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Kibbutz Hannaton


Kibbutz Hannaton, founded in 1983 as a Masorti (Conservative) Kibbutz, is situated in the lower part of the Western Galilee midway between Haifa and Tiberias. In the summer of 2008 the Kibbutz voted to become a Kibbutz Mit’hadesh (a revitalized Kibbutz), in which it maintains some of the cooperative elements of the original Kibbutz system, while implementing a change with home ownership and differential salaries, mostly based on work outside the Kibbutz. There is no longer a communal dining room or communal laundry services. Kibbutz Hannaton's cooperative ventures include: State-of-the-art chicken coops (in partnership with Kibbutz Alonim); citrus orchards (some bio-organic); a dairy cow herd (run in partnership with Kibbutz Kfar HaMaccabi); hothouses; and an Educational Center and guest house which provides programs and accommodations for groups from Israel and abroad.

In December of 2008, an energetic, committed group of 18 families officially joined the privatized Kibbutz and committed to move to Hannaton in order to revitalize the Kibbutz. Currently, there are about 35 new families living at Hannaton along with 5 veteran families. The new families come from a variety of backgrounds, including Masorti, Reform and Orthodox. Many are young adults in their late 20’s and 30’s, some single, but most are married with young children, along with a some families in their 40’s, 50’s and 60's. The Kibbutz plans to absorb an additional fifteen families during the next year, as new housing is currently in the process of construction.

Hannaton Stats
Region: North - צפון Climate: Valley/Low mountain
Demographics: Young couples/Young families, Families, Retirees Medical care:
Maccabi, Meuchedet, Clalit, Leumit
City Type: Moshav/Kibbutz מושב / קיבוץ Affordability: $$$
Number of families: 110  
Sectors:
Conservative, Dati Leumi, Reform, Secular		  
Number of English speakers: 20% Population: 250

Community contacts:

Ariella Graetz - Bartuv, Community Director
hannatonkehillah@gmail.com
052-583-3360

Judy Gray, English Speaking Klitah Liaison
judydgray@gmail.com
Married,Conservative/Masorti,older kids

Sylvia Ulecia, Secretary
heshbon9@zahav.net.il
04-905-9601
Website: www.kibbutzhannaton.org

Local Employment
On the Kibbutz, there are rabbis, educators, social workers, a psychologist, alternative medicine practitioners, high-tech people, construction engineers and others in the group of Kibbutz members. In addition to those who are employed by the Kibbutz or the Hannaton Education Center, many members work off of the Kibbutz in their professions. Members are responsible to find their own employment.

Accessibility to Employment
Hannaton is conveniently located within commuting distance to many places including Haifa (about 35 minutes), Karmiel (25 minutes), Nazareth Illit (15 minutes), Yokneam (high tech area, 20 minutes) and Tiberias (30 minutes). There are universities and colleges located in Haifa (Haifa University, Technion), Tivon (Oranim), Jezreel Valley College near Afula, Jordan Valley College near Tiberias, and others.

Education / Youth
Children from the Kibbutz group along with children from the private neighborhood adjacent to Kibbutz Hannaton attend the same regional elementary school (in Givat Elah) and high school (in Nahallal). Some members also choose to send their children to the local Orthodox school in Hoshaya, to the Anthroposophist Gan in Yodfat or to the small experimental Dati/Chiloni (religious/non-religious) Elementary school in Eshchar.

Transportation
There are buses from Hannaton to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv a few times a day, as well as to Haifa, from a bus stop very near to Hannaton. Most members rely on private cars, as public transport to and from Hannaton is not readily accessible.

Olim Services
As Hannaton is in the process of absorbing many new Israeli families into the Kibbutz, it is difficult to accept new Olim at this time and be able to help them in their absorption to Israeli society. Interested new immigrants who would like to be considered for Kibbutz membership need to have lived in Israel for at least a year and have some Hebrew fluency. However, there is sometimes a possibility of renting a home in the settlement of Hannaton adjacent to the Kibbutz. People living in the settlement of private homes are welcome to join in the religious and cultural activities of the Kibbutz, but are not members of the Kibbutz.


Amenities / Services
The Kibbutz has a convenience store, preschool and nursery (ages 0-6), swimming pool (in season).


Community and Religious Life
Hannaton is more than just a beautiful place to live in the Galilee. The vision is to build a comprehensive, egalitarian, pluralistic and spiritual community based on Judaism and Zionism, including prayer, education, tradition, mitzvot, social justice and ecology. The Kibbutz aspires to integrate Jewish ritual and values into the life of the community. Many activities center around the Masorti (Conservative) synagogue, including Shabbat, Havdalah, holiday and life-cycle celebrations.

Real Estate
The Kibbutz is currently building a new neighborhood of 30 homes, about half of which have been sold to date. Sometimes private homes in the settlement of Hannaton (adjacent to Kibbutz Hannaton) are available for rental. It is best to check the www.Yad2.co.il website for available rentals and sales in the settlement.

Updated: May, 2012