolutely forbidden.
ANY PARTICIPANT WHO IS FOUND PURCHASING, CONSUMING, OR
POSSESSING ALCOHOL (INCLUDING BEER) OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE
BOTTLES OR CONTAINERS (EVEN IF THEY ARE EMPTY), OR WHO IS FOUND
OR DETERMINED TO HAVE BEEN UNDER ITS INFLUENCE, WILL BE REMOVED
FROM THE PROGRAM AND IMMEDIATELY SENT HOME AT THE PARENTS'
EXPENSE.
Furthermore, in order to assure an appropriate environment for program participants, unsupervised entry into
pubs, bars, discos, and the like is strictly forbidden.
This policy will be carried out without further warning, regardless of the quantity or circumstances under
which the alcohol was consumed/discovered, and without regard to the participant's behavioral record or
standing. There will be no "second chance" or "probationary period." In such circumstances, the participant's
parents will be called once a flight home has been arranged. (Please note: purchase of alcoholic beverage for
gifts, mementoes, souvenirs, etc. is included in this policy).
_______________________________________________________________________________
Shoplifting and stealing are absolutely forbidden.
ANYONE FOUND SHOPLIFTING OR STEALING WILL BE SENT HOME ON THE
NEXT AVAILABLE FLIGHT AT HIS/HER PARENTS' EXPENSE
ANY VIOLATION OF THIS RULE IS A VIOLATION OF THE LAW AND CAN
JEOPARDIZE THE ENTIRE PILGRIMAGE PROGRAM. Of course, it is understood that
the above holds true even when the individual is on his/her own and not with the group.
Purchasing or possessing knives is absolutely forbidden.
ANYONE FOUND PURCHASING OR POSSESSING ANY TYPE OF KNIVES MAY BE
SENT HOME ON THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLIGHT AT HIS/HER PARENTS'
EXPENSE.
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USY Israel Pilgrimage upholds the highest standards of moral and sexual behavior within the frame work
of Judaism. This includes the fact that males and females are not permitted in each other's rooms. Any
USYer violating these standards is subject to dismissal and to being sent home at the parents' expense.
Judgment in such situations will be made by the bus leader in consultation with the Director of USY
Israel Pilgrimage and The Central Staff of International USY.
As part of the total framework within which the United Synagogue Youth programs operate, participants are
expected to meet the highest standards of behavior in the areas of moral and sexual behavior, within the
framework of the Judaic value system under which we operate. Any participant violating these standards is
subject to dismissal and to being sent home at parents' expense.
USY Pilgrimage reserves the right to search the room and belongings of any attendee if it has reasonable
grounds to believe that such a search is necessary to secure the health, safety and/or welfare of the program
and or its participants. Judgment in such situations will be made by the group leader in consultation with the
Director of Israel Programs, and the Central Staff of United Synagogue Youth. USY reserves the right to
enforce other rules relating to the integrity of the Pilgrimage Program and/or the health, safety or welfare of
its participants.
USY International Policy states, “If a USYer is apprehended for an infraction of the International Youth
Commission’s policy regarding drugs and alcohol abuse or any other criminal offense (including, but not
limited to, shoplifting) punishment for that offense will include suspension from International USY events
(including, but not limited to, the International USY Convention and USY Summer Programs) for one year
following the infraction. The USYer’s Region reserves the right to impose additional sanctions in connection
with this or any other improper behavior as it sees fit.”
SMOKING
SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED AT ANY TIME ON THE USY ISRAEL
PILGRIMAGE PROGRAM. Possession and use of cigarettes, hookas, and water pipes are
prohibited at all times.
EAR/BODY PIERCING‐ TATTOOS
Ear and body piercing is strictly prohibited at all times on the Pilgrimage program, including during leisure
time and during visitation periods. Even with parental permission this is prohibited, as we cannot assume
responsibility for sanitary conditions of the piercing facilities and implements. If a Pilgrim violates this rule,
he or she must remove the ring at his or her own expense. Body piercing will be considered a serious
behavioral offense and may result in a Pilgrim being sent home. Tattoos are strictly prohibited at all times
on Pilgrimage programs. In addition, hair dying is prohibited at all times on the Pilgrimage program.
22

Early Leave/Dismissal Policy
In the event that a USYer must leave the program before its conclusion, the following
guidelines will apply:
A. If the decision for the USYer to leave early is made by the parents/guardian or by the USYer,
there is no refund, and all related expenses (such as return travel arrangements) are the
responsibility of the parents.
B. If the USYer is dismissed from the program because of behavior problems or actions that are
deemed to be anti-group behavior at the discretion of the director, there is no refund and all
related expenses are the responsibility of the parents.
C. If the USYer must leave for medical reasons, USY will reimburse the parents 60% of the
non-transportation costs/ rental of the remainder of the trip on a daily pro-rated basis,
knowing that USY will not be able to cancel the arrangements that have been made.
