how to dress in ISRAEL?

[shannas mama]

so, I am going in July to Israel.
This women's retreat has LOTS of hiking, camping, siteseeing, eating, workshops, site-seeing, climbing, and walking involved.
What should i pack, and how should i dress for these events.
any suggestions would be greatly appreaciated.

[Jennifer Shorr]

Hi-

I suggest good shoes for walking and hiking, and cool, comfortable clothing. It's SO hot in Israel in the summer time...Also, I think Israel is a pretty casual place. Maybe a few skirts for Shabbat and when you're walking through a religious area (if that happens...in Jerusalem it's an issue). Hope this helps!

[shannas mama]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPLY.
i'm getting excited everyday my trip date get closer and closer.

[Leon Adato]

My daughter just came back from a semester in Israel (part of NFTY's EIE program). She was there from January to June. I agree, it's hot. I also agree that "dressed up" carries a whole different meaning there (as in "not very, compared to here"). If you are going to be hiking for more than an hour or two, invest either in a durable, large (liter of liquid) nalgene-type water bottle or a water backpack. I know your departure date is coming soon, so it might be too close to order that. Let me know if you want to try and I'll get you the make and model we got.

Make sure you have a hat. One of the biggest issues my daughter had was sunburn on her head and ears and such.

As with any hiking preparation, wear those shoes/boots now to break them in. Otherwise you are going to rub yourself raw in them when you are out there.

As Jennifer said, If you are going to be traveling in the more frum/observant areas, have a wraparound skirt that you can keep with you, along with a jacket to throw on. That way you can be modest when culture demands it, and get back to cooler dress once you have left that area. My wife and daughter love the travelwear stuff from Chicos since it is light and doesn't wrinkle.

That's all I can think of for now. Have an amazing time!