Pronunciation: [kˈɪbʌts] (IPA) 
The word "kibbutz" is a Hebrew term referring to a collective community in Israel. The spelling of this word in English may seem strange, but it can be explained through the use of IPA phonetics. The "k" sound is represented by the symbol /k/, the "i" by /ɪ/, the double "b"s by /b/ (indicating a doubled consonant), the "u" by /ʊ/, and the "tz" sound by /ts/. So, the full transcription of "kibbutz" in IPA would be /kɪbʊts/.
A kibbutz is a type of collective community or settlement that originated in Israel. The term "kibbutz" means "gathering" or "group" in Hebrew. It is a unique form of communal living characterized by the principles of equality, collective ownership, and shared responsibility.
In a kibbutz, members live and work together, sharing resources and responsibilities. The community's assets, including land, housing, and production facilities, are collectively owned. Daily life in a kibbutz is structured, with each member assigned various tasks ranging from agriculture to industry, education, or administration.
Kibbutzim traditionally emphasize agricultural production, focusing on cultivating the land and developing sustainable farming practices. However, modern kibbutzim have diversified their activities, engaging in various industries such as manufacturing, hi-tech, tourism, and renewable energy.
Decision-making in a kibbutz typically involves communal discussions, where members participate in shaping the community's policies and guidelines. The principles of equality and social justice are fundamental to kibbutz ideology, aiming to create a society where everyone's needs are met, regardless of their individual contributions.
While the traditional kibbutz model was established on a cooperative and self-sufficient basis, many kibbutzim have evolved over time, adopting more flexible arrangements to accommodate changing social and economic conditions. Nevertheless, the sense of communal solidarity and shared responsibility remains at the core of the kibbutz philosophy.
The word "kibbutz" comes from Hebrew, specifically from the root "k-b-tz" (קְבֻּצָּה). Its literal meaning is "group" or "collective gathering". The term was initially used in the late 19th century to refer to agricultural communal settlements in Ottoman Palestine, where Jews worked collectively on farms and shared resources. Over time, the concept of kibbutz evolved and became associated with communal living and cooperative principles in different areas such as agriculture, industry, education, and social activities.
