Pasadena

The closest Kibbutz to Chicago, IL, is in PAsadena, CA. Unlike a traditional kibbuz, the members get paid real money, in $$, and don't need to wake up at 5 in the morning.
However, much like a genuine kibbutz, they all live close by, their doors are always open, every one knows what everyone is doing at any given time, and they exploit the system of "what's mine is yours and what's yours is mine" to the fullest. in the best possible way!

My visit was short this time. i had a great week with the Ofakim, who are now working on a new project - "Ofakim Chadashim" - "New horizons" -- a baby girl!
I also got to reunite with old friends and meet some new friends (chaverim, kibbutz members) and take an active part in the traditional Purim party, which took place on St. Patricks day. I am not allowed to publish Eran and Orly's pictures, but I will put some of mine when i finally get a hold of them. people went really wild with the costumes. it was by far, the best costume party i've been to, ever. including elementary school. the "theme" was california, and costumes ranged from cheerleaders (joint husband-wife costume, with a full set of pompoms and a rehearsed show!), blonds in flip-flops, flintstones, hockey player, angels, cinderella, and many more... and they were all awesome. lots of cross-gendering going on, too ;)
Here are some examples:


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This is the pirate :) i know -- not a very californian thing, but on a short notice that's what i could come up with. we got the accessories at some weird 2nd hand /"vintage" store, the top is one of Ben's old t-shirts that i put some more holes in, and the sward is just some alluminum foil wrapped around a cardboard. i also had a hook and a telescope, which don't show up in the picture... it's been a while since the last time i put a costume on, it sure was fun!
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visiting the kibbutz made me miss the friends at home, and the atmosphere in our crowded office on the roof top of TA. i think i didn't speak a word of English the whole week. On campus, at home, everybody speaks hebrew! it's a genuine "little israel".