The Kibbutz
The word Kibbutz in Hebrew means group. In the past eighty years it has become a very special kind of group, one of the most famous cooperative communities established in Israel.
About three percent of Israel's Jewish population, more than 120,000 people, live in some 250 kibbutzim. The first Kibbutz, called Degania, was settled in the year 1909.
The movement viewed itself as much more than an experiment in communal living, it was an instrument for the settlement of the Land of Israel. Sites were chosen in accordance with the national policy' needs, often at the cost of economic viability.
Settling the borders, along the Lebanese frontier, in the Upper Galilee, in the Negev , in the Jordan
Valley and in the mountains surrounding Jerusalem, became the top priorities. During the Arab riots in 1936 and 1937 a series of pre-fabricated "Stockade and Watchtower" kibbutzim were erected in one -day operations, mobilizing hundreds of people, in order to create a Jewish presence. During the years, thousands of people joined kibbutzim. Some upon their own individual initiative, others in organized groups and some as graduates of Zionist youth movements.
The Candidates for membership are usually accepted after a year's "probation". At the general meeting of members, the ultimate kibbutz authority in matters of principal, operational committees are elected, budgets are approved and other decisions are made
On a national level the kibbutz movement is divided into three federations, which were historically result of ideological and political differences. The federations conduct a wide variety of activities: they offer financial support, lobby politically, offer advisory services, operate their own child and family welfare clinics and provide social work services. Besides agriculture, poultry and dairy most of the kibbutzim have developed factories in several branches like plastics, metalwork, electronics, wood, furniture etc...
Many kibbutzim operate guest houses, hotels or country lodging, which serve both tourists and Israelis. One can fish for sport at kibbutz fish ponds or stop for a meal at kibbutz restaurants. Kibbutzim offer educational programs for young people and adults. Guests can enjoy several kibbutz facilities such as swimming pools, sport-centers, gardens, playgrounds and some kibbutzim offer a guided tour.
Most kibbutzim, except for the strictly orthodox, do not consider themselves formally religious.
They view the kibbutz as deeply rooted in Jewish history and tradition. A conscious effort is made to build a connection between the kibbutz and the Jewish thoughts, practices and culture.
In addition traditional religious aspects of song, dance, custom, ceremony, agricultural and national elements have been introduced to celebrate the holidays.
The kibbutz, a constantly changing community, adapts itself to the changing times and circumstances. The underlying drive remains the same, though the specifics may and do change, however the definition of what is private and what is public property will definitely change. Modern communication and technology will change the nature of education, the involvement of cultural activities and the means of traveling from place to place. Although the extent to which the future kibbutzim will be relevant, depends on its creativity, its innovation and its aspirations. In a way it's Jacob's dream, the first man called Israel- a name which in Hebrew means "a struggle with Godliness"-, it's a Jewish kind of dream.