I used to use traveller's checks, then a debit card. This time I was going to use my Citi Visa credit card to withdraw cash advances. I told the card company that I'd be using the card overseas, but nobody ever reminded me that for cash advances you need a PIN. I never withdraw cash from my credit card, so it didn't occur to me. I fly out of the country tomorrow, but there's no time to request a PIN (they say the PIN activation has to be mailed to me.) How will I have access to cash in Israel? (Other than carrying a big bag of dollars with me.)
Tomorrow's Sunday, so my credit union isn't available to advise me.
Can I buy traveller's checks with a credit card? Should I withdraw a ton of cash from the ATM and buy a pre-paid credit card with it? Would it be worth it? Would cash advance restrictions apply to the purchase of a prepaid card?

Don't you have a debit card?

My debit card will not be available for use for a couple of weeks. (Bad timing)

You may be able to get a cash advance at a bank. Probably more expensive than getting it from an ATM. Either that or somehow get cash before you to.

If you can take out enough cash from your home bank in advance, you can use that money and simply convert in Israel. You don't need a debit card to withdraw cash from the bank itself. Just go to the teller. Then in Israel, go to any money-changer or post office (all post offices, called Israel Post have licensed money changers).

If you have access to an ATM, why not just use that card in an ATM in Israel?

Hope this isn't too late, but to the OP, some banks can give you a credit casd cash advance over the counter without needing a PIN. You'll need to ask a local to recommend one, though.

Some of the money changers will negotiate, with loads of ID an American check. The fee charged makes this NOT the way to get money---unless you are desperate!

Depends on the location. There's a money-changer in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City (Jerusalem), who will cash checks at the current Bank of Israel rate, and charges 1.5% commission. Not perfect, but far from terrible.