NYACK / ATS 2011                                   ISRAEL PROGRAM

“The Land of Prophets, Priests and Kings”
A Study in Old Testament and New Testament Backgrounds
January 3-15, 2011

NOTES

For answers to most of your questions read the following remarks. If you have
additional questions contact one of the follow representatives.

Dr. Wink Thompson, Emmaus Administrator, 252-393-3556,  wink@ec.rr.com
Dr. Steven Notley, Professor-Program Instructor, NCMC, notleys@verizon.net
Mr. Scott Reitz, Coordinator for Global Service-Learning, NCRC, 845-675-4528,  Scott.Reitz@nyack.edu
Matt Moroney , Student Financial Services, NCRC, 845-675-4740, matthew.moroney@nyack.edu
Michael Campos, Assistant Registrar, NYC ATS, 646-378-6117, Michael.Campos@nyack.edu

WELCOME
Contained in this communication is information basic to your program to Israel. For general information you are welcome to contact your program group leader, Dr. Steven Notley, NCMC. Please note that the program is being administrated by Emmaus Educational Services and you need to contact the Emmaus Administrator (Dr. Wink Thompson) for program details such as non-SFS payments, hotels, flights and other international program related details.

REGISTRATION AND APPLICATION
             NYACK STUDENTS
                    Step 1: If you are applying for academic credit, visit the office of Tina Stratis (Rockland; Basement Christie Hall)
                                  or Raquel Casilla (Manhattan; 361 Broadway, Rm. 619) and fill out the Nyack College Global Service                                   Learning course registration. This form will then be sent to the Registrar's office and the course will be                                   placed on your course schedule.
                    Step 2: Visit Student Financial Services (SFS) to made financial arrangements or payment for academic credit.  
                    Step 3: You are required to fill out the Emmaus Application Form online. The information on the Emmaus                                   application is needed to make all the necessary international travel arrangements. See the Application                                   Form link and carefully follow the application instructions.
                    Step 4: If you are not applying for academic credit you can skip Steps 1 and 2. Complete Step 3 only. All of your                                   payments will go directly to Emmaus.
             ATS STUDENTS (Provisional Information)
                    Step 1: If you are applying for academic credit, visit the office of Raquel Casilla (Manhattan; Rm. 619) and fill out                                   the Nyack College Global Service Learning course registration. This form will then be sent to the                                   Registrar's office and the course will be placed on your course schedule.
                    Step 2: Visit Student Financial Services (SFS) to made financial arrangements or payment for academic credit.  
                    Step 3: You are required to fill out the Emmaus Application Form online. The information on the Emmaus                                   application is needed to make all the necessary international travel arrangements. See the Application                                   Form link and carefully follow the application instructions.
                    Step 4: If you are not applying for academic credit you can skip Steps 1 and 2. Complete Step 3 only. All of your                                   payments will go directly to Emmaus.
             NON-STUDENT PARTICIPANT
                    Step 1: There is limited space available for non-students. If you are not a student at Nyack College or ATS and                                   desire to attend the program you are welcome to do so with Dr. Notley's prior approval. If accepted, you                                   need to fill out the Emmaus Application Form online. See the Application Form link and carefully follow                                   the application instructions. All of your payments will go directly to Emmaus.

ACADEMIC CREDIT: Academic credit is available. See the Course Syllabus.

PAYMENTS
If SFS is managing your financial payments or if you are paying Emmaus directly, the payment schedule is the same. All checks paid directly to Emmaus are to be a personal check, money order or cashier's check made payable to Emmaus Educational Services. Emmaus does not accept credit card payments. If mailing your payment to Emmaus, please use the POST OFFICE. Do not use FedEx, UPS or any other mail service provider. See Payment Schedule to view your deadlines.

CANCELLATION DEADLINE
Please note that if you cancel from the program on or after October 3, 2010 your $300 deposit is non-refundable and you are also subject to a $100 airline cancellation penalty. Any funds paid to Emmaus (less cancellation and penalty fees) will be reimbursed promptly upon notification of your cancellation. See the Terms  and Conditions for more information.

