Kibbutzim : Planning Your Trip

Kibbutzim Israel’s 250 kibbutzim (plural of kibbutz)-communal settlements whose members divide work and profits equally-are always eager for volunteers. Kibbutzim vary greatly in size, number of volunteers, and ideological basis. Volunteers generally work six six-hour days per week with several days off per month, and may receive a small monthly allowance in addition to various other benefits. If you’re already in Israel, visit a kibbutz and talk to volunteers before you commit yourself. Otherwise try to get a written promise of placement on a specific kibbutz before arriving in Israel. Kibbutz life can be seductive in its routine, and many volunteers find themselves staying longer than they had planned.

For those who wish to combine work with study, the Kibbutz Ulpanim Program, available on more than 60 kibbutzim, provides classroom instruction in exchange for work (see Study below). Project Oren runs four- to five-month programs combining work at one of several kibbutzim, a Hebrew ulpan, and “weekly enrichment activities.” Contact them through the Kibbutz Program Center, below.

The Kibbutz Aliya Desk, 110 E. 59th St., 4th fir., New York, NY 10022 (tel. (212) 318-6130), has representatives throughout the U.S. and Canada who will help arrange volunteer work. Project 67, 10 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8AH (tel. (01) 831 7626), also places volunteers on kibbutzim and moshavim for one to four months. The Israel Student Travel Association (ISSTA) will provide information ! about the different packages available. Write to them six weeks in advance (see ‘ Essentials: Useful Addresses).

Once in Israel you may apply directly to the office of the appropriate kibbutz association in Tel Aviv. Each kibbutz is affiliated with a kibbutz association, which in turn is organized along political and ideological lines. HaKibbutz haArtzi is affiliated with the left-wing party; Takam-United Kibbutz Movement is affiliated with the Labor Party. Both have set up a joint office, the Kibbutz Program Center, which works with more than 90% of all kibbutzim. In the U.S., call (800) 247-7852; otherwise contact them at 124 HaYarkon St., Tel Aviv 63573 (tel. (03) 522 1325 or 524 6156). HaKibbutz haDati, 7 Dubnov St. (tel. 695 723D, is affiliated with the National Religious Party (only Jews accepted, some religious observance required). For more information, read Kibbutz Volunteer (£4.95), Vacation Work Publications, 9 Park End St., Oxford, OX1 1HJ (tel. (0865) 24 19 78)