Once you get over the idea of sending your son away to yeshiva, it’s time to figure out just what he’ll need when he gets there.
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for 2025 with new tips and a printable version!
When a boy leaves home for yeshiva, there are different levels of leaving.
The first level is dorming in a local yeshiva. They might get to come home every Shabbos, they can get frequent deliveries of food and maybe even some of mom’s laundry services. You don’t need to pack so much because if he needs more, it’s accessible.
Then there’s moving into a dorm in a yeshiva in a different city. This usually means coming home once a month (or every 2-3 months if a flight is involved), occasional rides that can take a care package from home and Amazon prime availability. And Mom’s not doing the laundry anymore!
And then there’s going overseas. For most, but not all, this means Israel. And this can either be in a dorm or rooming with other boys in an apartment. These boys are not coming home too often – maybe just once a year. There’s no more food packages and very rarely do you get to send “just one small thing that doesn’t weigh a lot” with a friend or family member who is traveling. And now it’s not just laundry – chances are they’re buying some clothing on their own, too.
Packing for these different situations is somewhat different. Local guys can take as much as they want when they move into the dorm, but don’t need as much to start off. Boys who are going to a different city are limited to what fits in their suitcases, but can add more seasonal items and toiletries on a vacation weekend. And boys going to Israel (or elsewhere) are limited mostly by luggage weight.
Like we discussed in the seminary packing list, the numbers really depend on how often a boy will do laundry / or how often the laundry is sent out. If he is doing laundry weekly (better to not let it pile up), you need less. If you are doing his laundry, and you need to send him with a fresh set while you wash the rest, then you need more.
These numbers are really max. Adjust as necessary. Also, keep in mind bulk and weight when flying. Detergent, body wash, shampoo etc can be shipped from local stores within the US or bought at local stores in Israel. Pack just enough for the first few days and plan to purchase once settled in.
Our Favorite Items for Boys Going to Yeshiva
DOWNLOAD THE PACKING LIST HERE – Below you find the list with additional comments that you might find helpful.
Clothing:
- 10-14 white shirts
- 5 dress pants
- 15-20 sets of underwear and socks
- 3 tzitzis
- 2 Shabbos suits
- Several ties
[don’t skimp, they’re not bulky and you’ll get bored of wearing just 2-3 all zman] - Cufflinks
- Shabbos shoes
- Weekday shoes
[good for lots of walking if in Israel. Keep notes of brand/style/size so you can send replacements from home when needed] - Spare yarmulke
- Glasses
[spare if you don’t wear lenses] - 5-7 sets pajamas
- Sports clothing
- Sneakers
- Slides
- Sweater
- Hoodie
- Shabbos and weekday hats
- Blazer
- Winter coat
- Rain coat
Toiletries:
- Shampoo
- Body wash
- Hand soap
- Toothbrush
- Toothbrush holder
- Toothpaste
- Detergent
- Deodorant
- Skincare
[acne products] - Lenses and accessories
- Mouthwash
- Flossers
- Qtips
- Bandaids
- Over the counter medications
[see this post] - Melatonin
- Hat brush
- Shoe polish
- Shaver
[don’t forget the charger. An adapter is sufficient for most to use in Israel.] - Earplugs and/or eye mask
- Nail clippers or nail scissors
Other items:
- Kosher lamp
[for Israel, better to buy there and it’ll have the Israeli plug] - Umbrella
- Towels [and bathrobe]
- Linens [all bedding]
- Chargers for all devices
- Adapters
- Power strip [for Israel, buy it there]
- Detergent / Stain remover
- Laundry bags
- Pens and notebooks
[For Israel, don’t bring along a binder and American binder paper. You will not find more paper that size in Israel. Rather, buy when you get there.] - Alarm clock
[vibrating] - Washing cup
- Hangers
- Garment bag
- Luggage to use for weekends
- Machzorim and selichos
- Recorder / headphones
Extras to consider:
- Warm robe
- Ugg type slippers
[dorm floors can be very cold] - Drawers [if there is lack of storage space]
- Swimwear
- Baseball cap
- Backpack
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