Information for Incoming Students | Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies

For Incoming Students

bullet Packing

It should be possible (and, considering the hassle of shipping and customs regulations, it is advisable) to manage in Israel for the year with the clothing that you carry in your luggage. Though temperatures do not drop much below freezing during the rainy winter, the cold can be penetrating; we suggest that you prepare to dress in layers, including a warm coat, a good raincoat (and boots), several warm sweaters, long underwear, etc. Styles of dress tend to be informal, but you ought to include at least one outfit per season for "dress occasions" such as synagogue attendance. Dry cleaning in Israel is expensive, and it is best to bring machine- washable items.

If you bring electrical appliances (hair-dryer, tape recorder), remember that they should be adaptable to Israeli current (220 volts, 50 cycles) or supplied with a transformer. For tiyulim (hiking tours) you will need good walking/hiking shoes, shoes that can be worn in water, a sun hat and a water canteen (all available in Israel). Especially if you anticipate touring on your own, you may want to bring a sleeping bag and day pack.

bullet Books

Regarding books, all of the material for your studies is available in Jerusalem. Pardes has a working relationship with a local bookseller who comes to Pardes within the first few weeks of school with the necessary books for all Pardes classes. For students who wish to purchase books on their own instead, we will direct you to area bookstores.

If finances are an issue, the Pardes Beit Midrash is well-stocked, and some students purchase a minimum amount of books while relying on the Pardes library for the rest. However, since books in the Beit Midrash cannot leave Pardes, most students do buy the main books they need for their classes.

If you already own any of the following, they are worthwhile to bring:

English/Hebrew Tanach (JPS version preferable)
Torat Hayim OR Mikraot Gadolot on Beresheit or Shmot
A set of Mishna B'rura
A siddur
Machzorim
Hebrew/English dictionary
Jastrow dictionary
Frank dictionary

Again, this list is only if you already own the above. You can buy the books you need here, usually for less than the cost abroad.

If you do not own any of the above or even know what any of the above are, don't worry. You can buy what you need once you arrive (and even understand what each book on the list is soon after).

bullet Computers and Electronics

Pardes has one basic computer available for student use. There is wireless in most parts of the building, and many students bring laptops. Most laptops can be used in Israel with an inexpensive adapter.

We recommend purchasing a few adapters for the electrical appliances you are bringing with you, such as hair dryers and computers. An adapter is the plug that allows the prongs on your appliance to fit into the Israeli outlet which takes round plugs. Voltage in Israel is 220 vs 120 in the US. Most laptops automatically handle the different voltage rates without a problem – your appliance will be marked with "Input: AC 100-240 V" confirming that it can handle the switch. If yours can’t, you need a converter, a larger, more expensive item that will convert your appliance’s voltage into 220V. If you go to an electronics store in the US, they will tell you Israel is different and has a unique plug. This is only partially true – the standard European 2-pin with 4mm pins will also work just fine. If you don’t get adapters in advance, there is an electronics store near Pardes which sells adapters and converters.

Prior to leaving, you may want to set up your family with Skype and a webcam. You can download Skype for free. Most webcams have a built in microphone.

bullet Shipping

If possible, try to avoid shipping large items. Besides the cost, you may have to go to the port to claim your package and clear it through customs. Smaller packages will reach the local post office but may be charged high customs fees. Under any circumstances, such items should be timed to arrive after you (surface mail generally takes 4-8 weeks) since they cannot clear customs without your passport and will be stored at your expense and risk until you arrive. If you send clothes, it may help to mark the package, "Used Clothing." If you mail books (which entail no customs duty), make sure your name appears on the package prominently and in each book. We recommend that you insure your personal effects during shipping as well as for the duration of your stay in Israel as Pardes cannot assume responsibility against theft or loss.

In 2008, the Israeli Postal Authority enacted new charges for delivery of packages to people living in Israel, to be paid by you, the recipient. There is a minimum 35 NIS (approx $10) fee for any package. Taxes and customs are in addition: the value of the contents plus the shipping cost is taxed at 12.5%; VAT (value added tax) on the contents is 15.5%; and if there is customs duty to be paid, there is another flat fee of 165 NIS (approximately $50).

bullet Travel Documents

Passports
Visitors to Israel needs a passport valid at least six months from the intended date of entering Israel. Anyone traveling to Israel as a tourist or student must travel with a round-trip ticket. While it is possible to renew your passport in Israel, it is always easier to renew it in your home country.

Student Visas
We highly recommend that semester and year students obtain a one-year student visa from the Israel embassy prior to arrival. Israel requires two passport photos, an original letter of acceptance from Pardes, passport valid for more than one year from the date of entrance to Israel, a round-trip ticket, proof that you can support yourself during your stay, a $25 fee and a $10 mailing charge in cash or money order. If you are the recipient of a MASA grant, bring a copy of the MASA award letter with you to the consulate.

