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.



The purpose of the kibbutz, a free union of a group of people, are: settlement, absorption of new members, maintenance of a well organized community (based on general ownership) self support, equality and cooperation at all production, consumption and education spheres.

The kibbutz considers itself as an integral part of the Hebrew labor union in Israel and strives to establish the Jewish people in Israel as a labor society, based on the fundamentals of social and economic equality.

Each kibbutz member can choose the spot of his permanent residence inside the settlement (see: “the kibbutz settlement”) In turn he gives the utmost of his labor ability to the kibbutz and hands over all of his incomes and properties in his possession. The kibbutz appoints each member and each person legally living on the kibbutz, a job and supplies all his needs. (see:”depending on the member”), according to his ability (and all the mentioned above according to the rules agreed on by it’s authorized institutions.)

 

The goals of the kibbutz are:

  1. to establish, maintain, run and develop the agriculture, craft and industry settlement, as well as economic operators of any kind. Provide a job for kibbutz members inside as well as outside of the kibbutz.

  2. to provide economic, social , educational and personal needs of the kibbutz members and all those, legally living on the kibbutz, to take care of their health, to establish and maintain services and to insure a high standard of living for the members and for those depending on them (according to economic possibilities of the kibbutz, keeping in mind the needs for development of the settlement and other purposes).

  3. to provide municipal and other public services within the kibbutz, therefore a local authority, which delegates all institutes that shall be established.

  4. to nourish companionship and friendship amongst the kibbutz members.

  5. to nourish personal abilities, collective abilities and personalities of the kibbutz members in society, economy, culture, science and craft.

  6. to encourage female kibbutz members to strive for equality at the social, economic, educational, public and movement level.

  7. to educate the children of the kibbutz members, nourish them and raise the level of education, to show them the kibbutz in the future and their role in it, to take care of their training and absorption as kibbutz members and loyal citizens of Israel.

  8. to absorb new immigrants and new members.

  9. to absorb Israeli and immigrating youth and teach them the aspects of kibbutz life.

  10. to nourish, together with other kibbutzim with the same interests, new and young kibbutzim (who have lately joined the organization), to encourage the kibbutz settlements and it’s values; mutual help on social, security, economical and cultural grounds (according to the decisions of the kibbutz or terms of reference of the movement adopted by the kibbutz).

  11. to supply mutual help to other kibbutzim or settlements in the area, join their factories and industries.

  12. to fulfill tasks which fortify the economy, the security and the position of the state of Israel, as well as the position of all laborers and the movement, as adopted by the kibbutz.

 

The general meeting;