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Stages of AbsorptionThe Third Stage: Candidate Membership ("mu'amad/et")The candidate is now a candidate member. S/he can sit on almost all of the committees, vote in the General Meeting, and manage a work branch. In virtually all aspects, the Kibbutz relates to the candidate member as a member. This period of time is for the candidate member to evaluate and make what is, hopefully, a life decision. Often the candidate member deals with issues on the level of finding a permanent partner, studies, family, professional fulfillment etc. When the candidate member is ready (a minimum of half a year, up to as long as the person needs), s/he announces his/her decision to become a member. Usually a number of candidates do this at the same time, often around a festival, and then the festival is dedicated to celebrating their "aliya" to membership. The celebration is parallel to a wedding, as it is essentially a life decision. On the Friday evening, there is a party where a show is put on in honor of the new members. They receive shirts which have been hand painted or embroidered with their names, the word "member", and something that characterizes their time on Lotan. Saturday morning they are "called up" to read from the Torah and as they conclude, we throw sweets at them symbolizing a wish for a "sweet marriage". The children efficiently help to clear up the sweets from the floor! The new members sign a Ketuba, declaring their membership in the community. Members' Ketubot are framed and hang proudly on the wall of the dinning room. The Never Ending Stage: Full Membership ("haver/a")So that's it! Lotan has accepted the new member and s/he has committed to the Lotan community and vision. However’ it doesn’t stop there. Our lives as members of Lotan require of us an ongoing involvement. Our commitment is continually reviewed and renewed. As each of us continues to check our lives and our community, we prevent the possibility of stagnation in our own lives and in our community. Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: If I come to the Kibbutz already with a profession, will I be allowed to work in it?A: People are generally encouraged to begin by working a week or so in some of the Kibbutz branches. This facilitates a broader understanding of the Kibbutz and is a way to get to know the members. Those who come to Lotan with professions are assisted in finding work that is fulfilling and appropriate on the kibbutz or off it, although some flexibility (and patience) may be required. Some candidates enter professional work on or off the kibbutz immediately. Some prefer to experience agricultural or other work that may be new to them for a period before seeking work off of the kibbutz. Q: I don't speak Hebrew. Can I still join?A: We accept "bodkei klita" who cannot speak Hebrew. However, all community and business life on Lotan is run in Hebrew. In order to proceed in their absorption processes, the candidates must learn Hebrew. Q: What Hebrew study options are there on Lotan?A: Neighboring Kibbutz Yotvata hosts an ulpan for study on beginning levels. When possible, we encourage new candidates to participate in a more intensive and academically serious ulpan up north. |
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©All Rights Reserved Kibbutz Lotan 2005 Kibbutz Lotan, D.N. Hevel Eilot 88855 Israel; Tel: +972 8 6356888; Fax +972 8 6356927 |
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