Ah, Birthright. Every young Jew's chance to explore Israel, learn some Hebrew words, and check out the Jerusalem bar scene. I was so fortunate to go on this 10-day trip across the country a couple of weeks ago, and while it was my fourth time traveling in Israel, there were still lots of new things I learned that I would love to pass along.

1. Sitting alone in the middle of the Negev is a once in a lifetime experience for self-reflection.
2. No matter how many times you get hit by trees when rafting down the Jordan River, do not ask “nice” Israeli men for help. Trust me on this one.
3. Even though every cat in Israel looks like it is infested with rabies, people still like to pet them, anyway.
4. When choosing between a pita or lafa: always go for a lafa. You don’t know how long until your next meal is. Or, sometimes, if you’ll even have one.
5. Israeli boys are super cute, but can also be super creepy. Watch out in those Jerusalem clubs.
6. Nap on the bus, but also make time to look out the window, and enjoy the beautiful views.
7. The Israelis on the trip can become some of your closest friends… or even more. But don’t mess with the medic: she has a gun.
8. As a generation, we are way too dependent on wifi. I want to publicly apologize to my parents for the hundreds of dollars in data charges they now have to pay. I just really needed to upload to my Snapstory!
9. Lines don’t exist in Israel. Neither does common courtsey. If you want to get somewhere, really just push. Exhibit A: Jerusalem Shuk.
10. If you didn’t Instagram a place you went to on Birthright, did you really go there?
11. Makeshift hats can be made with old T-shirts, if you’re going for the turban look.
12. The Tel Aviv beach, Masada, Kotel, Dead Sea: all great spots for future profile pictures.
13. Peanut allergy in America is like sesame allergy in Israel. Seriously, sesame is in everything. Try the tahini; it’s even better than hummus.
14. If you find out that anyone on your trip can play the guitar or can sing, make them have jam sessions for your group at any given moment. It’s amazing how talented people are.
15. While I loved being interrogated in Hebrew by the El Al agents about the origin of my family name, if I keep Shabbat in college, and what congregation I’m part of at home, on the way to Israel I really did not appreciate having to throw away the water bottle I just purchased in the gate five minutes prior when returning home. Really, El Al? I spent like 15 shekels on that.
16. Ben Yehuda on regular tourist nights: a place to shop and get some Moshiko's. Ben Yehuda on Birthright: a place to get five shekel shots before barhopping.
17. When debating if one needs an iced coffee, just buy it anyway. Where else will you find iced coffee that is just really a coffee milkshake? There's actually an Aroma in the Garden State Mall, but that's beside the point).
18. It is possible to make friends and feel comfortable with a group of 40 strangers within 10 days.