Tourist Visas
Visitors to Israel who don't have a student visa will be issued a 3-month Tourist Visa upon arrival in Israel, which will need to be renewed. Visa renewal takes place at the Interior Ministry by appointment only. Be forewarned: appointments can take several weeks to obtain and dealing with Israeli bureaucracy can be a very frustrating experience. You will receive more information about how to renew your visa during Orientation.

From the Airport
When you arrive in Israel, the easiest way to reach Jerusalem is by Sherut (a group taxi) door-to-door from Ben Gurion Airport. "Nesher" is a very reliable company servicing Jerusalem; their stand is located just outside the arrivals terminal, or ask, "Where is the sherut to Jerusalem?" (Many Israelis speak English and are helpful.) Rates are fixed and posted (both dollars and shekels are accepted: $11 or 45 NIS plus tip as of February 2007). Buses are available but are less convenient, especially if you have luggage.

bullet Medical Insurance and Health Care

It is vital for your protection and required by Pardes that you have medical coverage during your stay here. Pardes has a working relationship with an insurance company called Egert and Cohen – though Pardes students are not required to buy insurance from this company. Representatives from Egert and Cohen will be at Pardes for your convenience at the beginning of the academic year and the beginning of each Summer Program session. Their plan – called “Harel” - costs about $1.10 per day and includes full hospitalization, visits to doctors and specialists, coverage for medicines, x-rays, laboratory tests and emergency dental treatment of up to $200 per year. Personal Effects Insurance is also available.

You should make sure that whatever coverage you currently have will continue for the first weeks after you arrive in Israel until you arrange coverage here. If you prefer to maintain hospitalization/major medical coverage through your home-based plan (Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Mass. Mutual, etc.), check that it will cover you in Israel and request written confirmation to that effect, a copy of which must be given to us.

Please note that if you have a pre-existing condition, it is wise to continue with your present insurance, as your condition may not be covered by another company.

Only students who submit proof of full hospitalization coverage may participate in extracurricular activities.

We suggest that you bring a supply of any particular medication, (prescriptions, or over-the-counter items) that you use, as you may not find exact equivalents in Israel. To get U.S. prescriptions filled in Israel you need to get a replacement prescription from an Israeli doctor, which we can help you arrange. An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses is also a good idea. Additional information about medical insurance and health care will be provided at Orientation.

bullet Personal Finances

Living Expenses
Tuition at Pardes covers classes as well as extracurricular activities such as Shabbat programs, tours and special seminars. It does not cover housing, medical insurance, books, Hebrew ulpan fees or other living expenses such as food.

Projected expenses for a 10 month period in Israel are estimated from $10,000 to $12,000 in addition to tuition. This figure is based on estimates for a round-trip flight from North America, rent, Hebrew ulpan, medical insurance, books, bills, food, and miscellaneous expenses.

As a guideline, students should budget approximately $300 - $450 per month for housing. Living expenses vary depending on students' lifestyles

For Summer Students: In addition to flight and Program costs students should expect to pay token registration fees for Shabbat celebrations, tours and special events, $5-$10

Banking
There are several options available in order to have access to cash in shekels:

Withdraw money from an ATM or at a bank, using a foreign credit card (especially if your credit account has a surplus balance to avoid interest charges). Note that not all ATM cards work at all banks.
Bring travelers checks or a letter of credit for deposit in a dollar account in an Israeli bank for use as required
Cash personal checks drawn on a home bank account (yours or someone else's who sends you money during your stay). However, checks must first be deposited and take from 2-4 weeks to clear; having a bank account also entails substantial bank charges.

Whichever method you choose, make sure that you will have access to at least $1,000 upon arrival (in travelers checks or through a credit card) for use until banking arrangements are concluded.

Additional information about banking in Israel will be provided at Orientation.

Please make arrangement to take care of tuition payments before the first day of classes.

bullet Applying to Graduates Schools from Pardes

Pardes provides office support such as printing, faxing and photocopying for a small fee to students applying to graduate schools. In addition, Pardes has state-of-the-art videoconferencing facilities which students may arrange to use for interviews.

bullet Cell Phone Plan

Upon admission to Pardes, incoming students will receive information about our optional cell phone plan. Please contact us if you do not receive the information with your admission materials.

bullet Orientation Book

The Pardes Orientation Book is available online for admitted students who want to read the information ahead of time. Printed booklets will be distributed upon your arrival at Pardes. Pardes Cell Phone Plan information will be emailed to you upon admission to Pardes.