Description
The Israeli kibbutz, the twentieth century's most interesting social experiment, is in the throes of change. Instrumental in establishing the State of Israel, defending its borders, creating its agriculture and industry, and setting its social norms, the kibbutz is the only commune in history to have played a central role in a nation's life. Over the years, however, Israel has developed from an idealistic pioneering community into a materialistic free market society. Consequently, the kibbutz has been marginalized and is undergoing a radical transformation. The egalitarian ethic expressed in the phrase, "From each according to ability, to each according to need," is being replaced by the concept of reward for effort. Cooperative management is increasingly giving way to business administration. Kibbutz members, who were obligated to and dependent on their community, are now responsible for running their own lives and earning their own living. Through distinguished journalist Daniel Gavron's revealing portraits of ten kibbutzim we hear the voices both of the veterans who are witnessing the collapse of their dream and of the youngsters who have rejected the vision of their parents. The author also analyzes the economic collapse that triggered the changes and the failure of the unique kibbutz education system to perpetuate communal values. The opening and concluding chapters provide a compelling overview of the situation and look toward the future. Gavron, a former kibbutznik, brings a keen and sensitive eye to this first overview of the current revolution in the Israeli kibbutz. Jewish readers and all those interested in Israel will find this book a compelling portrait of a country trying to hold onto its past while facing its future.
About the Author
Daniel Gavron has been a reporter for the Israel National Radio and the Jerusalem Post. He is the founding editor of Palestine-Israel Journal and the author of Walking Through Israel and Israel After Begin.
Reviews
An important historical study, a book that will be read and reread for years to come. I know of no book that equals it as a study of the Kibbutz movement. No student of Israel should be without this book. It is inspiring and quite wonderful. -- Howard Fast
The kibbutz movement produced a miracle. Yet even miracles cannot ignore changing times. Having had the privilege of being a kibbutz member for many years, I know that the savor of the experience never fades. Daniel Gavron has written an amazing story about a living wonder. -- Shimon Peres
The early history he tells through the story of some of the Kibbutz pioneers is fascinating. . . . The most illuminating parts of the book come in his interviews with contemporary kibbutz members-some of whom are very ready to admit the flaws of the system-and in his exploration of the effects of the communal child rearing that used to be a kibbutz hallmark. * Publishers Weekly *
This book is full of penetrating interviews with kibbutz members from which Gavron assembles an enthralling picture of today's life on those collectives. If you are interested in Israel's kibbutzim, their past, present and future presented with a very human touch, this book is for you. * Washington Jewish Week *
Gavron has succeeded in writing an important historical study of the kibbutz movement. . . . [He] brings a keen and sensitive eye to the current revolution in the Israeli kibbutz. It is an excellent read for kibbutz lovers and worriers! * Bulletin of the International Communal Studies Association *
A fascinating look at the story of the best-known communal movement in the world, as told through the words of many participants. . . . A superb book, offering hope to those who believe that intentional community can be a healthy, viable lifestyle while also warning of many of the problems. The excellent writing makes this book an enjoyable as well as an informative read. * Communities Magazine *
For anyone interested in Kibbutz this is a timely and up-to-date Guide to the Perplexed. The author constructs a picture rich in specifics, arranged to present a remarkably lucid display of complex and at times contradictory developments. * Kibbutz Trends *
Revealing and educational, Gavron's snapshot is a valuable account of a unique social movement. * Kirkus *
Daniel Gavron thoroughly examines the question of the future of the Kibbutz in this work. His book lets us hear not only the voices of Kibbutz veterans and the younger generation, who do not share the ideals of their forefathers, but also of the newcommers, who advocate the idea of civic Kibbutzim. * Die Tagespost *
[Gavron's] book offers a good basic overview of today's transitional period, and places an important collective experience within its historical setting. * Ha'aretz *
One of the most lucid, objective, and entertaining books on the kibbutz to come out. * Hakibbutz *
Daniel Gavron's clearsighted new book . . . gives his readers not only a fascinating survey of kibbutz history, but also a close look at ten collective settlements that differ greatly from one another. -- Nechemia Meyers, Heritage Southwest Jesish Press
Gavron gives his readers not only a fascinating survey of kibbutz history, but also a close look at ten collective settlements that differ greatly from one another. * Jewish News *
In his fascinating The Kibbutz journalist and former kibbutznik Daniel Gavron candidly and sensitively discusses the changes in kibbutz life since its inception and demonstrates how they affect individual members. * Na'amat Woman: Magazine Of Na'amat Usa *
Valuable new book. * Utopian Studies *
Gavron's book is one of the best descriptions of the kibbutz in this phase of uncertainty. It is credible and compassionate, interesting and simple to read and, above all-it even dares to predict the future. * Journal of Israeli History: Politics, Society, Culture *
Book Information
ISBN 9780847695263
Author Daniel Gavron
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 549g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 154mm * 23mm
About the Author
Daniel Gavron has been a reporter for the Israel National Radio and the Jerusalem Post. He is the founding editor of Palestine-Israel Journal and the author of Walking Through Israel and Israel After Begin.
