Questions about Kibbutz life

[LionZionist]

So if I'm doing an Ulpan on a Kibbutz and doing the whole 20-24 hours of work plus 20 hours of Ulpan a week, during my free time am I allowed to leave the Kibbutz at night to meet up with a friend outside? If so, do most Kibbutz's provide some form of transportation?
If not, are people allowed to visit me at a Kibbutz? Are they allowed to stay over night?

I'm talking about a secular kibbutz, btw.

Also, what sort of sports/athletics do most Kibbutz's have? Does anyone know of any that offer Judo or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or wrestling? These are my sports and I'd like to be able to practice them while on Kibbutz. If not, that's fine, but if so that's great.

Also, should I expect to earn any money from the kibbutz that I'll be on? I know it sounds stupid, but I don't know anything about anything regarding Kibbutz's, so forgive the ignorance.

[Dan from Boston]

I wasn't on a kibbutz, but from what I've heard, they're not prisons. So yes, I'm pretty sure you're allowed to leave them when you're not working. ;) And people can visit you there, of course.

Regarding transportation, public buses usually travel to the kibbutzim. The further out it is from civilization the less frequent the service. Otherwise, you could try to hitch a ride with someone who lives there.

Lastly, I don't believe you'll be earning any money.

If you find the websites for some kibbutz ulpan programs, they will generally provide you with all of this information.

[LionZionist]

Thanks, Dan. I thought that was the case, but I rather be sure than to just think something, yaknow?


Also, where can I find a 3 month Ulpan or 2.5 month Ulpan on a Kibbutz. All the ones I found were 5 months. I don't need that at all.

[Stan187]

I'm pretty sure all the Kibbutz Ulpanim are 5 months, at least all that I've heard of. You might just want to not live on a kibbutz and do a regular ulpan that is shorter. Ulpan Akiva is supposed to be really good, but it is also madd expensive.

[LionZionist]

I'm pretty sure all the Kibbutz Ulpanim are 5 months, at least all that I've heard of. You might just want to not live on a kibbutz and do a regular ulpan that is shorter. Ulpan Akiva is supposed to be really good, but it is also madd expensive.

Well, the thing is I do wanna see kibbutz life a bit and also I know if I don't live on one and work and all that good stuff, I'll end up spending a whoooole bunch of money due to going out all the time because I'd probably live in the city somewhere. And I'll be broke there.

What do you suggest? Like where can I get a job or something? I need to occupy myself on top of doing Ulpan, I can't just tour around the city and go hang out all the time because I'm too broke for that.

[Dan from Boston]

I went to Ulpan Akiva and I can't say it was worth the cost. I spent a ridiculous amount of money for 3 weeks and didn't get much Hebrew out of it.

Lev, you will not be permitted to have a job in Israel because of your visa. If you're worried about money, the kibbutz ulpanim will take care of room and board, but you will probably have to pay for health insurance. Check their websites or call them for more information. As for how much time you need for learning Hebrew, the more the better. You probably won't be fluent by the end of the kibbutz ulpan anyway.

[LionZionist]

I went to Ulpan Akiva and I can't say it was worth the cost. I spent a ridiculous amount of money for 3 weeks and didn't get much Hebrew out of it.

Lev, you will not be permitted to have a job in Israel because of your visa. If you're worried about money, the kibbutz ulpanim will take care of room and board, but you will probably have to pay for health insurance. Check their websites or call them for more information. As for how much time you need for learning Hebrew, the more the better. You probably won't be fluent by the end of the kibbutz ulpan anyway.

So I guess 5 months kibbutz is the way to go, huh? I can do without health insurance for 5 months so long as the army hooks it up when I enlist.

[Dan from Boston]

The health insurance is not optional. It's a mandatory cost.

[LionZionist]

Are there any programs out there that will help me pay for my kibbutz expenses? I heard MASA gives some money for that. But after Kibbutz covers my living expenses (food and shelter), all my travel expenses and such have to be covered by me, right? If so, is there any program out there that may help out with that?

[rafi]

Are there any programs out there that will help me pay for my kibbutz expenses? I heard MASA gives some money for that. But after Kibbutz covers my living expenses (food and shelter), all my travel expenses and such have to be covered by me, right? If so, is there any program out there that may help out with that?

You are well aware of the sophisiticated network of jewish agencies in the Baltimore area. Start asking around if any of them have any types of scholarships for what you are looking to do. Spend as much time asking for money as you are asking questions. Despite your stated preference not to, use Google for jewish organizations in Maryland. At a minimum, get over to Nir Israel and see what is posted on the campus bulletin boards. The school has a number of MAHAL vets.

[LionZionist]

Are there any programs out there that will help me pay for my kibbutz expenses? I heard MASA gives some money for that. But after Kibbutz covers my living expenses (food and shelter), all my travel expenses and such have to be covered by me, right? If so, is there any program out there that may help out with that?

You are well aware of the sophisiticated network of jewish agencies in the Baltimore area. Start asking around if any of them have any types of scholarships for what you are looking to do. Spend as much time asking for money as you are asking questions. Despite your stated preference not to, use Google for jewish organizations in Maryland. At a minimum, get over to Nir Israel and see what is posted on the campus bulletin boards. The school has a number of MAHAL vets.

I'll give it all a shot. Thanks for the advice.