A visit to Kibbutz Ketura

June 10, 2008 - 7:53 PM by

200px-Qetura_sign.jpgJust back from a Shavuot trek/trip down to the incredibly hot and dry Arava and Kibbutz Ketura, about 40 minutes north of Eilat, founded by members of America’s Young Judea movement. I’ve always found it fascinating to catch these brief glimpses into the kibbutz lifestyle, what is a completely different way of life from my own, as these 130 members from at least 12 different countries make a successful go of it in the desert, raising cows (for Yotvata’s chocolate milk), dates (for consumption), algae (for fish food) and guesthouses (for visitors).

And it’s still a real kibbutz, where everything is communal, from three daily meals in the dining hall and profits from the various businesses to the cheesecakes served after the Shavuot tikkun (only if you sat in on the sessions) and the popsicles given out at the pool the next afternoon.

dates.jpgGranted, I was down there with a kibbutz-like hamula of my own, my extended family of 25, including parents, siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and we shared our snacks as well, but when we go home, it’s to our own houses, some of us in different cities and towns. At Ketura, you share your financial wellbeing, food, leisure-time and space with all these other people. It’s like a marriage, said one friend who’s been there for years. Sometimes you get along, and sometimes you don’t, and you just have to grit your teeth and get through the rough periods. But when things are good, there’s no better way to spend your life, she said, wading in the pool with your best friends and letting your kids run free in the very safe environs of this warm and nurturing community.

Tags: • Category: General, Holidays, Travel 

Comments

4 Comments on A visit to Kibbutz Ketura

  1. David Gordon on Wed, Jun 18th 2008 4:55 PM

    2. If my wife and I wanted to come to your Kibbutz for a week and volunteer working in return for food and lodging, would that be something possible to do? My wife and I made Aliyah a year and a half ago and live in Mitzpe Nevo in Maale Adumim. It sounds like if we could come and work the land with you for a week, it would be very meaningful. And since we are Dati-Leumi, I think we could fit very well. Thank you. I will wait for your response.

  2. jessica on Sun, Jun 22nd 2008 9:06 AM

    3. I don’t actually live at Ketura, was just visiting, but would suggest that you call or email the kibbutz and ask them about volunteering possibilities. their website is http://www.ketura.org.il — good luck!

  3. ketura lover on Sun, Jun 22nd 2008 6:56 PM

    4. Part of my Young Judaea experience had me spend 4 months at Ketura in the mid 80′s. It was a wonderful place then and I am glad to hear it still is today. Thank you for the brief story.

  4. The roof is green | ISRAELITY on Sat, Mar 13th 2010 10:57 PM

    5. [...] always amazed by each time we visit. Yes, yes, I do have that sentimental love of kibbutzim thing, which I’ve written about before. And even though I tend not to tour the kibbutz, I always find something new on their grounds that [...]

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