If you’d really like to absorb kibbutz life and you’re not in a rush, one of your very best options is to volunteer on a kibbutz.

The kibbutz volunteering phenomenon started circa the Six-Day War in 1967. A wave of young volunteers arrived in Israel wanting to show their goodwill towards the country and people. They also wanted to experience first-hand the unique collective kibbutz community and… have a good time!

In exchange for their work (often very hard work), kibbutz volunteers were given basic dorm accommodation, food, trips around Israel, parties and often a kibbutz pub at their disposal to take a break, let their hair down and mingle with the local kibbutz youngsters.

During the peak of the kibbutz volunteers phenomenon in the 1970s, around 12,000 volunteers arrived each year, and worked in hundreds of different kibbutzim throughout Israel. In total, more than 350,000 volunteers from 35 different countries have volunteered in various kibbutzim in Israel since 1967.

Some of the notable kibbutz volunteers include Jerry Seinfeld, Sacha Baron Cohen, Annie Leibovitz, Bob Dylan and many others.

During the last decades of the 20th century, following the intensification of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, many countries ceased to cooperate with the kibbutz volunteering project and as a result the number of kibbutz volunteers decreased. Along with the privatization of many of the kibbutzim, the reliance on a volunteer workforce was gradually replaced with employment of foreign workers.

Today, there are still quite a few volunteering opportunities and all are handled by the Kibbutz Program Center.

Who Can Volunteer on a Kibbutz?

The only restriction on who can volunteer on a kibbutz is based on age. The kibbutz volunteering program is open to people aged 18 to 35. After 35, unfortunately, you are ineligible to participate.

You don’t need to be Jewish to volunteer on a kibbutz, and you’ll undoubtedly meet and live with volunteers from around the world. If you’re looking for a way to connect with travelers that come from everywhere, a kibbutz in Israel is a surprisingly effective way.

What is it Like Volunteering on a Kibbutz?

If you’re looking for a solo room with an en-suite toilet and an easy work day, a kibbutz may not be the best option for you. It varies from kibbutz to kibbutz, but, like a dorm, you’ll likely be sharing a room and bathrooms may also be communal. Normally there are buffet meals shared in the kibbutz dining hall where you eat with everyone who lives on the kibbutz. 

Volunteer work typically includes simple jobs like preparing food in the kitchen, gardening, helping out in the dining room, helping with livestock if you’re comfortable around animals and doing easier jobs in the onsite factory,

In short, be prepared to work hard in close quarters with other volunteers.

You’ll usually work for 8-8.5 hours a day, with breaks for meals. Normally, you’ll get 1-2 days off during the week. Saturday is almost always a day off (unless you volunteer with livestock and are willing to do Shabbat shifts). 

Can You Choose the Kibbutz You Want to Volunteer On?

You can’t choose which kibbutz you’ll volunteer on, but you can let the Kibbutz Program Center (KPC) office staff know if you have a preference. The KPC is the sole provider responsible for kibbutz volunteering programs. So, for instance, if you’re uncomfortable staying in a kibbutz that’s near a tense area, like the Gaza Strip, just let the KPC know upon registration. The KPC’s objective is to help volunteers be successful, so your preferences are taken into account.

How Much Does it Cost?

There are several costs associated with volunteering on a kibbutz (and these may change…)

• KPC online registration processing fee: $40 USD
• Once you’re in Tel Aviv and are assigned to volunteer on a kibbutz, there’s a 1300 NIS fee you’ll need to pay to the KPC. This covers a small registration fee, medical insurance, and the cost of a three-month volunteer visa.
• Normally, when you get to the kibbutz where you’ll be volunteering, you’ll be asked for a $100 USD deposit. This will be refunded if you stay for more than a predetermined period of time. KPC also recommends that you bring money for your personal expenses, such as any tours that you might want to go on.
• There’s a 200 NIS ($57) visa extension fee for every three-month renewal if you want to lengthen your stay beyond three months, 

When is the Best time to Volunteer on a Kibbutz in Israel?

The weather in Israel is typically sunny and beautiful year-round. If you’ll be volunteering on a kibbutz in the southern desert, summer can be too hot. Spring and autumn are wonderful times of the year to volunteer on a kibbutz. Check out the Jewish calendar to see when the Jewish New Year is (September or October). Not long after is also the traditional fall thanksgiving festival of Sukkot, always a big thing on kibbutzim. If you volunteer during the holiday season, you’ll also get quite a few days off!

How to Sign Up?

When it comes to signing up to volunteer on a kibbutz, the process is very well organized. Fill out the form below and we’ll help you take your first steps towards an unforgettable kibbutz volunteering adventure.

For a unique communal kibbutz volunteering experience, you can also contact directly the Kibbutz Neot Smadar volunteering program.