How
After the War of Independence the State of Israel took over all the land which had belonged to the mandatory government, among it Ashrafie near the ancient town of Beit Shean, which had been abandoned by its Arab inhabitants. Two groups settled there, one belonging to the secular HaShomer HaTzair movement, the other to the religious HaPoel HaMizrahi. After sharing a common camp for a year, they started building Reshafim and Shluhot. This sharing of facilities, the toleration and consideration between religious and secular Jews was unique in the kibbutz movement at a time of strong ideological beliefs.Kibbutz Reshafim, like all kibbutzim, is a partnership of all its members. The power to decide remains with the members. Decisions used to be taken by show of hands at kibbutz meetings, today the ballot is secret and voting takes place on two days of the week during lunch time. A number of officials are elected, generally for a one to two year term: two secretaries, a general manager, members of various committees, the ceo of the factory and more.
The kibbutz was founded as an agricultural settlement. In 1968 Terraflex Reshafim, a factory
producing a variety of plastic products was built, which came to specialize in PVC compounds
and hoses. The need to give pensioned kibbutz members the opportunity to continue working brought
about the creation of the medical products section, offering appropriate work for people with limited
abilities.
- Earning a living: Overview, Agri- and Horticulture, Animal Husbandry
- Services the kibbutz provides: Education, health care, the dining room and kitchen, the library, the shop, the laundry
- The commune at Kiriat Haim, 1944-1948
- Building the Kibbutz
- A map of the kibbutz with a few explanations
- The house we live in
- Bringing up the children
- Growing old
- Bird watching, not a love affair
- After hours: Relaxation
- Hanucca: The happening 2000, the party
- Purim 2000: The toddlers' party
- Passover
- Remembrance Day and Independence Day
- Pentecost
- Laying a cornerstone
- Beyond the fence: our cemetery