Her suitcases are packed, but is she really ready to go?
The shopping is done, her things are labeled, and the suitcases are packed. You’ve been tackling your to-do list all summer; you’re not looking to add anything to your list! This prep, though, doesn’t need a suitcase. It’s helping her navigate the adult things she’ll need to know when you’re not there to help!
Everyday Life In Israel
Does she know how to do laundry? Now’s the time! What gets separated, what goes into the dryer and what hangs to dry? Give her a quick lesson in Celsius, kilos, and voltage, before she blows her curling iron. Explain how her phone plan works so she can reach you as soon as she gets her phone! Basics for you, but important for her. Life lessons, unlocked.
Let’s Talk Money
Super important to have this conversation before she goes! Will she have a budget? What can she spend your money on, and what will come out of her bank account? Set a budget together. Teach her shekel/dollar conversion rates, and explain the importance of tracking her spending. Between coffee, taxis, froyo trips, restaurants and Shabbos gifts, her money can disappear faster than she realizes!
Food, Food, Food
Will she love all the seminary food? Probably not. Now’s the time to plan how she’s going to feed herself. What basic things can she stock in the dorm to fend for herself? Yes, there’s a time and place for restaurants, but come up with a plan so takeout isn’t the default.
How Will She Get Around?
Have the transportation conversation now. Will she be mostly using buses and the light-rail or taxis? Where can she go herself, and where should she only go with friends? Setting clear expectations while she’s still home will go a long way.
Then, explain how to order a Jewish taxi, how to get a Rav-Kav, etc. You won’t be able to explain it all, of course, but she should have some idea of what’s ahead of her.
What If She Gets Sick?
Bez’H, she won’t need this section at all! And of course, her seminary will help her. But she should know her insurance and who to call when she isn’t feeling well.
Most Importantly, Tell Her to Remember the Year
She doesn’t need to journal every night. But the funny stories, the great Shabbosim, the quote from her teacher that really penetrated, the recipe her hostess shared…she won’t remember them without writing them down. And she’ll be so grateful she did!
And Finally… Let Her Go.
Oof, this is the big one. You can’t prepare her for every single eventuality. And you probably shouldn’t. She’s going to figure it out, all of it. Send her off knowing that you trust her to make good decisions.
And if she needs help? That’s where The Sem Life Planner comes in.
Created based on what hundreds of seminary girls said they wished they had known, the planner puts all that Israel info in one place: transportation, healthcare, groceries, restaurants, Shabbos, everyday tips, and so much more. Everything she needs to know, right at her fingertips.
It also has space to set goals, journal, save memories, record quotes, and really remember the year she’s about to have. It’s everything she needs, all-in-one. And the best part? You don’t even have to pack it!
The Sem Life Planner can be delivered directly to her seminary in Israel, ready and waiting when she gets there. You can zip her suitcase, and rest assured that you did everything you needed to do.
You can’t be there to answer every question, but you can make sure she knows where to turn when she has one.
Order the Sem Life Planner here.
