Israel is a small country, but it packs a lot of punch and is big on culture. Israelites have been around for thousands of years and are still strong. Their history and culture are rich and complicated, with many different influences worldwide. It is one of the few countries in the world that has been around for more than 3,000 years, and it is filled with beautiful landscapes, fascinating culture, and awesome people.

According to Statista, around 396.5 thousand visitors came to Israel in 2021. It was a decline from the previous due to the pandemic restrictions. These restrictions were removed in 2022. As a result, the number of tourists is expected to reach 56.8 million by the end of 2022.

If you are a first-time Jewish traveler to Israel from Orlando, then you are in for the trip of a lifetime. However, there are some things that you need to know before leaving Orlando. There are many cultural differences between the two countries, so you must understand them before traveling. You must also ensure you don’t miss anything important while on vacation.

The best way to prepare is to take a customized tour and get familiar with how your flight will go. These tips will help ensure your trip runs smoothly while staying safe during such an exciting time.

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First-Time Jewish Travelers Must Take the ‘I Belong Israel’ Tour

It may be the first time in your life that you will visit Israel. To prepare for your trip, you must take the I Belong Israel tour. This tour will help prepare you for what to expect when traveling to Israel and how to get around once you arrive.
This tour is a cooperative journey of Jews youngsters living in another country. It contributes to a profound and complex understanding of the Jewish community’s past, future, and present.

It also gives us a chance to meet other people who are going on their first trip. They can share their experiences and learn from each other’s expertise about this incredible country.

Prepare for Some Cultural Differences

First, it’s important to understand that Israel is a very different country from America. It is a modern nation-state with an economy based on high-tech industries and agriculture, but it is also home to some of the most important religious sites in the world.
Many cultural differences between Israel and America may take you by surprise as a first-time visitor. For example, in Israel, men and women sit separately at restaurants, and there are separate sections for men and women. Also, expect to see people praying publicly on Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings. This practice has been happening since Biblical times.

In addition, you might notice that some of your hosts speak only Hebrew, while others speak English only. However, all Israelis communicate effectively through their hand gestures allowing everyone to get their point across regardless of language barriers.

Compare the Weather in Orlando and Israel

Orlando is hot and humid, with summer temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s. Israel has a Mediterranean climate, so summers are usually warm and dry, with temperatures in the 70s or 80s Fahrenheit. You’ll need to pack light, especially when traveling by air.
Israelis usually dress very casually, so you can wear shorts and T-shirts while in Israel. However, if you plan on visiting holy sites such as synagogues or the Western Wall, consider packing a few more clothes than usual, just in case. Men should wear long sleeves, and women should cover their elbows and knees in a religious place in Israel.

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Get Medical Insurance That Covers Your Entire Trip

Get medical insurance before you leave; it must cover your entire trip. Medical insurance is very important in Israel, and if you are not insured, you might end up paying a lot of money for something that could have been prevented. You must take the necessary precautions before leaving for your trip.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, 40 good insurance companies can be chosen to get medical health insurance before leaving for Israel.

If, by some chance, something does happen to you or someone in your group during this trip, please contact the responsible authority immediately so they can help resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.

Figure Out the Time Difference Before You Leave

If you’re flying from Orlando to Israel, it’s important to make sure that you know the time difference between the two places. In this case, Orlando and Israel will have a 5-hour time difference. In addition, the summer months are 4 hours earlier than winter, so if you go during June or July, your trip will cost more due to jet lag.

Be Prepared for the Shabbat

Before you leave for Israel, it is important to understand that Shabbat is a day of rest. It starts on Friday evening at sundown and ends on Saturday night. During this time, Jews do not drive or use electricity (except for the light in the synagogue), so you will need to plan if you want to leave your hotel room.

According to Pew Research Centre, 81% of Israeli adults are Jewish, while the remaining are Muslims, Christians, or Druze. More religiously observant Jews take the Shabbat very seriously and demand that public transport be shut down. However, there are secular Jews also who say that it should continue to run.

If you are staying at an observant Jewish family’s house during your trip, they will likely ask if you want to participate in Shabbat activities. The activities include:

• Going out for dinner.
• Sitting down for a meal with them.
• Reading from Torah.
• Eating challah bread together after prayers.

You should plan before leaving your hotel room because these things usually happen early in the evening. The time depends on how long people spend talking while they eat together each week.

Conclusion

The most important thing you can do is relax and enjoy your trip to Israel. The holidays will be there when you arrive, so there is no need to rush. The holiday is a time of celebration, not a time to worry about getting there on time. If you are worried about getting lost, hire a guide.

If you are worried about your luggage, check it in. You should also be prepared for cultural differences, but don’t worry too much about that. It will take that long to learn. Just remember that it’s all about having fun.