92Y Havaya International: Summer Experience in Israel and the US for Teens > Packing List

Packing List

Havaya International is a joint program between 92nd Street Y and the Ramat Hasharon Community Center. The program is supported by the Jewish Agency for Israel and UJA-Federation of New York as part of the Israel-New York Connections Initiative. Additional support is provided by Nancy and Paul G. Levy.

Image

Essentials

  • "Baby Bag" daypack for day hikes and carrying lunch. We recommend a regular-sized school backpack. It must be able to fit under your seat on the plane and bus.
  • Compact sleeping bag warm enough to be comfortable in 35-degree temperatures (required)
  • Comfortable sleeping pad (optional)
  • Regular size water bottle - this is a must!
  • Sneakers/walking shoes - 1
  • Sandals with a back for water activities or Water Shoes, no flip-flops) - 1
  • Comfortable hiking boots (optional) - 1
  • Shorts - 5-6 shorts Note: Havaya's modesty policy against "short shorts" is "fingertip length" 
  • T-shirts - 10-12 T-shirts (at least 2 long sleeve) - this is a must for most days in hot Israeli Sun! Note: tank tops are not acceptable during Havaya; all shirts must cover shoulders (for boys and girls)
  • Jeans (or other sturdy "I-don't-care-if-they-get-ruined-pants") - 2
  • Breathable sweat socks - 10 (1 should be wool socks)
  • Underwear - 10
  • Bras/Undershirts - as needed
  • Pajamas - 2
  • Bathing suits - 1
  • Towels - 2 (Bath size)
  • Toiletries (including soap & Shampoo)
  • Baseball Cap / Visor - 1 (this is a must when outdoors)
  • Sunscreen
  • Sweatshirt - 1
  • Sweatpants - 1
  • Fleece/light-weight warm jacket - 1
  • Rain coat
  • Gift for your host family in Israel

Shabbat

  • Males: 2 button-down shirts and slacks/Khakis
  • Women: skirts that cover knees (for the Shabbatot that may be spent with traditional families). A knee-covering skirt is necessary for visiting religious sites. This may be carried in your day bag and slipped on over shorts just for the site visit.

Optional Items to Pack

  • Reading books/magazines
  • Journal
  • Camera w/case
  • Sketch pad/pens
  • Portable musical instrument (guitar, bongo drums, harmonica, etc.) - highly encouraged!
  • Kippah
  • Camping pillow or small pillow that can easily fit in your bag
  • Watch and portable alarm clock
  • Flashlight
  • Flip tops (for showers)
  • Fitted twin sheet

Helpful Information & Suggestions As You Pack

  • PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE PACK LIGHTLY!!! You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage the entire month of Havaya along with some communal gear we will ask you to be in charge of along the way. We highly suggest using a hiking backpack or luggage with wheels to carry your belongings so you have free hands to help out! Also note that all luggage must be 50 pounds or under. According to airline regulations you will be charged an extra $25-155 for luggage over the 50-pound limit. Remember that you will also be purchasing souvenirs during your travels to add to your luggage weight.
  • We recommend the Four Bag packing method:
    Baby Bag: Your carry-on/day bag (for camera, water, lunch, journal, snacks, etc.)
    Mama Bag: Your small overnight bag, for 2-3 nights in one location when you don't want to lug around your Papa Bag. (must be able to fit inside Papa Bag)
    Papa Bag: Your full checked-baggage luggage (under 50 pounds).
    Sleeping Bag: See above
  • We cannot emphasize enough the importance of marking every item and article of clothing you pack with your name in permanent marker, on the tag or other visible area, so we know that they are yours!
  • The clothes you pack should be lightweight and easily laundered. You will not have the opportunity to iron; so don't pack clothes that easily wrinkle.
  • Jewelry: We strongly suggest that you do not wear/pack any jewelry, clothes, etc. that are valuable or sentimental.

Call Samantha Goldman at 212.415.5414 or email if you have any questions.