Packing List
When packing for your year at Midreshet AMIT, please keep in mind that from September until November the days can be warm but the evenings in Yerushalayim are cool. November through March can be cold and wet. We highly recommend that you do your best to not over-pack. Be aware that many American products can be purchased in Israel. Our local Gilo mall has all of the necessities and the Malcha mall is only a 5 minute ride away.
Suggested packing list:
- Sweaters
- Sweatshirts
- Sweatpants
- Leggings (for tiyulim)
- Pajamas
- Robe
- Hiking skirts
- Exercise clothing
- Shabbat clothing
- Bathing Suit
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Tights/stockings
- Hat/bandana
- Hiking shoes
- Running Shoes
- Non-leather Shoes (for Yom Kippur)
- Waterproof rain boots
- Winter coat
- Rain gear
- Sheets and pillowcases (2-sets)
- Pillow/Blanket
- Towels
- Laundry bag
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries
- Camera
- Flashdrive
- Flashlight
- Plug adapters
- Sleeping Bag
- Small travel bag (for weekends)
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Tips from Alumnae
Bring a rolling suitcase on the plane and you can use it when you travel every Shabbat. My best advice is to stay positive and enjoy it all. Your year at AMIT is what you make it!
-Rebecca Basloe, 2012
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I couldn’t not have survived this year without my slippers. Remember that Yerushalayim gets really cold in the winter so bring a good winter coat and a raincoat! You do NOT need a lot of Shabbat clothing because every week, you will be going to different home and definitely do not pack heels! Overall, make sure to being a good attitude! There is nothing to be nervous about – it will be an awesome year
-Taly Levine, 2012
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I definitely couldn’t have survived without my knapsack, sunscreen and my slippers. Also, my long black skirt was really useful. Don’t pack shampoo and conditioner or school supplies – they weigh a lot and you can buy them in Israel. My advice to all future students: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You can always count on the administration and teachers to help you with anything! GO sightseeing and experience Israel. Time with the kids is the best part of it all and creating a relationship with them is key. You can create friendships that will last a lifetime!"
-Shayna Brenman, 2012
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Don’t forget to pack some American snacks that you love, like granola bars and crystal light. Other than that, you can buy everything here! Invest in a really good pair of sneakers for hikes and trips and don’t forget a basic long black skirt and sunglasses. Have an awesome year!
-Sivan Shahar, 2012
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I used my water bottle every day – Bring a good one for class and trips. Do NOT pack bed risers; AMIT has the beds in Jerusalem! You will definitely need rain boots and slippers. Most importantly, bring your PMA – positive mental attitude. Be enthusiastic about classes, school trips and all Beit Hayeled activities. The year will fly by so make the most of it!
-Sarah Marlowe, 2012
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I would advise all students to invest in a good overnight bag for Shabbatot – you will end up carrying around the whole Friday so make sure it's comfortable. I lived in my UGG slippers and long black skirt. Super Pharm in Gilo has all the toiletries that you would ever need so don’t waste room in your suitcase on American products. My advice is to get close with your teachers and madrichot. The teachers are really there for you, both in and out of school. My madrichot made my year – they didn’t just help me through the year, but became my really close friends, mentors, and role models.
-Marisa Braunstein, 2012
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Don’t forget to pack leggings for under your skirt when we go hiking. A good winter coat is key. Also, bring an international converter for your ipod and camera.
-Julia Adelman, 2012
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Flip flops and slippers are really important to pack. Also, bring a few good sweatshirts and a long black skirt. My shower caddy was really useful. Don’t pack anything too fancy and definitely NO heels. Overpacking is overrated and definitely not worth it.
-Liz Luxenberg, 2012
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“When packing for Israel you must always remember that you're going to a school with a bunch of girls that also have clothing. A night won't go by where you don't look in your friends closets for clothes. So, over packing isn't really necessary. Packing is basically like camp. Make sure to bring a shower caddy, a laundry basket, and the essential things. Remember that you are not moving to a 3rd world country with no stores. For the most part, anything you can buy in America, you can buy in Israel. Most importantly, you all must cherish and take advantage of every moment. Good luck and enjoy this experience of a life time.”
-Jillian Lev, 2011
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"When packing for Israel you must always remember that you're going to a school with a bunch of girls that also have clothing. A night won't go by where you don't look in your friends closets for clothes. So, over packing isn't really necessary. Packing is basically like camp. Make sure to bring a shower caddy, a laundry basket, and the essential things. Remember that you are not moving to a 3rd world country with no stores. For the most part, anything you can buy in America, you can buy in Israel. Most importantly, you all must cherish and take advantage of every moment. Good luck and enjoy this experience of a life time."
- Jillian Lev
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Here are the essentials that you need for the dorm and for trips:
- Storage containers
- Pop up Night Table
- Beach Towels
- Hiking skirts/shirts
- "Teva's"- water shoes
- Hat
- Comfortable Clothing for Class
- Leora Prince and Lila Halpern
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I couldn't have survived without my:
- long black skirt
- hiking skirt
- bed time slippers
- crystal light or ice tea mix
- Liz Uretsky
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Do NOT overpack- you wear the same few things all year!
- Shoes for waterhike
- Overnight bag for 3 day tiyuls
- A backpack for Shabbat
- It's not worth it to bring shampoo from America (just bring for the first few days)
- Buy notebooks here in the Gilo Mall
- Amanda Schaum
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Keep in mind whatever clothing you pack, you are a role model for the kids here at Beit HaYeled. They want to be just like you, so dress tzniusly.
Don't Pack
- Shampoo- the water is different here and American shampoo doesn't always work
- Heels- most of the sidewalks, especially in Jerusalem are cobblestone = NOT GOOD FOR HEELS! Also, you will do a lot of walking and won't be comfortable in heels
- Abundance of Shabbos clothes- except for in-Shabboses, you usually won't be seeing the same people, which means you could repeat an outfit 3 weeks in a row and no one will know :)
Also keep in mind hat you will be living in a dorm full of girls- someone will probably be the same size
Pack
- Comfy clothes for a class
- BEST BUY THIS YEAR: long black skirt from Meah Shearim
- Sweatshirts/Jackets
- Clothing you can layer
- Winter is COLD; BE Prepared
- Spring is HOT during the day
The most important things to bring with you are a smile and enthusiasm. Make the most out of your year and have an incredible time!!! J
- Lila Halpern
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