July 25: The Kibbutz Experience (Ted Berlovich)

July 25, 2013

Blog Author: Ted Berlovich

As another day in the Israeli Summer Experience has passed, I sit here recalling today's events. The clock slowly ticks as my eyelids become heavier and heavier. And yet, I still ache for what is to come tomorrow. These are the perfect signs that we had yet another successful day.

The day had started with a rather early wake up call, yet rewarded by the experience of a lifetime. The Diller team was honoured with the opportunity to learn about Eilat's interesting Naval Base. The Sargent of the base had prepared a unique presentation that informed us of the Navy's missions and objectives along with the importance of its existence. We learned that the Navy is responsible for the protection of Israel overseas and, in fact, that the sea is the larger border between Israel and its neighbouring countries.

Later this morning, we were driven to the Kibbutz Lotan. We learned that this Kibbutz believes in and commits to the preservation of nature and environmental sustainability. Throughout the tour of Kibbutz Lotan, we were shown how life is made possible for the Eco-friendly kibbutsnikim (Kibbutz members). From creating and learning about seed balls and mud bricks, to understanding how to build structures using the very same mud bricks, our group was inspired and very much interested in this unique way of life.

Upon finishing a delightful lunch hand made by the chefs of Kibbutz Lotan (using only ingredients found on the Kibbutz!), we made our way to the next Kibbutz: Yahel. Immediately we were greeted by a man named Ya-Ya. This aspiring Zionist had demonstrated an interesting perspective on Judaism. He had taught us about the innovation of Judaism over many years and he had also discussed the reformation of the Judaic ideals in the 21st century. Essentially, the strongly opinionated Ya-Ya had shared his perspective on Judaism and what being Jewish meant for him. Interestingly, the conversation had left many of us thinking about our own values, beliefs, and ideas of what it means to be Jewish in the 21st century.

To finish off the day we arrived our final Kibbutz: Ketura. Personally, I found this Kibbutz to be the most exciting and most pleasant to visit. I genuinely was able to connect and understand the ideals and methods of life of this particular Kibbutz. The most fascinating part of the experience was listening to the stories about the Kibbutz itself! The intense bond of the small community evidently demonstrated the rare and magnificent lifestyle of the day to day endeavors of a hardworking kibbutsnik. Plus, it was fairly appropriate, and necessary, to cool off in the community pool!

As this day came to end, so does this blog. Today's planned events, learning about an Eco-friendly lifestyle, a new vision for reforming Judaism in the 21st century, and the simple (yet laborious) daily life of a kibbutsnik, definitely sums as this day in our experience of a lifetime.