There may be a part III, just so everyone knows :). I'm waiting for more information from a few people that will help me prepare you better.
PART II: US!
Again, as we are in a conservative society, we must also be aware of how we behave, dress, etc. This will be mainly addressed to women, but men can learn something from it too.
In the Middle East, many people (men) have the perception of American women being "loose" and "easy," if you catch my drift. Because of this, American women can often be a target of inappropriate touching or grabbing, can be approached, etc. if they aren't careful. Additionally, because we are in a conservative society, at many religious sites, and just in public in general, it is important to be careful with the way you dress so as not to appear disrespectful.
So, guidelines!
1) Shorts are not a good idea for women, especially not short shorts. It will be warm, to be sure, but you should try to not wear shorts in some areas of Israel, especially the more religious areas, like Jerusalem. Capris are fine, as are jeans in general, but shorter shorts and skirts should be avoided.
2) You should try not to show any cleavage. This will probably not be a problem for most of you ladies, but try to stick to polos and shirts with higher necklines.
3) Also with shirts, be careful about sleeves. In more conservative areas of the country and at many religious sites, it is inappropriate for women to expose their arms past their elbows. Try to wear long sleeve or 3/4 sleeves when going to religious sites. Generally you shouldn't worry too much about sleeve length. Just bring something to put over your arms if you find you are too exposed for the place, like a scarf, another shirt, or a jacket. It may be a good idea to have a longer sleeve (3/4 or full) basic white shirt to put under your polos, t-shirts, etc.
4) Your heads must be covered in many religious places, especially Jewish and Muslim sites. Maybe bring a scarf to place over your head when we will be visiting such places.
5) Avoid eye contact with random local men. Keep to your own business and try not to look at them if you can. Looking at them, staring, or making eye contact may indicate to them that you are "interested."
This advice, as usual, is somewhat flexible based on the place you're in. I am told that in Tel Aviv and Jaffa it is a very different story, because it is such a modern and Western place. Women in Tel Aviv essentially dress just like women in America.
Now, what do men need to be aware of?
Not nearly as much. In some places it may be a good idea to stick to crew neck shirts and in general it may be a good idea to have shorts that cover the knees. Other than that, there may be a few places where you should stick to jeans or long pants, especially religious sites and more conservative areas. There are also places where you need to cover your heads (hence your yamulkes). I believe you are expected to cover your head in Mosques and Muslim sites as well, but I am not sure.
ARABIC LESSON!
Colors!
Colors are divided into masculine and feminine genders, so the word changes based on the gender of the noun.
The basic words are masculine:
White - Abiadu
Black - Asuadu
Red - Achmaru
Green - Achdaru
Yellow - Asfaru
Blue - Azuracu
BUT, genders change!
Yesterday, we learned to say "car," "sayartun." "Car" is a feminine noun in Arabic. So the color would change:
If I were to say: "The green car" I would say "Al sayartu hadra'u." Notice how the color changes with the gender.
Similarly:
The black car: "Al sayaratu safra'u"
The red car: "Al sayaratu hamra'u"
etc.
Colors will also change with the number of an item. Remember, yesterday we learned the word for "bicycle" is "darajjatu." This is also a feminine noun in Arabic.
The white bike: "Al darajjatu baida'u"
Two white bikes: "Al darajjateni baidawen"
Three or more white bikes: "Al darajjAtu baida'u"
