How are children raised in a kibbutz? Where do children live on a kibbutz? Do children live with their parents on the kibbutz?

The journey into parenthood is a transformative experience, often filled with sleepless nights, nurturing, and boundless love. Yet, for those born on a kibbutz in Israel, the early years of childhood meant an entirely unique upbringing, including communal sleeping arrangements that deviated significantly from the norm. In this article, we explore the intriguing history of how children were raised on kibbutzim and the distinctive practice of communal sleeping.

The Era of Communal Sleeping

Born in 1985, I spent the initial year and a half of my life on a kibbutz, a collective community unique to Israel. During that time, the most striking feature of the kibbutz experience was the practice of communal sleeping for children. In this arrangement, babies and children slept together in a separate house, cared for by a single caregiver, and away from their parents for most of the night.

The communal sleeping tradition was part of the kibbutz lifestyle for many decades, but it has since faded into history. This practice marked an era when kibbutzim were defined by their idealistic principles, communal values, and a distinct way of life.

What Is a Kibbutz?

For those unfamiliar with the concept, a kibbutz is a collective community in Israel that dates back to the early 20th century. The term “kibbutz” in Hebrew means “a gathering,” reflecting the communal nature of these settlements. The first kibbutz was founded in 1909, and over the years, they multiplied and evolved, becoming hubs of agricultural and later industrial activities.

These communities were built upon utopian-communist ideals, where everyone worked collectively, and the community provided for all its members’ needs, including housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and education. While the kibbutzim have undergone substantial changes over time, their early principles left an indelible mark on Israeli society.

The Communal Sleeping Arrangement

One of the most distinctive features of the kibbutz lifestyle was communal sleeping for children. Babies and children were housed together in a separate building, away from their parents, and supervised by a designated caregiver. This arrangement extended beyond bedtime; children spent most of their time in this communal environment, encompassing eating, playing, learning, bathing, and sleeping.

The philosophy behind this communal upbringing rested on the belief that parents, left to their own devices, might fall short in raising their children effectively. The collective environment was seen as a safeguard against potential parental shortcomings. Moreover, it aimed to promote gender equality by freeing women from the sole responsibility of child-rearing, allowing them to participate in the community’s workforce.

The End of an Era

Communal sleeping persisted for about six to seven decades, but it gradually began to decline in the 1990s as kibbutz members themselves recognized its limitations. This shift marked the end of an era, acknowledging that the separation of children from their parents at night was unnatural and untenable in the long run.

While the communal sleeping practice had its justifications, many, like myself, have questioned its feasibility and impact on child development. Today, societies around the world embrace co-sleeping, where babies sleep with their parents, recognizing the fundamental need for security and comfort, especially during the night.

communal sleeping on kibbutzim remains a fascinating chapter in the history of child-rearing, reflecting the ideals and experiments of a bygone era. It serves as a reminder that the path to parenthood and child-rearing practices can vary significantly across different communities and cultures.