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Coordinates: 29°58′13″N 35°3′41″E / 29.97028°N 35.06139°E / 29.97028; 35.06139
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{{Infobox Kibbutz
{{Infobox Kibbutz
|name = Ketura
|name = Ketura
|image = PikiWiki Israel 29353 Guest houses in Kibbutz Ketura.JPG
|image = KeturaMar172022 01.jpg
|caption=
|caption=
|hebname = {{Hebrew|קְטוּרָה}}
|hebname = {{Script/Hebrew|קְטוּרָה}}
|arname=كيتورا
|foundation = November 1973
|foundation = November 1973
|founded_by = [[United States|American]] [[aliyah|immigrants]]
|founded_by = [[United States|American]] [[Young Judaea]] Members
|district = south
|district = south
|council = [[Hevel Eilot Regional Council|Hevel Eilot]]
|council = [[Hevel Eilot Regional Council|Hevel Eilot]]
Line 12: Line 13:
|population = {{Israel populations|Qetura}}
|population = {{Israel populations|Qetura}}
|population_footnotes = {{Israel populations|reference}}
|population_footnotes = {{Israel populations|reference}}
|pushpin_map = Israel negev mt |pushpin_mapsize=250
|pushpin_map = Israel negev mt#Israel
|pushpin_mapsize=250
|coordinates = {{coord|29|58|3.36|N|35|4|15.24|E|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates = {{coord|29|58|13|N|35|3|41|E|display=inline,title}}
|website = [http://www.ketura.org.il/ www.ketura.org.il]
|website = [http://www.ketura.org.il/ www.ketura.org.il]
}}
}}


'''Ketura''' ({{lang-he-n|קְטוּרָה}}) is a [[kibbutz]] in southern [[Israel]]. Located north of [[Eilat]] in the [[Arabah|Aravah]] Valley, it falls under the jurisdiction of [[Hevel Eilot Regional Council]]. In {{Israel populations|Year}} it had a population of {{Israel populations|Qetura}}.{{Israel populations|reference}}
'''Ketura''' ({{langx|he|קְטוּרָה}}) is a [[kibbutz]] in southern [[Israel]]. Located north of [[Eilat]] in the [[Aravah]] Valley, it falls under the jurisdiction of [[Hevel Eilot Regional Council]]. In {{Israel populations|Year}} it had a population of {{Israel populations|Qetura}}.{{Israel populations|reference}}


==Name==
==Name==
The name Ketura was taken from a nearby hill and wadi, and is also the name of [[Keturah|the second wife]] of [[Abraham]] ({{Bibleref2 |Genesis 25:1}}).
The name Ketura was taken from a nearby hill and wadi, and is also the name of [[Keturah|the second wife]] of [[Abraham]] ({{bibleverse|Genesis|25:1}}).


==History==
==History==
Ketura was founded in November 1973 by a group of young [[American Jews|American Jewish]] immigrants, most of them members of the Zionist youth movement [[Young Judaea]].<ref name="Yield">{{cite news |last=Kershner |first=Isabel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/21/world/middleeast/kibbutz-in-israeli-desert-turns-to-solar-power.html |title=Israeli Desert Yields a Harvest of Energy |date=April 20, 2012 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=April 24, 2019}}</ref> Difficulties in the early years frustrated many of the inhabitants of the kibbutz, which caused many of the founders to leave. At the same time, more Young Judaeans joined the community, along with a variety of other immigrants as well as [[Israel Boy and Girl Scouts Federation]] graduates. Ketura is in the Southern Arava - Hevel Eilot Regional Council.
Ketura was founded in November 1973 by a group of young [[American Jews|American Jewish]] immigrants, most of them members of the Zionist youth movement [[Young Judaea]].<ref name="Yield">{{cite news |last=Kershner |first=Isabel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/21/world/middleeast/kibbutz-in-israeli-desert-turns-to-solar-power.html |title=Israeli Desert Yields a Harvest of Energy |date=April 20, 2012 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=April 24, 2019}}</ref> Difficulties in the early years frustrated many of the inhabitants of the kibbutz, which caused many of the founders to leave. At the same time, more Young Judaeans joined the community, along with a variety of other immigrants as well as [[Israel Boy and Girl Scouts Federation]] graduates. Ketura is in the Southern Arava - Hevel Eilot Regional Council.


