Work on the Kibbutz

At Beit Hashita, students work alongside other kibbutz members in the commerce and internal maintenance of the kibbutz. Students spend a total of one full day a week (8 hours) performing any number of tasks in different areas of the Kibbutz:


The major goal of the weekly work day program on Beit Hashita is to give the students an opportunity to experience work as one of the major components of kibbutz life. Through work on the kibbutz, the students become more acquainted with the Beit hashita community and its communal way of life. The work program also educates students to be responsible, disciplined, and work as part of a team. It also serves to broaden the areas of contact between students and Kibbutz Members.

The weekly work day not only deepens the students insight into kibbutz life and Israeli society as a whole but also greatly enhances the students' learning of spoken Hebrew. Our experience is that as the year goes on, students assume more and more responsibility and become valued members of their work teams.

Dairy (Refet)
At the refet, American class students help milk, feed and care for the kibbutz's large herd of dairy cattle.

Fields & Orchards
The kibbutz has many types of fields and orchards where crops like cotton are grown. The kibbutz also has several citrus groves (pardes). Students participate in every task, from the laying down of irrigation systems to helping with the harvests.

Archaeological Dig
An ancient mosaic that was the floor of a Roman winery was discovered at the site of Beit Hashita's children's zoo. American class students participate in this dig under the direction of Israel's Department of Antiquities.

Dining Hall (Hadar Ochel)
The hadar ochel is the heartbeat of any kibbutz. Daily meals are eaten together in this cafteria-style dining room. The function of the hadar ochel, however, goes far beyond the meals. Holiday Celebrations, parties and other special events are held here throughout the year. American class students help out with the daily maintenance of the hadar ochel.

Nursery & Kindergarten (Gan)
American class students help out with the care of the young children of Beit Hashita at the gan.

Olive Factory (Zaitiya)
Beit Hashita olives are celebrated throughout Israel and many other parts of the world. Most of the world's martini onions originate at Beit Hashita's zaitiya. Students help in the production in the pickle factory.