What should you bring with you on a trip to Israel?

Here's a packing list filled with great suggestions. A good hint: If you can't lift it yourself, then you've got too much stuff in your bag. Remember -- it will only get heavier once you buy gifts and souvenirs!

What kind of weather should you expect?

It can get as cold as 40 degrees (Fahrenheit) in Israel during the winter. Rain or even snow can be expected in Jerusalem. The weather in Israel during the summer months (May - August) is generally sunny and hot. Regardless of the time of year, bring clothing that you can wear in layers. Be prepared to do some great studying, several urban trips and several days outdoors. You may also spend time inside museums, archaeological sites or shopping centers. While you are unlikely to be able to change outfits in a hotel room during the day, you will be able to leave clothes or other items on the bus so that you can layer as needed.

Clothing

6 pants (for hiking, going out at night) (3 in summer)
1 athletic pants/camping clothes
4 Sweatshirts/Sweater/Fleeces (1 in summer)
8 Long-sleeve shirts (2 in summer)
6 Short-sleeve shirts (10 in summer)
1 Shorts (3 in winter)
1 Bathing suit
2 Button-down shirts/Long skirts for Shabbat
Any other Shabbat-appropriate attire that you may want
1 Towel
Undergarments
Socks
Sleepwear
Raincoat/poncho
Jacket (since it can get chilly during the winter in Jerusalem, you will need a winter coat, preferably a rainproof one.)
Gloves -- Gore Tex (or anything waterproof)
Hiking boots (or sturdy sneakers)
Sneakers or walking shoes (With traction for wet surfaces, and with straps or laces)

Miscellaneous and Selected Items

PASSPORT
Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush, shampoo, razors, etc.) and prescription medicines (store in your carry-on)
Travel Alarm clock
Flashlight (mini)
Camera, watch
Baseball cap/ hats (required on summer hikes)
Day bag (purse, backpack, money belt, etc.)
Power adapter plugs (same as Europe)
Sunglasses

Good Shabbos, Good Shabbos...

We recommend that you bring modest clothing (skirts covering to the knees for women, head coverings for men, and shirts covering shoulders for both men and women) to wear for Shabbat and for visiting religious areas and sites. (A jacket and tie are not necessary.) Please make sure your Shabbat clothes are warm.

Money, ATMs and Tips

The currency in Israel is the shekel (or New Israel Shekel NIS). Since you will only be responsible for casual meals, you will only need enough shekels for those meals, snacks, cabs during free time and any shopping you may wish to do. ATMs in Israel dispense shekels from your ATM cards. ATMs can be found in the airport and throughout the bigger cities you visit. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants (except in the casual food stands and outdoor markets you might visit).