Kibbutz Hafetz Haim near Gedera is a pioneering kibbutz not only because of the part it took in the settlement and establishment of the State of Israel, but also in the field of religion. This is the first ultra-Orthodox kibbutz in the country founded by the “Agudat Israel Workers” movement in 1944.
The nature of the kibbutz first posed the religious law discourse to many questions concerning religion and agriculture – among other things, questions arose regarding agriculture during the Sabbatical year of (Shmita), milking on Shabbat, eggs laid on Shabbat, and so on. Today the kibbutz has a national religious character, and there are three synagogues (Ashkenazi, Yemeni and Sephardi).
A visit to Kibbutz Hafetz Haim
Along with extensive agricultural activity and the “Palace” factory, which produces wet wipes and toiletries, the kibbutz also has a well-developed and very popular tourism industry among the religious and ultra-Orthodox public.
At the kibbutz you can stay in a rural atmosphere at the “Zipori Bakfar” country lodge. There is also a water park adapted for the ultra-Orthodox religious public and “Hava’s Farm” petting zoo, which includes a rich variety of animals, and a large lake with paddle and pedal boats.
The kibbutz also established a small museum that tells the story of this special community and the “Midreshet Ha’aretz UMitzvoteha” seminar that offer experiential learning activities in the fields of Judaism and agriculture.
Photos: Kibbutz Hafetz Haim