PROGRAM EMPHASIS
This program to Israel is designed as a study-program centering upon the land and lives of Old Testament and New Testament personalities. A blending of Old Testament and New Testament themes serve as instructional guidelines. Emphasis is placed upon the roles of Prophets, Priests, Kings and the ministry of Jesus within the landscape, culture and context of Old Testament and New Testament narratives. In addition to formal lecture times, numerous discussions will take place during travel times while on the bus and at various sites. The program is to focus on five instructional themes. (1) To introduce you to the landscape of Ancient Israel and the geographical features that influenced much of its biblical history. (2) To visit key geographical regions and sites associated with Old Testament history and familiar biblical personalities. (3) To visit key regions and sites associated with Jesus’ ministry and the Apostles’ ministry within Israel (4) To expose you to relevant geographical, historical, cultural, religious, literary, and rabbinic elements in an effort to synthesize and appreciate the context of biblical messages and discourses from both the Old Testament and New Testament. (5) To build a bridge of understanding between Jesus’ ministry and the Jewish, Rabbinic and Roman reactions of acceptance or rejection of his message.

NOTEBOOK
A notebook has been prepared for you as a study and learning aid. The notebook contains maps, charts, diagrams, and notes that will assist you in your study of the various disciplines we will discuss. The notebook will be distributed in the USA and Canada about two weeks prior to our scheduled departure date. International participants will receive their notebook in Israel.

PROGRAM DYNAMICS
           Physical Demands: We have done our very best to maximize this trip into a most unique and rewarding program for you. Its uniqueness, and the land itself, does require some physical exertion at times. Light-weight hiking shoes or good tennis shoes with deep treads are best. The land is not smooth under foot but rocky. If you are not walking uphill, you will be walking downhill or side hill. Your shoes should be suited for open terrain walking and light hiking.
          Devotional Times: Personal and group devotions are welcome throughout the program. Please note that Emmaus staff will not assume a formal role as the Chaplin for the program. There will be times when Emmaus staff will provide and conduct a devotional session, but such devotional times are not formally scheduled. Should formal evening times or formal devotional activities at a particular site be desired, it is up to the individuals within the group and the group leader(s) to organize, conduct, and schedule any formal devotional activities or times of reflection. Please consult with Emmaus staff when planning such activities.
           Sheep verses Goats: It goes without saying that for this type of program to be successful and to maximize our limited time in the land, we all must move as a group. A ten minute delay here, a ten minute delay there, and another delay of one kind or another can actually require us to eliminate a site planned for visitation. Our schedule is full and requires all of us to be punctual at departure times, and to follow your “shepherd” with diligence and closeness. Do not be a goat and wander off. The clock is always ticking against us and the last thing we desire is to spend valuable instruction time looking for individuals that may have strayed too far from the flock when the rest of the flock is ready to go.
          Itinerary and Daily Scheduling: The daily schedule is pre-established but remains flexible. See the Calendar or the Itinerary for details. When circumstances permit additional sites will be added to the schedule. When necessary the daily itinerary will be adjusted to take advantage of changing circumstances. Sites may be visited in an order other than that previously published. Be prepared for flexibility regarding our daily activities.