Reviews
An important historical study, a book that will be read and reread for years to come. I know of no book that equals it as a study of the Kibbutz movement. No student of Israel should be without this book. It is inspiring and quite wonderful. -- Howard Fast
The kibbutz movement produced a miracle. Yet even miracles cannot ignore changing times. Having had the privilege of being a kibbutz member for many years, I know that the savor of the experience never fades. Daniel Gavron has written an amazing story about a living wonder. -- Shimon Peres
The early history he tells through the story of some of the Kibbutz pioneers is fascinating. . . . The most illuminating parts of the book come in his interviews with contemporary kibbutz members-some of whom are very ready to admit the flaws of the system-and in his exploration of the effects of the communal child rearing that used to be a kibbutz hallmark. * Publishers Weekly *
This book is full of penetrating interviews with kibbutz members from which Gavron assembles an enthralling picture of today's life on those collectives. If you are interested in Israel's kibbutzim, their past, present and future presented with a very human touch, this book is for you. * Washington Jewish Week *
Gavron has succeeded in writing an important historical study of the kibbutz movement. . . . [He] brings a keen and sensitive eye to the current revolution in the Israeli kibbutz. It is an excellent read for kibbutz lovers and worriers! * Bulletin of the International Communal Studies Association *
A fascinating look at the story of the best-known communal movement in the world, as told through the words of many participants. . . . A superb book, offering hope to those who believe that intentional community can be a healthy, viable lifestyle while also warning of many of the problems. The excellent writing makes this book an enjoyable as well as an informative read. * Communities Magazine *
For anyone interested in Kibbutz this is a timely and up-to-date Guide to the Perplexed. The author constructs a picture rich in specifics, arranged to present a remarkably lucid display of complex and at times contradictory developments. * Kibbutz Trends *
Revealing and educational, Gavron's snapshot is a valuable account of a unique social movement. * Kirkus *
Daniel Gavron thoroughly examines the question of the future of the Kibbutz in this work. His book lets us hear not only the voices of Kibbutz veterans and the younger generation, who do not share the ideals of their forefathers, but also of the newcommers, who advocate the idea of civic Kibbutzim. * Die Tagespost *
[Gavron's] book offers a good basic overview of today's transitional period, and places an important collective experience within its historical setting. * Ha'aretz *
One of the most lucid, objective, and entertaining books on the kibbutz to come out. * Hakibbutz *
Daniel Gavron's clearsighted new book . . . gives his readers not only a fascinating survey of kibbutz history, but also a close look at ten collective settlements that differ greatly from one another. -- Nechemia Meyers, Heritage Southwest Jesish Press
Gavron gives his readers not only a fascinating survey of kibbutz history, but also a close look at ten collective settlements that differ greatly from one another. * Jewish News *
In his fascinating The Kibbutz journalist and former kibbutznik Daniel Gavron candidly and sensitively discusses the changes in kibbutz life since its inception and demonstrates how they affect individual members. * Na'amat Woman: Magazine Of Na'amat Usa *
Valuable new book. * Utopian Studies *
Gavron's book is one of the best descriptions of the kibbutz in this phase of uncertainty. It is credible and compassionate, interesting and simple to read and, above all-it even dares to predict the future. * Journal of Israeli History: Politics, Society, Culture *
Book Information
ISBN 9780847695263
Author Daniel Gavron
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 549g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 154mm * 23mm
