What is a kibbutz?
A kibbutz is a Jewish owned communal settlement located in
Israel. Originally, the general focus was agriculture. Today, the concept has
undergone many changes and modernization and although several still operate
farms others have expanded into manufacturing and services.
As an American living outside of Israel, a kibbutz represents
a “coming of age” alternative for learning.
Since there is an expectation of productivity, it is a place to grow in
a semi-protected environment away from the comforts of home and family.
Ideally, young adults, prior to college or immediately thereafter, travel to
Israel to humbly work on the kibbutz for their keep.
It is important to note that this is not a religious sabbatical
and is not limited to Jews or those that practice Judaism.
THE VIRTUAL KIBBUTZ: Stories from a Changing Society
The Virtual Kibbutz is a collection of short stories based
on events at various kibbutzim. Written by one of my favorite bloggers, Ellis
Shuman, it is an interesting and somewhat educational combination. Searching
for Seinfeld, a delightful tale begins the book with a reporter’s search for
evidence of Jerry Seinfeld’s kibbutz experience in the 1970’s.
The author explores an array of stories about the different
challenges a community faces as they live and learn together. The unique circumstances
often reflect the climate in which the Israeli people live, but interestingly
the results do not mirror the expected stereotypical outcome. This was
refreshing and educational. My favorite: The Clown and the Dancer is a
beautiful story of love and dedication.
In the beginning, the hope was that a kibbutz could become
a Utopian society. A concept abandoned long ago, in When Avry Won the Lottery,
the author presents a plausible test to the various views on communal property.
A Cow’s Tale is a sort of “Cats in the
Cradle” story about aging.
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| Ellis Shuman |
There are twelve stories, each with a complex circumstance that
in the end provides the reader with a bit of education and a lesson about the
human condition. A great read for those curious about life on a kibbutz and for
anyone that enjoys a short –story before nodding off to sleep.