LEISURE TIME AND VISITATION PERIODS
Built into the structure of Pilgrimage are opportunities to visit relatives and friends in Israel. The chufsha or
leisure-time comes in two forms:
1) Throughout the summer there will be time, usually in the evening when there is some free time
either on the base where you are staying, or in downtown Jerusalem, to visit with relatives. You should ask
your staff when free time will be in order to work out the best time for a visit with your relatives.
2) During the summer there will be a free weekend when you can visit relatives or friends in
all parts of Israel. The free weekend in 2011 is from the morning of Friday, July 15 to the morning of
Sunday, July 17. Since this involves overnight stays away from the base, we must obtain written
permission from your parents. IF WE DO NOT RECEIVE THIS WRITTEN PERMISSION, YOU
WILL BE REQUIRED TO REMAIN AT THE BASE OVERNIGHT.
A. Please inform hosting families that the free weekend will be Friday morning, July 15 through
Sunday morning, July 17. In the week before that weekend one of our staff will be in contact
with the hosting family to discuss pick up and drop off times and places.
B. Please inform the hosting family that any place that is off limits all summer is off limits during
the free period. This includes discos, shopping malls, congested public gathering places, bus
stations, market places, etc. All communities beyond the “Green Line” are often off limits but
are sometimes permissible with extra written parental permission. Please note: USY has the
right to change the list of restricted areas throughout the summer. We will distribute the
most up to date rules to hosting families when they pick up the USYers, but we would
appreciate it if you reviewed these details with them in advance, as well.
USYers may not be picked up or dropped off on Shabbat during the free weekend.
You will only be permitted to visit those people approved in writing by your parents.
23

Participants are not permitted to check into hotels and/or sleep on beaches.
Participants are not permitted to enter areas that are restricted for security reasons.
Participants are not permitted to be picked up or dropped off on Shabbat
ALL RULES OUTLINED IN THE BEHAVIOR POLICY APPLY DURING CHUFSHA.
VIOLATION OF ANY OF THESE RULES CAN RESULT IN YOUR BEING SENT
HOME AT YOUR PARENTS' EXPENSE.
Chufsha permission indicates that visits only take place during chofesh and only if the participant is
considered sufficiently mature by the staff and is in good health.
Israel Pilgrimage is a highly structured program with many activities planned every day. You would not want
friends or relatives to visit only to find that you are out on a tour or in the middle of a group activity. So
please, stress to your relatives and friends that they should call in advance to find out when you will be free to
spend time with them. Your staff must approve all such visits in advance.
Please note that even in the homes of family and friends you may visit on chufsha, you are expected to
observe Shabbat and Kashrut. The same applies to those who remain behind on the base.
No hitchhiking is permitted at any time.
A SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS: Educational programs depend upon consistency for effect. This is
particularly true in ritual matters such as Kashrut and Shabbat. If you visit your child during the summer in
Israel, we urge you to eat in kosher restaurants and not to violate Shabbat. By adhering to the rules that we
follow on Pilgrimage, you reinforce the values we are trying to impart during the summer.
CALLING HOME
Please be aware that even though we allow cell phones during the summer there are specific guidelines
which we follow:
Cell phones are not to be on or used during group activities, including: tefillot, during daytime or evening
programs, throughout Shabbat, or at any other time when the group is functioning as a unit, If someone is
found to be in violation of these rules the cell phone may be confiscated by the group leader
USY Israel Pilgrimage is NOT RESPONSIBLE if the cell phone is lost or damaged during the
summer.
In a future mailing, we will give you information about companies that rent cell phones. (We do not endorse
these companies or their products. We provide this information as a service to you.)
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MAIL
The summer mailing address for USY Israel Pilgrimage participants is:
Name of Participant
USY Israel Pilgrimage Group #______
8 Agron Street
P.O. Box 7456
Jerusalem, ISRAEL 91999
Feel free to distribute this address to family and friends. Your mail will be picked up by the staff and
given out to your group, usually on a daily basis in Jerusalem. If you are on your Northern or Southern
tiyul, mail may only be distributed once or twice that week. If you will be traveling in Europe before
arriving in Israel, you will receive the mail upon arrival in Jerusalem.
Mail service from Israel to the U.S.A. and Canada and vice versa can sometimes take 7-10 days under the
best conditions. IN THE SUMMER THE MAIL SERVICE IS VERY UNRELIABLE. Do not despair if letters
seem to take a long time arriving.
A SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS: Mail is a two-way street. Just as you look forward to hearing from your
teenager, he or she looks forward to hearing from you. There is nothing that ruins a participant's summer more
than not hearing from home.
Please refrain from sending packages through the mail. They often arrive late and have customs duty
charges added on. Often the custom charges exceed the value of the items sent. (For example, a six-pack of
Dial Soap has cost $32 to release from customs due to storage, customs, and handling fees). Furthermore,
these packages must be picked up at the airport by Pilgrimage staff. This is time consuming and disruptive to
the program.
In a future mailing, we will give you information about companies that you can send care packages through.
(We do not endorse these companies or their products. We provide this information as a service to you.)
