Mazkir's Corner

Well, you haven't quite arrived, but hopefully this little virtual visit to our community will give you a sense of who we are and why we're here. Kibbutz Ketura, founded in 1973 by a group of young American Zionists has grown into a thriving dynamic place that still retains the flavor of its original founders. We still place a high value on Jewish tradition, we are committed to educational projects like the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies and the Keren Kolot Seminar Center, and we continue to maintain a classic kibbutz lifestyle based on equality and cooperation.

The highest elected positions in the kibbutz are the mazkir (general secretary), merakez meshek (economic manager) and gizbar (director of finances). I have the privilege of filling the position of mazkir for a two-year term of office. My general responsibilities fall into several categories:

1. I am responsible that new decisions by the kibbutz are carried out, and earlier decisions are not ignored. I oversee the activities of the elected committees of the kibbutz.
   
2. I initiate debate and decisions on new problems that arise because of new economic conditions, changes in the needs of the three generational population, and new ideas that come from individuals in the community.
   
3. I act as part-time social worker, psychologist and mayor within the kibbutz.
   
4. I am the kibbutz’s representative in the region and to government institutions.
   
   

I and my predecessors are proud to represent Ketura. It is a pleasure to tell others about the active youth movement that operates in the kibbutz, about the opportunity to live with us that we have provided for young Israelis born in Ethiopia, about the new economic initiatives in algae and solar energy, and the successful absorption of new members from different backgrounds.

In the coming years we hope to welcome a second generation of kibbutznikim, both those who have grown up here and those who come from city life and discover the satisfaction of being a part of such an active community. In 2008 we celebrate our 35th anniversary, and we are still feeling young, motivated and excited about who we are and what we do.

Come take a look.

Moshe Falkof
Mazkir (Kibbutz General Secretary)