Page 21 - C.A.L.L. #35 - Fall 2012

KIBBUTZ SHORTS

In the process of "privatization"' quite a number of Kibbutzim closed their traditional dining-
halls, and everyone had to find their way of nourishing themselves. Over the last few years, a
major establishment has flourished in the Kibbutz scene - the PUB. Some are open to outside
visitors (most of whom are required to pay entrance fees), and this is the place where you
can find a lot of creativity and originality: drinks and food, music (both from Israel and
abroad) and an array of activities for different age groups. This is what many of the young
members call "home". Come and find out for yourself!

*

Amos Oz, probably the most world-famous Israeli writer, was recently interviewed in the
liberal daily Haaretz. Amongst many other subjects, he remembers his first years on "his"
Kibbutz Chuldah. Like everyone else, young or old, he worked 8 hours in the fields and only in
his free time did he sit down, with a copybook and a sharpened pencil – taking his first steps
of his literary career. When his first stories were published - and acclaimed by the public –
he turned to the secretary of the Kibbutz and asked humbly for one free day a week for his
creative writing. This was of course something unheard of: a young man spending a whole day
on a chair instead of working in the fields like everyone else?!

A meeting was called, first of the secretariat and then of the whole Kibbutz, and after
lengthy discussion, his wish was granted. Later, when his books brought in a profit (for the
Kibbutz, of course), he was given a second day. After some time his books became a "must" in
every corner of Israeli society and a little later – in the world, something Oz himself had not
foreseen. And then the work manager turned to Amos Oz and asked him, since his ‘work
branch’ is so profitable, could he not employ some of the older Kibbutz members and thus
increase the much-needed income!

Oz left the Kibbutz after 30 years, mainly because his sick son needed a cooler climate, but
even his latest book returns to his Kibbutz period and examines again and again these
pioneers who set out to build the ultimate just society, as a shining example for the Jewish
people and the whole world.

*

Two British researchers compared the extent of inequality in 23 richest states in the world.
Their findings were clear-cut, and pointed in the same direction: in the more egalitarian
countries – the richer and the poorer alike – babies die less, life expectancy increases,
children do better in school, violence decreases, less people sit in jail, people trust each
other more - and other similar social characteristics.

The researchers offer a few explanations for this trend, the main reason would be that more
equality breeds less envy and frustration, more health and more prosperity.

Sounds very sound to me, could it convince you too?

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