The common denomination of Israeli currency is the shekel. The current exchange rate is approximately 4.1 shekels (subject to change) to the dollar. U.S. currency is widely accepted, so you may decide not to exchange your money at all. It is advisable to use small bills. Small bills reduce the amount of change you will receive in shekels and the need to have it exchanged to American currency at the end of your tour.

Travelers checks are not easily accepted. Credit cards and cash are sometimes easier to use. In some cases, personal checks are accepted.

If need be, you can go to a bank and ATMs are also available. You should call your bank card or credit card company to find out if your card will be accepted in Israel. When you use an ATM, you will receive shekels for the amount you requested and the U.S. dollar amount will be deducted from your account. This eliminates some service fees that banks charge.

The climate of the coastal areas can be very different from that of the mountainous areas, particularly during the winter months. The higher areas like the Golan Heights can get cold, wet and often very snowy and even Jerusalem experiences snow spells every couple years. The coastal regions, where Tel Aviv and Haifa are located, have a typical Mediterranean climate with cool, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.

Average Temperature	Spring	Summer	Fall
Jerusalem	57/44 F	81/63 F	67/54 F
Tel Aviv	66/48 F	83/67 F	76/45 F
Sea of Gaililee	67/49 F	95/68 F	78/59 F
Dead Sea	72/56 F	99/80 F	83/61 F

Our packages include round trip flights to Tel Aviv from either Chicago or New York. The flight time ranges from 10-12 hours.

LeSEA Israel Tours would never take our groups somewhere that was not safe. We work closely, before and during tours, with the Ministry of Tourism, local security and guides to prepare a well-planned adventure with security in mind. LeSEA Tours knows that in spite of media coverage, it is safe to travel in Israel. We receive constant updates regarding any disturbances and simply won't go to any location where there is the slightest possibility of problems. After all, you're not traveling alone. We, and often our families, travel with you!

No, English is studied in school and is spoken by the majority of the population as a second language. Israel has two official languages: Hebrew and Arabic. Hebrew is the major and primary language of the state and is spoken by the majority of the population. Arabic is spoken by the Arab minority and by some members of the Mizrahi Jewish community. Other languages spoken in Israel include Russian, Yiddish, Landino, Romanian, Polish, French, Italian, Dutch, German, Amharic and Persian.

Your guide will be able to speak fluent English, and will be easily understood.

Kosher refers to food that is "clean" or "fit to eat" by a devout Orthodox Jew. To be kosher, food must be prepared in certain ways. Only certain animals, fish and birds may be eaten. The rules of kosher also include methods of preparation of food. Kosher restricts what food may be combine with others. For example, dairy products may never be eaten with meat or poultry.

Israeli cuisine exemplifies the true melting pot that is Israel. Hailing from over 80 countries, Jews have returned to their ancient land, bringing with them the foods and recipes they have developed during their wanderings.

A typical breakfast would include these items: Hummus, a Mediterranean dip made from pureed chick peas; Tehina, a thick dip with sesame seeds as its base; Labaneh, a homemade yogurt cheese; Baba Ghanouj, a dip made of roasted, pureed eggplant; Shakshouka, a popular, spiced, egg and tomato dish; Mediterranean vegetable salad; Mixed Cheese Salad, combines cottage and feta with cucumbers, peppers and onions; Rugelach, small pastries made from rich cream cheese dough and filled with jam, chocolate, honey, or nuts; and Turkish coffee, surprisingly easy to make and an essential part of the Israeli breakfast menu.

Here are the top 10 foods you will find in the Middle East:

 1) Hummus is a mashed chickpea dip; made with tahini, olive oil, garlic and lemon juicel It is an appetizer served with pita bread.
 2) Tahini is the foundation of many good Middle East recipes. The paste can also be used as a spread on bread and crackers.
 3) Falafel is perhaps the most widely recognized Middle Eastern food. The fried balls made of chickpeas, onions and spices make for a tasty appetizer or light vegetarian meal. Falafel makes a great sandwich inside pita bread with veggies.
 4) Tabouleh is a salad that has a nice "kick." It makes a great alternative to a traditional salad; and is made of cracked wheat, mint, parsley and more.
 5) Pita bread is a staple in the Middle Eastern diet. It is served with just about every meal. Warm, toasted, stuffed, or dipped; pita bread is the most versatile food in Middle Eastern cooking.
 6) Baklawa is a delicious dessert. Its syrup is made with orange blossom or rose water.
 7) Bab Ghannouj is a vegetarian favorite. Its smooth and creamy texture makes its ideal for dipping pita bread or vegetables.
 8) Turkish coffee is famed for it's bold, rich taste.
 9) Foul Mudammes is boiled fava beans with spices. Some people prefer them mashed, and foul is traditionally breakfast food served with pita bread.
10) Turkish delight are sweet candies called lokum.