PROGRAM COST AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
          Program Cost: See the program Flier for the program price.
          Financial Note: Emmaus programs are designed to eliminate the numerous incidental financial responsibilities one often encounters on packaged tours. Tour agencies and their clients often publish a low base price giving the appearance that you have discovered a bargain. On such programs you are held financially responsible for any number of fees not accounted for in the published program cost. These “hidden” or “unannounced” fees can add up to as much as $300 by the end of your trip. In an effort to minimize your individual responsibilities for undeclared fees, Emmaus has calculated such fees and included them into your overall program cost. Except for the daily lunch meal and items related to optional personal choices, your Emmaus program cost covers all such incidental fees and tips. We do this in order for you to have a realistic cost of the program and to eliminate the hassle so often associated with “hidden” fees. For clarification please review the Covered and Not Covered features listed below.
          Money: In addition to your regular tourist-type purchases and your daily lunch expenses ($5-$8 per day), it is recommended you bring a “slush fund” of about $15-$25 per day for incidental spending (snacks, water, soda, maps, taxis, tourist guide books, etc.). US Dollars, Credit Cards, and Travelers Check are fine. You may convert these funds into local currency at the airport (time permitting), at our hotels or at nearby banks. ATM machines exist but are rare, at times they are difficult to locate, are not readily available during the program and distribute only Israeli currency. Do not depend on ATM machines for your financial needs. Warning: When traveling in a foreign country it is important you know the cost of an item or service before you receive it. This is especially true at restaurants, using a taxi or having clothes sent out for cleaning. Establish the cost in advance for your on financial protection.
          Items Covered in Your Program Cost: (a) Roundtrip airfare from New York and all scheduled program related activities, group transfers and scheduled admissions. (b) Accommodations. (c) Private touring bus. (d) Any local guide as needed. (e) Nyack instructor(s). (f) All tips. (g) Two meals a day. (h) Program Notebook. (i) Personal health or accident insurance via Nyack College.
          Not Covered in Your Program Cost: (a) Daily lunch meals and specialty beverages or bottle water at meals. (b) Personal travel insurance – Recommended. (c) Any incidental personal expenses for snacks, shopping, etc. (d) Any overnight lodging, ground transportation, flights and meals not included in the program itinerary as outlined by Emmaus.
          Airfare Note: Your program does include roundtrip airfare from New York. Flights will be posted once airline confirmations are secured by Emmaus. See Flights for additional information.
          Airfare Taxes and Tariffs: Your airline ticket price was prearranged by Emmaus months in advance of your departure date. Often taxes or tariffs associated with your ticket are adjusted by the airlines at the time your airline ticket is issues. In the event an increase of cost is applied by the airline, you are financially responsible for the increase in your overall airfare. Emmaus cannot determine in advance if a tax or tariff is to be applied. If an increase is applied, Emmaus will inform you and request payment.
          Airline Baggage Restrictions: (a) One primary suitcase per person, not exceeding 62 dimensional inches (length + width + height) and not exceeding 70 pounds. (b) One piece of carry-on hand luggage not exceeding 22” x 16” x 8” and not weighing more than 13 pounds.
          Single Room Supplement Fee $500: Emmaus programs are priced on double-room occupancies. If you desire a single room an added fee of $500 is applied. Emmaus will make a single room request on your behalf. A single room is not guaranteed by Emmaus since it is up to the various hotels to comply with the request. Historically, such a request is faithfully honored by the hotels used by Emmaus programs.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING: The daytime weather in Israel during January is from a cool 53 F (11 C) to a cold 43 F (6 C). In the Galilee region to the north, in the Jordan Valley, in the area of the Dead Sea, and in the Negev to the south you can expect slightly warmer temperatures. There is a good chance of rain at some point during the program. Be prepared for rain or rain showers. It is best to “layer” your clothing rather than bring an excessive number of individual specialty items. No “dress-up” cloths are needed. Casual ware is customary and more practical. Shorts are OK. No short-shorts please. Because we will be visiting “holy sites” there will be times when you (men and women) must dress more modestly (shoulders and knees covered). “Slip-over” or “wrap-around” clothing is best for such occasions. We will notify you in advance when your “modesty kit” of clothing is needed.
          • Bath towels and small bar soap are provided at all hotels.
          • Shampoo and hair dryer at some.
          • Electrical supply is 220 volts. Bring a converter and European style plug adaptor if needed. Some small appliances              convert from 110 volts to 220 volts automatically. Check you electrical appliances in advance of departure.
          • Wear comfortable walking shoes with “deep treads” as your primary footwear. Trekking tennis shoes or light-weight              hiking shoes do well. Avoid heels (!), dress shoes(!), or street shoes(!). If there are no “deep treads” on your shoes,              it is best to leave them at home. SAS shoes are not recommended.

