Photos of Kibbutzim
(and of Towns) – Israeli Ministry of Tourism Site
I found a new site administered
(amateurishly as per usual for an Israeli government ministry) by the Ministry
of Tourism.
There are some pretty good pictures of kibbutzim on the site that show various
aspects of life there. The kibbutzim shown are found from the north to the
south (starting with the south) of the country and represent kibbutzim of
various sizes, ages and types of agriculture, horticulture and industry.
Just go to Kibbutz on the first drop down menu (Location) and do not specify
anything for the groupings. Thus, you will get all of the photos of kibbutz.
Unfortunately, some of them should have been rotated.
The pictures of the celebration of "Pentecost" (Shavu'ot)
are particularly interesting. Shavu'ot is the holiday
of the bringing of the first fruits of harvest to the Temple. On kibbutz the
members celebrate the holiday in their own special way. Except on the very few
religious kibbutzim it is celebrated as a secular holiday, emphasizing the
agricultural aspects. The kibbutz members throw in their own experience.
Tractors, as pictured, have nothing whatsoever to do with the holiday. They are
brought into the celebrations on secular kibbutzim because they are so much
part and parcel of kibbutz everyday life.
The housing shown in the photo picturing the guest houses on kibbutz were once very typical. Today, much richer, the kibbutz
tends to build detached villa-like houses. The types of houses seen in the
photos are reserved for guest houses; young, single members; soldiers who call
the kibbutz home base during their service for one reason or another; people
learning Hebrew in the kibbutz ulpan program and
volunteers.
The typical kibbutz is verdant, as you will see and very well kept. Kibbutz
members are most meticulous about keeping the kibbutz aesthetically pleasing
and very well gardened.
Of course, there are photos from the towns and cities and many walks of life on
the site as well that are interesting viewing, but my heart will always remain
with what I consider to be the crowning Israeli social achievement - Kibbutz
and so I take this opportunity to share a very brief glimpse of a way of life
so little understood or appreciated.
http://tinyurl.com/254prf
Doreen Ellen Bell-Dotan, Tzfat, Israel