The Kibbutznik

Since the first settlers of the kibbutz shared many values and ideals, they were often alike. In the following years they maybe less similar and certain anthropologic groups were formed. In general, one can differ the kibbutzniks by their heritage or their livelihood.


The first settlers of the kibbutz were very proud of themselves (they deserve to be) and they felt that it was imperative to differ themselves pertinent to the time of the arrival. Therefore, there were "founders", "first comers", "builders", and "elders" of the kibbutz. There was even one member who arrived with the very first group of settlers and she was the only one who stayed on, so she was honored with the unique standing of "first of the founders". Next on are the Bnei Meshek, "Sons of the kibbutz". This is usually someone born on the kibbutz but sometimes someone whom arrived at the kibbutz at a pre-school age is allowed to share this title. The Bnei Meshek usually enjoy a favorable advantage due to their "blue blood" standing but there is also a downfall. Even at the age of fifty, many still remember something foolish that this same Ben Meshek did at the age of seven and often will say "how can we give him this task?? You don't remember what he did in second grade??"


Next in line are former members of a "Garin Nachal", former youth group members who joined a "pioneering" group who went through the army together and were destined to settle on a kibbutz. Usually no more than 10% of the garin members stayed on their designated kibbutz and even then, this was often a result of marrying a "Ben Meshek". Their have been no Nachal garins for over ten years. This void has been filled by graduates of the kibbutz ulpan (Hebrew language training program) and more recently, by couples and families who have relocated from an urban setting to the kibbutz.


Concerning employment, there are three basic groups: members whom work in commercial enterprises on the kibbutz (both agricultural and industrial), members in the local service sector, and members whom work outside of the kibbutz. The agricultural workers can be split into two secondary groups, field crops and livestock. The field crop workers will usually wear torn and faded clothing with oil and mud stains and their heads are adorned with all types of hats. The are also sunburned all year around. Those whom work in the chicken coops always shower when they leave the coops but they still smell of chickens. This is nothing compared to the cow shed workers whom can be smelled much before they can be seen. It seems that sometimes the stench is visible to the naked eye.


Those whom work in the industrial sector are usually well dressed. When you sit at a meal with the agricultural workers, you can always discuss their work since everyone understands but with the industrial people, you can never join a conversation with them. If you try, you are often looked at with the expression "what do you understand??".


There are many varied jobs in the service sector; laundry, kitchen, dining hall, bookkeeping, child care, etc. No matter where they work, they are always bustling around and often seem to be behind schedule. Many times, they will sit and talk and then suddenly look at their watch and break into a quick trot. The members whom work outside the kibbutz leave early in the morning and come home in the late afternoon. It's not unexceptional to see some of your best friends only on weekends. They seem to be like the loch ness monster, there are a lot of reported sightings and very few confirmed.


Despite all these differences, they all are able to join together and make the kibbutz a home for everyone.