Saying Good-bye to Kibbutz Keturah

Yesterday afternoon, we all packed up and left Kibbutz Keturah to head up to Tel Aviv.   For the brief intense time that we were at Keturah, we were all very impressed with the kibbutz, the scientific initiatives it has taken, and most of all the people.  Yuval, a 31-year-old Israeli, was most engaging and knowledgeable. He first welcomed us, took us on a very informative tour, told us of his impending marriage, and it began to feel like we have known him for years. At the wrap-up meeting, all students gave him a standing ovation. Then there was Yoni, who took many students on an expedition to explain the geology of the region, how the Arava Valley was formed, and how the rocks we were standing on took their present shape. He spoke with compassion and a great deal of knowledge.  I spoke with him afterward and learned that he was not a geologist but a chiropractor who lived with his family on Long Island, New York before deciding to come to Israel and live a less hectic life.   He, his wife, and two children have been here for five years.  We also met kibbutz members from the United States, Great Britain and other countries.  One woman was from Oklahoma City and has been on Kibbutz Keturah for over 30 years.  Her three children grew up and one moved back to the U.S. and now lives in Boston. She reflected that this may be some payback for her leaving her own family. Overall, she has no regrets and felt that her children growing up on a kibbutz provided a great experience whereby they were part of a strong community.   All those I spoke with talked about how the kibbutz was managed, and although there were disagreements from time to time on the management of the kibbutz, people generally agreed that things ran very well.  They all mentioned that they lived on the kibbutz for a common purpose: to be part of a strong, caring, supportive, and loving community.

Oh, by the way, we all ate very well.  With all the positives mentioned about the kibbutz, the food gets high marks. A good variety of food, well-managed dining hall, and lots to eat.  On a personal note, my being a chocoholic was greatly enhanced by one breakfast meal that was served with pancakes. There was certainly maple syrup to put on the pancakes, but who wanted maple syrup when hot, gooey chocolate sauce could be used as a topping?

With very fond memories, we say good-bye to Kibbutz Keturah.