First Time In Israel?
Bring Modest clothes. While Tel Aviv, Haifa and Eilat have the feel of New York, San Francisco and Miami, Jerusalem and Tzfat are another story. When going into synagogues, churches and mosques you do not want to be wearing shorts, a mini skirt or a tank top. You need to cover up in these situations. Bring a long skirt to throw over your shorts and a scarf or T-shirt handy to cover those curves. Most of the time you can dress as you always do, buit once in a while even then men will have to wear pants.
Bring water shoes. Sometimes we will go on little walks or even hikes through a mountain stream or desert oasis on rocks in the water, sometimes in the water in a cave! If you don't want to do that at the very least you will need them when walking on sharp salt crystals in the Dead Sea before you start to bob up and down like a cork.
Jewish and have never been a bar/bat mitvah? Let me know, I'll set it up. Or perhaps you would like to be baptized in the Jordan River? Let us know ahead of time, not at the last minute.
Pack light. You will be much happier in the end trust me. Israel is a very casual place. People go to weddings in shorts, t-shirts and sandals. Leave the suit and dinner jacket at home!
Don't get upset when the security officer at the airport grills you with a million questions that seem absurd. There is a method to the madness and don't cry when the security guard searches your purse at the bar or restaurant. It is all for your own good!
The sun can be very strong here, especially in the summer. Hats, sun block and sun glasses aren't recommended, they're required! I don't care if you're from Florida! Its not the same!
A canteen type bottle is always a good idea.
Outside of July & August the evenings can be cool. And between October and May it can be downright cold and rainy. Pack accordingly. The really cold and rainy season generally begins mid November and lasts through mid April. Outside of the Golan Heights snow is rare.
