Kibbutz
History
The concept of the kibbutz was born in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of the Zionist movement, which sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine. The idea was to create self-sustaining agricultural communities that would help to "redeem the land" and provide a solution to the "Jewish problem" in Europe, where Jews were often persecuted and denied the right to own land.
The first kibbutz, Degania Alef, was established in 1909 by a group of young Jewish immigrants from Russia. They were inspired by the ideals of socialism and the labour movement, and sought to create a community where all members were equal and shared in the fruits of their labour. This model was soon replicated in other parts of the country, and by the time of the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, there were over 200 kibbutzim spread across the country.
Structure and Organization
A kibbutz is essentially a collective community, where members share in the ownership of property and the fruits of their labour. The basic unit of the kibbutz is the family, but unlike in traditional societies, children in the kibbutz are often raised in communal children's houses, rather than by their biological parents. This practice, known as children's society, was intended to free women from the burdens of childrearing and allow them to participate fully in the work of the kibbutz.
The kibbutz is governed by a General Assembly, which is made up of all adult members of the kibbutz. The General Assembly meets regularly to discuss and decide on matters of importance to the community, such as budgeting, planning, and policy-making. The day-to-day management of the kibbutz is usually entrusted to a Secretariat, which is elected by the General Assembly.
Economy
The economy of the kibbutz is based on collective ownership and mutual aid. In the early days, kibbutzim were primarily agricultural, with members working in fields, orchards, and dairy farms. Over time, however, many kibbutzim have diversified their economic activities and now operate factories and other businesses.
Despite this diversification, the principle of shared ownership and mutual aid remains central to the kibbutz economy. All income generated by the kibbutz is pooled and used to provide for the needs of all members, including housing, food, healthcare, and education. This system, known as collective economy, is one of the defining features of the kibbutz.
Culture and Lifestyle
Life in a kibbutz is characterized by a strong sense of community and mutual responsibility. Members are expected to contribute to the work of the kibbutz according to their abilities and to participate in communal activities and decision-making processes.
The kibbutz places a high value on education and cultural activities. Many kibbutzim have their own schools, libraries, and cultural centers, where members can engage in learning and creative pursuits. The kibbutz also places a strong emphasis on physical fitness and outdoor activities, with many kibbutzim having sports facilities and organizing regular hikes and outings.
Challenges and Changes
Over the years, the kibbutz movement has faced numerous challenges, including economic difficulties, demographic changes, and ideological shifts. In response to these challenges, many kibbutzim have undergone significant changes, including the introduction of differential wages, the privatization of some services, and the opening up of membership to non-kibbutz residents.
Despite these changes, the kibbutz remains a unique and enduring model of communal living and cooperative economics. It continues to play a significant role in Israeli society and culture, and its ideals of equality, mutual aid, and shared ownership continue to inspire people around the world.