By Jacob Isenberg
Alumnus of Peace, Justice & the Environment at Kibbutz Lotan
Originally published in the July 14 New Jersey Jewish News
Last August I embarked on a journey to the Arava desert in Israel, where I spent the next four months living at the Eco-Village at Kibbutz Lotan, participating in Masa’s Living Routes program, also known as Peace, Justice, and the Environment.
When I arrived at Lotan, I first noticed the rugged mountains, the quiet desert, and the dry heat. Even after I acclimated to my new setting, the overall natural beauty and magical aura of the area continued to inspire my work. The Bustan neighborhood, where students and eco-volunteers reside, felt like a desert paradise due to extensive permaculture preparation, sustainable design, and creative artwork. I loved hiking in the mountains and working in the beautiful gardens in the Eco-Kef. Shabbat days on Lotan were simply some of the most peaceful and restful I have ever experienced.
After moving into our geodesic domes and taking a tour of the kibbutz, we had dinner with our teachers, fellow volunteers, and other members of the community. During this first dinner, the entire kibbutz welcomed and embraced us. The mission and values of Lotan seem to attract people who have the right priorities in their lives.
As an environmental studies major, I was interested in the permaculture and sustainable design courses that were a part of the program. In addition to studying these topics, we also implemented the knowledge in projects on the kibbutz.While learning how to build structures out of all-natural earth materials,my peers and I built a bench and a chicken coop. My teachers, who were all part of the Center for Creative Ecology on Kibbutz Lotan, empowered us with their passion and intelligence.
One has to experience Kibbutz Lotan to believe it. In one of the most arid places on earth, the desert blooms in a unique and elegant manner because of the community members’ and volunteers’ hard work. They are at the forefront of permaculture and sustainable design and have inspired hundreds of students to make a change in the world. Kibbutz Lotan teaches its volunteers to imagine and dream.
Learn more about Kibbutz Lotan’s programs at www.ReformMasa.org
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