FAQs
Question
Y'all are getting married on Thanksgiving Day?!
Answer
Yes we are and we hope you can join us and make a lovely trip of it! Thursday is a popular wedding day in Israel since Fri/Sat is their weekend (Sunday is the start of their week!). We have been abroad for several Thanksgivings and it is a really nice change from tradition. Hummus & baklava in Israel rather than turkey & pie in the U.S.! :-)
Question
Israel Entry Requirements
Answer
I. You are no longer required to present vaccination proof or take a COVID test upon entry to Israel: https://corona.health.gov.il/en/abroad/arriving-by-air/ II. Israel Entry Form: The form must be completed during the 10 days prior to flying to Israel, boarding a cruise to Israel, or entering a land border crossing to Israel. https://corona.health.gov.il/en/flights/ U.S. & Canadian Citizens do NOT need a visa for entry into Israel. Citizens of other countries, please check here: https://embassies.gov.il/la/ConsularServices/Pages/Entry-Visa.aspx
Question
Do I need to know Hebrew to visit Israel?
Answer
Nope! Most adults also speak fluent English.
Question
Is Israel safe?
Answer
Israel is very safe. Lauren has been to Israel 4 times - please contact Lauren (lmiller0916@gmail.com) or Ron if you have specific concerns. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/IsraeltheWestBankandGaza.html
Question
I'm nervous/on the fence/etc - should I come?
Answer
ABSOLUTELY! Israel is a beautiful country and really has something for everyone - food, shopping, history, art, culture, religion, outdoors/nature, etc. Tel Aviv is similar to Miami - Mediterranean Sea, very young and hip, LGBTQIA+ friendly, numerous cool restaurants/bars and shops, 4-20 friendly. Then Jerusalem is an hour away and is, of course, focused on history and religion. Israel is a tiny country - you can get most places very quickly via car.
Question
Currency & Tipping
Answer
The Shekel - NIS (New Israeli Shekel) ₪ Tipping is not required/expected outside of restaurants/bars. 10-15% is customary for food and drink.
Question
Dress Code
Answer
*The wedding dress code will be cocktail dresses for the ladies and suits for the men.* Israel in general is very casual with a European flair. Sundresses, shorts, jeans, sandals are appropriate at most places. There are some religious sites that require different levels of coverage (head, shoulders, knees) so be aware of that when you are touring.
Question
Jewish Wedding FAQs
Answer
1. What is a chuppah? The canopy under which the couple gets married. 2. What is a ketubah? A symbolic Jewish marriage contract that outlines the groom's responsibilities to his bride. The ketubah is signed by the couple and two witnesses before the ceremony takes place, then is read to the guests during the ceremony. 3. Do men need to wear a yarmulke/kippah to the ceremony? It is not required but we will have some at the ceremony for your use. 4. Do I need to be Jewish to attend? Absolutely not! All faiths are welcome.
Question
What about children of international guests?
Answer
Israel is extremely family-friendly and your children will have a wonderful time there. For international guests, we will have nanny services available during the wedding. Please contact Lauren (lmiller0916@gmail.com) to make arrangements in advance.
Question
What Israeli foods should I try?
Answer
All of them! Israeli food is delicious and healthy! Hummus, falafel, shawarma are standards alongside many fresh vegetables at each meal. "Fast food" doesn't really exist in Israel - falafel and shawarma stands are your best best (and delicious!). Shakshuka - Showstopping traditional brunch order for the table. Heavy coffee and cafe culture like Europe.
Question
Time Difference
Answer
Israel is 8 hours ahead of CST (GMT+03:00).
Question
Power conversion/voltage
Answer
Israel has 220 voltage. You may need to bring a converter.
Question
Mobile phone service/SIM cards
Answer
If you are T-Mobile U.S. customer, you have free data/text abroad (please confirm your service plan before traveling). All other U.S. mobile brands - please check with your provider on international options. Israeli SIM card provider - we have not used this service but it has good online reviews. They will mail SIM card to U.S. ahead of time, you can pickup at TLV airport, or they will mail to your Tel Aviv hotel: https://www.simtoisrael.com/
Question
Note that Israel's country code is '972'.
Answer
So when you see '972' numbers, that is not a Dallas number. :-)
Question
How do you prevent jet lag?
Answer
Lauren always has good luck with "Miers Labs No Jet Lag Homeopathic Jet Lag Remedy". https://www.amazon.com/Miers-Labs-Homeopathic-Remedy-Count/dp/B00007KUX7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EUSL268BSTTV&dchild=1&keywords=nojetlag&qid=1618721222&sprefix=nojetlag%2Caps%2C347&sr=8-1