WHAT TO BRING
          Medical and First Aid Items: Medical problems usually revolve around three common illnesses: (1) Dehydration: Israel has a very high solar intensity and as a result you will need to drink water more frequently to avoid dehydration. (2) Diarrhea: This is most often caused as a result of your body adapting to new foods and new water. The food and water in Israel is sanitary, safe and comparable to USA standards. Nevertheless, most participants on the program will undergo mild, moderate or more severe episodes of diarrhea. Be prepared for a 5-7 day supply of anti-diarrhea tablets. (3) Constipation: This is most often caused as a result of time zone adaptation and your body adapting to new foods and water. Most on the program will undergo mild, moderate or more severe episodes of constipation. Be prepared for a 5-7 day supply of stool softeners and/or laxative tablets. NOTE: All of the participants on the program will experience one or more of the above conditions. It is unavoidable. It is a fact of international travel that we all must face. If you are prepared in advance and have the proper medical aids, you can manage these discomforts successfully. If you neglect any one of the above, you can expect to spend a few days of medical Rest-and-Recovery in your hotel room. Not only will you be uncomfortable but also you will miss some valuable sites and instruction while not traveling with the group. Should circumstances warrant, you will receive professional medical attention to bring you to a more speedy recovery. (4) Also bring with you traditional first aid supplies such as band-aids, antibiotics, sun-block, aspirin, and a full supply of your prescription medicine. Experience has shown that it is not recommended you start or stop any medication just prior to the trip, but wait until the trip is concluded before you start or stop any medication. Treat all of the above symptoms early and immediately – do not hesitate. Please inform staff during the program if you are experiencing any of the above illnesses. We want you to remain healthy for travel.
          Packing and Laundry: Historically, most people over-pack for international travel. A good rule of thumb is to pack your bags and then eliminate at least 25%-33% of your items. This will reduce the amount of your contents and providing needed space for purchases made during your travel. There is limited space available on the bus for luggage. Please keep your luggage size and contents to a minimum. Luggage is limited to one primary travel bag and one small soft day-bag. In Jerusalem our overnight locale can send out your clothes for cleaning and have them returned to you the next day. Expect an average of $3-$4 per major item and $1-$2 for minor items. Please be aware that you are at times required to manage and transport your own luggage. It is recommended you pack for 8 days of travel and take advantage of laundry opportunities. A typical laundry expense would be $25-$50.
          Suggested Clothing List: There is no single list of clothing articles that can meet the needs of everyone. However, the list below can offer you some assistance on what would be appropriate to bring. This list assumes you will send out your laundry at least once during the program or you will hand wash items as may be needed. For a December, January, February or March program please adjust this list for warmer clothing. If you send out your laundry it is important that you know the price per item before you send your laundry out. You can expect $1, $2, $3, $4 or $5 per item depending on the item being cleaned.
                                                   1-2 pairs of long casual pants or jeans (Skirts are not recommended)
                                                   1-2 pair of shorts (no short-shorts)
                                                   1 lightweight rainproof jacket
                                                   1 sweater or sweatshirt
                                                   7-8 days of shirts/blouses
                                                   2-4 T-shirts
                                                   7-8 days of socks
                                                   7-8 days of undergarments
                                                   1 pair comfortable trekking shoes
                                                   1 pair comfortable alternative shoes
                                                   1 pair water-shoes, sandals or flip-flops
                                                   Swim suit (one-piece swim suit; cultural sensitivity)
                                                   1 travel clock with alarm
                                                   Personal toiletry and medical items
                                                   Sun hat providing ample shade
                                                   Electrical plug adaptor(s) as needed
                                                   Small flashlight

HOTEL LIST: A separate document lists all hotels and important phone numbers (see Hotels).

USEFUL BOOKS FOR ISRAEL:
David Flusser, The Sage from Galilee
Anson Rainey and Steven Notley, Carta's Handbook and Atlas of the Bible
Jerome Murphy O’Connor, The Holy Land: Oxford Archaeological Guide

USEFUL ISRAEL WEB SITES: (Some sites may have revised link addresses.)
http://www.biblelandpictures.com/
http://www.bibleplaces.com/
http://unbound.biola.edu/index.cfm?lang=English
http://www.holylandphotos.org/index.asp
http://faculty.smu.edu/dbinder/archaeol.html
http://www.otgateway.com/
http://www.ancientsandals.com/
http://www.thevirtualbible.com/
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/jewish/jewishsbook.html
http://www.ntgateway.com/
http://www.en-gedi.org
http://www.iTanakh.org
http://www.israel-mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH00wf0
http://www.jerusalemperspective.com/
http://www.bib-arch.org/
http://www.msn.fullfeed.com/~scribe/artifax.htm
http://www.historian.net/newindex.html
http://www.info.gov.il/eng/mainpage.asp
http://www.israel-tourist-information.com/visainformation.htm
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/subwwway/links.cfm?categoryID=1

DISCLAIMER: The program itinerary is subject to change. In the event of an unforeseen change in the schedule, we promise you every effort will be taken to provide you with the same goals and objectives as outline in the published itinerary. The published program price is subject to change should circumstances warrant. This would include (but not be limited to) changes in airfares, airport taxes, visa fees, airline fuel surcharges, rate changes by agents and their suppliers and changes in international exchange rates. For additional information, see Terms and Conditions.

PERSONAL INFORMATION : Emmaus does not share your personal information with anyone not directly associated with the administrative needs to facilitate our domestic and international travels. For additional information see the Privacy Statement.

PROGRAM CORRESPONDENCE: Please note that the primary correspondence between Emmaus and those interested in attending this program will be conducted by the use of email. If you do not have email, or experience email compatibility problems, alternative arrangements can be made via mail, phone, or fax. All administrative correspondence is to be directed to Dr. Wink Thompson. This web site serves as the primary and authoritative source of program information. Please review the Emmaus web site periodically and especially the Notes for occasional revisions or updates to your program material and responsibilities (financial or otherwise).

EMMAUS CONTACT

Dr. Wink Thompson, Administrator
Emmaus Educational Services, LLC
401 Blue Goose Lane
Newport, NC 28570 USA
(252) 393-3556 Phone
(916) 622-8184 Cell
wink@ec.rr.com