Please be aware that participants may not have access to email throughout the summer.
A special 24-hour emergency telephone number will be available to you for the summer. We urge you to use
it only in case of emergency.
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WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
To complete the application process for Pilgrimage we need five particulars from you:
1) USY membership
2) Payment
3) The forms listed in this booklet (under "Forms")
4) A personal conference
PERSONAL CONFERENCE
A personal conference is required of each applicant. The conference gives you a more detailed idea of what to
expect from USY Israel Pilgrimage and will offer you the opportunity to discuss any questions. We will
review the educational and religious aspects of the program as well as our behavior policy with you. Please
bring at least one of your parents along with you.
Beginning in the spring, one of our conference consultants will contact you either by e-mail, or phone to set
up an appointment. Please note that we cannot accept any applicant who has not had a proper personal
conference. (In some instances, due to geographic location or scheduling problems, it may be difficult to
schedule a face-to-face personal conference. In such instances, a personal conference may take place over the
phone.)
If we feel it necessary, we reserve the right to request a second personal conference or additional references.
PAYMENT
The price of USY Pilgrimage is all-inclusive upon departure from New York. It does not include insurance or
personal expenses. However, health insurance is included as mentioned on page 22.
Full payment is due on or before April 1, 2011 USY does not send bills at regular intervals indicating the
balance due. It is our assumption that you will adhere to the deadline schedule. You may pay with Visa or
MasterCard, however, please be aware that we can not take this information over the phone.
Scholarship funds are available and fall into two categories: The Regional USY Scholarship Program
conducted via the Tikun Olam Program; and funds distributed by agencies other than USY, such as your
synagogue or local federation. Details on USY scholarships are available from your Regional Youth Director
and our New York office. You must check with your individual regional director regarding deadlines for
regional scholarships. Many congregations also provide scholarship assistance for Pilgrimage through the
Youth Department, Men's Club, Sisterhood, or Rabbi's Fund. You should contact your Youth Director and/or
synagogue Rabbi for additional details on these or other local scholarship opportunities. Please apply early in
order to make deadlines for scholarship requirements.
Tikun Olam scholarships are distributed after the April 1, 2011 deadline for payment. These monies are
transferred from your regional USY office to your USY Israel Pilgrimage account at the end of May. If you
are applying for a Tikun Olam scholarship, please deduct the maximum amount of that scholarship (the most
you could possibly receive) from the amount due, and pay the difference.
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If you are a scholarship recipient from a source other than Tikun Olam, full payment is still due by April 1,
2011. If you receive a scholarship after that date, have the funds sent directly to yourself to reimburse your
payment.
Plant Your Way to Israel
In addition to other forms of scholarships and subsidies for Israel trips, the Jewish National Fund offers an
amazing opportunity to do wonders for the State of Israel and for oneself. By selling trees to be planted in
Israel for the Jewish National Fund to friends and family, a USYer can earn the money needed to pay for an
Israel trip.
The USYer and his/her parents sign an agreement with the JNF to sell trees for $36 per tree. Half of the
proceeds are used for planting the trees in Israel and a special tree certificate is sent to the designee on
behalf of the donor. The other half of the proceeds are placed in a special JNF account on behalf of the
USYer and kept for the USYer to later use towards a trip to Israel.
Visit www.jnf.org/pyw for more information.
FORMS
Over the next few months you will receive forms via email that must be filled out to provide us with the
information we need to ensure your health and well - being. Please be as accurate as possible and make sure
to have your forms in on time so we may place you in a group.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
We hope any questions you may have are answered in this booklet or will be covered in the upcoming
mailings you will receive between now and departure. However, if you wish to clarify on any of this
information, please feel free to e-mail Aviva Tilles, USY Israel Pilgrimage, Director of North American
Operations directly at pilgrimage@uscj.org. Phone calls do not allow you or us to have a record of what
response was given. Be assured that all questions received by our office will be answered.
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CHECKLIST
Completed Name
Date Due
( ) Enrollment Application April 9
( ) Medical Form April 9
( ) Reference Letter April 9
( ) Rabbi’s Reference Form April 9
( ) Parent Waiver Form April 9
( ) Spending Money Form May 31
( ) Summer Address Form May 31
( ) Chufsha Form May 31
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Please sign and return to USY Office after you’ve completed reading through the
information booklet.
POLICY AGREEMENT
TO:
DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH ACTIVITIES, The United Synagogue of Conservative
Judaism
FROM:__________________________________________________________
Please Print Full Name
___________________________________________________________
Number and Street
___________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip
___________________________________________________________
Region
I HAVE READ THE USY ISRAEL PILGRIMAGE INFORMATION BOOKLET THOROUGHLY AND
AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE RULES AND PRINCIPLES SET FORTH.
MY PARENTS HAVE ALSO READ THE BOOKLET AND HAVE AFFIXED THEIR SIGNATURE BELOW
TO INDICATE THEIR UNDERSTANDING AND AGREEMENT TO ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAM.
___________________________________
Pilgrim's Signature
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
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