Should kibbutz women be given a taste of the “good life” away from the farm? Do kibbutz men deserve an occasional “night on the town?” The members of Shaar Hagolari and Kibbutz Ezer, affiliates of the Hashomer Hatzair-kibbutz movement, believe that a break from the hard work, early-to-bed-early-to-rise routine, is warranted for members of both sexes, though not necessarily together.
It was “Women’s Day” at Shaar Hagolan last week. Men took over the kitchens, nurseries and other female domains while the women were taken on a bus tour of the country and were treated like tourists. Their “Day” included lunch at a luxurious sea-side hotel in Bat Yam, an entertainment program and five-o’clock tea at the Tel Aviv Sheraton.
At Kibbutz Erez it was “Men’s Day” All male members had the day off and their male fantasies were catered to by the kibbutz women who served them a “festive meal” dressed in the costumes of Playboy “bunnies.” Afterwards. the men were taken by bus to sample the famous night life of Tel Aviv.
Al Hamishmar, the official newspaper of Mapam and its kibbutz movement, wasn’t enthralled by the idea. “Is this the right way for the kibbutz movement?” asked a Mapam editorial writer in an article highly critical of the day-off activities. Kibbutz Ezer had the last word, however. All the males returned to the kibbutz after their spree. Not one of them forsook kibbutz-life for the big city.
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