The Kibbutz

Israel’s kibbutz communities are a true “one of a kind” experience. Beginning as farms, they are situated in Israel’s most fertile and scenic areas where they represent a unique and rural way of life. Beginning at the turn of the 20^th century and growing to over 270 kibbutzim today, these communities have thrived because of their willingness to change with the times, all the while keeping to their hallmark beliefs of sharing and passion for the land.

Kibbutzim are family friendly and many operate hotels, shops, galleries and other attractions and tourist services. But, if you want to have a really unforgettable kibbutz experience, you can volunteer to work at a kibbutz for a minimum of two months to a maximum of six months. Kibbutz landscapes range from deserts to green pastures or waterscapes making each one unique. Visiting a kibbutz is an ideal way to make life-long friends and experience Israel at the same time.

Israel’s kibbutz communities are nestled in its most scenic and fertile landscapes the country has to offer. Because of this, they are world-famous and represent a unique yet rural way of life whose historic hallmark is sharing. The kibbutz movement began around the turn of the 20th century. Groups of young pioneers from Eastern Europe decided to combine their commitment to egalitarianism and their love of nature and working the land with their Zionist creed. These first kibbutzniks, as members of these communities are called, founded Degania on the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which to this day is still booming and going strong.

Currently there are approximately 270 kibbutzim throughout the country. An interesting fact is that even though the kibbutz movement is famous, only about 1.5% of Israel’s population has chosen this way of life. The number of participants may be small, but the impact they have is huge. It is impossible to imagine Israel without the kibbutzim. Their contribution to agriculture, industry, a first home for immigrants and in the early years, defense of its borders, have all had a positive and long-lasting impact on Israel.

What’s the Kibbutz secret of longevity and success? Many say that it’s been their willingness to change with the times. For example, more than a generation ago, they gave up the idea of having children sleep in group quarters watched over by kibbutz caregivers. In the “old days” this was considered essential to maximize working hands. Today, some kibbutzim have decided to foster greater individual enterprise, while continuing to share elements of their cultural and social lives, while others have kept the traditional framework of a redistribution of the resources of all members.

Since all kibbutzim began as farms, they are located in Israel’s most beautiful regions making them an alluring destination for visitors. Plus many also operate hotels and/or bed-and-breakfast facilities, craft shops, galleries and other attractions and tourist services. In fact, visitors who not only want to meet these unusual folks but also enjoy their hospitality can plan their entire Israel trip staying overnight only at kibbutzim! With lots of room to run around outdoors, kibbutz accommodations are great for families with young children. Some kibbutzim run tours of their community, and boast museums of their pioneering days and the heritage sites and artifacts found right on their land.

If you want an unforgettable opportunity to get acquainted with kibbutz life, plan to volunteer to work on one of the 30 or so kibbutzim. You can commit to a minimum of two months to a maximum of six months. And, you can have visit a kibbutz that “fits” you the best! If you love green pastures and waterscapes, look for a kibbutz in northern Israel’s Hula Valley or near the Sea of Galilee. Or if dramatic desert landscapes are more to your liking, try the Negev or the Arava areas where you can help make arid land bloom! It’s a great way to make life-long friends among the kibbutzniks and others from around the world, and to see Israel at the same time.