1982-1983 Rothberg Yearbook

“ Halutz” ! Had I however been asked for my evaluation o f kibbutz life as I stood with a
knife in front o f 25 kilos o f eggplant at 5:30 a.m. on a cold morning, my responses may
have been different. In retrospect though, the 3 weeks I spent at kibbutz Sde Eliahu in the
Bet Shean Valley were among the most interesting, broadening, and enjoyable o f my
experiences in Israel.
The adjustment o f rising early, following orders, and dining with 600 people requires an
opening up o f yourself, discipline, a respect and understanding o f kibbutz reality, and
participation in achieving the goal o f kibbutzim. Speaking with the members about the life
they chose taught me invaluable lessons that a classroom could not have possibly provided.
Secondly, Sde Eliahu, as part o f the Kibbutz Dati movement, is able to provide a combination
o f traditional Jewish and Israeli living. The facilities are strictly kosher and shabbat
observant; women are not permitted to wear shorts. The spirit o f the o ’ An was manifest
in both a traditional and agricultural context. Without any kind o f religious pressure the
kibbutz provided a very comfortable Jewish atmosphere.
Most o f all however for a serious student o f Hebrew, emersion in an atmosphere o f
primarily Hebrew speakers provides an ideal opportunity. N ot more than 30 o f Sde Eliahu’s
members spoke English, therefore the Summer Ulpan Hebrew was put to work immediately.
The kibbutz was a tremendous confidence builder and a perfect environment to learn and
practice.
Kibbutzim are a sociological phenomenon unique to Israel;
many Jews and non-Jews have found fulfillment in their
alternative lifestyle. Granted that many o f us are not ready to
discontinue our studies tom orrow to go join a kibbutz nevertheless
we should recognize that the opportunity exists and
that at least we should try it temporarily.
Miriam Gutman
University o f British Columbia