Who should go on a dig in Israel? Any one that is in good health and doesn't mind getting up at 4:30 am, working out in the fields in the dirt till 1:00 pm, and learning how to eat fish cooked 40 different ways.
Why go on a dig in Israel? To help another culture learn more about its past and to see the country at a reasonable price. You have the second half of the workdays plus each weekend to "do your own thing."
Should you send your children on a dig in Israel? No, take them with you if you can, because it will be an experience you and they will cherish all your lives. If you have only money for one or two to go, then you go. When the kids grow up let them pay their own way to go.
Where can I find a list of dig sites to work in? Salem Public Library has back issues of the "Biblical Archaeology Review," and at the beginning of every year (the Jan/Feb issue) is a complete listing of where to get dirty in Israel. The time line runs from Prehistory, 1,000,000 BC down to the Ottoman period, 1917 AD. Many times the "Review" has had an article written about the site you're interested in. Also I have a complete set of BAR magazines you could look at.
How long do you have to stay at a dig site? Usually they want you to stay at least 14 days of the 6 to 8 week dig. The first few days are on-site training. If you're only going to stay two weeks, do the first two weeks of the dig, because it will be cooler. Even then it can reach 100ºF by noon, but it is a dry heat.
How safe is Israel? We were there in '97 and '99 and I felt safer there than in Chicago, where more crime killings happen than in Israel.
When should you plan on going to a dirt dig? To get into the right time frame you want to dig in, I would start inquiring at least 12 months ahead of when you want to go, by emailing the director and sort of getting acquainted by asking questions: where do you sleep? eat? take a leak? etc. Select 12 sites and contact each one, and maybe if you are lucky, one will invite you.
What will it cost you? You have to pay for room and board by the week, from $300 to $500 or more. Air fare to Israel is at least $1,700 to $2,600 depending on the dates. So for a three week stay expect to spend $3,500 to $4,000 or more.
What time of year are the digs in Israel? During the hot dry summer, usually June and July before the really hot weather, and that is when most students are out of school.
What is the age group at the dig? Mostly young people, from the teens on up to a few people in their 70s.
What about the heat in Israel? You start work early in the morning at sunrise or before, so it is nice and cool. By breakfast in the field your light jacket comes off, then by 11am you are warmed up to enjoy mellon time, and thankful to quit at 1pm. Most digs have a large black agra tent that you work under, it lets in about 30% of the sunlight, so it is nice to work under.
How do you get around in Israel? Forget trains, they have a good bus system and what I call field taxis that run from town to town. It's like an SUV minibus: you get on, find a seat in the back, then pass your money up to the driver while he is driving. Or you rent a car. Roads are good, check points so-so.
Some digs directors will not take people without experence. It would be help your résumé if you took a local class on archaeology. One class is better than none. Let them know what your skills are: enjoy working with your hands, enjoy working with others, have good eyesight, etc.
Enjoy it all.