Today Ketura has about 150 members and several young families who are candidates to become members. During the year there are about 450 people living on Ketura, members and their families, students in the [[Arava Institute for Environmental Studies]], volunteers from around the world, [[Arava International Center for Agriculture Training]] (AICAT) students from around the world, [[Masorti Olami|NOAM youth movement]] members in various programs such as [[gap year]] or [[Zionist youth movement#Service Year (Shnat Sherut)|service year (''shnat sherut'')]], and researchers who come to work in regional institutes.
Today Ketura has about 165 members and several young families who are candidates to become members. During the year there are about 500 people living on Ketura, members and their families, students in the [[Arava Institute for Environmental Studies]], volunteers from around the world, [[Arava International Center for Agriculture Training]] (AICAT) students from around the world, [[Masorti Olami|NOAM youth movement]] members in various programs such as [[gap year]] or [[Zionist youth movement#Service Year (Shnat Sherut)|service year (''shnat sherut'')]], Israeli post-army 'avoda muedefet' participants, and researchers who come to work in regional institutes.


==Religious culture==
==Religious culture==
Line 32: Line 34:
==Economy==
==Economy==
[[File:PikiWiki Israel 29319 Algae factory in Kibbutz Ketura.JPG|thumb|Algae production at Kibbuz Ketura]]
[[File:PikiWiki Israel 29319 Algae factory in Kibbutz Ketura.JPG|thumb|Algae production at Kibbuz Ketura]]
The kibbutz is best known for its involvement in ecological activities, mainly its partnership in the local algae factory, Algatech,<ref name="Algatech"/> and its guest house and educational seminar center, Keren Kolot.<ref name="Kolot"/> The solar power industry (see [[Ketura, Israel#Solar power|below]]) has been gaining importance locally.
The kibbutz is best known for its involvement in ecological activities, mainly its partnership in the local algae factory, Algatech,<ref name="Algatech"/> and its guest house and educational seminar center, Keren Kolot.<ref name="Kolot"/> The [[solar power]] industry (see [[Ketura, Israel#Solar power|below]]) has been gaining importance locally.


Economic cooperation with other kibbutzim in the area includes a regional date-packing plant, Ardom Computing Services, and Ardag, a large fish hatchery near Eilat. Many members work outside the kibbutz in professional positions such as teachers, physical and occupational therapists, researchers, social workers, and more. Ketura also offers accounting and bookkeeping services, with many members working in these positions. A number of members work in the local NGO - The [[Arava Institute for Environmental Studies]] (AIES).
Economic cooperation with other kibbutzim in the area includes a regional date-packing plant, Ardom Computing Services, and Ardag, a large fish hatchery near Eilat. Many members work outside the kibbutz in professional positions such as teachers, physical and occupational therapists, researchers, social workers, and more. Ketura also offers accounting and bookkeeping services, with many members working in these positions. A number of members work in the local NGO—The [[Arava Institute for Environmental Studies]] (AIES).
[[File:PikiWiki Israel 29353 Guest houses in Kibbutz Ketura.JPG|thumb|Guest houses in Kibbutz Ketura]]


===Agriculture===
===Agriculture===
Line 43: Line 46:


===Algae production and processing===
===Algae production and processing===
The red rainwater [[microalgae]] (''[[Haematococcus pluvialis]]'') are [[Unicellular organism|single-cell organisms]], part of the oldest group of living organisms.<ref name="Ynet">{{cite news |last=Kamar |first=Assaf |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5187505,00.html |title=Turning the desert green and red |work=YNet News |date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=April 24, 2019}}</ref> Their long evolution led them to adapt to extreme conditions and to develop survival mechanisms against [[bacteria]] and [[fungi]].<ref name="Ynet"/> Haematococcus pluvialis has been cultivated and processed at Ketura since 1998, when the '''AlgaTechnologies, Ltd.''' company was established, for their content of [[astaxanthin]], one of the strongest known natural [[antioxidant]] substances, considered to benefic to the [[immune system|immune]], [[cardiovascular system|cardiovascular]] and [[nervous system]]s, to joints and muscles.<ref>{{cite news |last=Leichman |first=Abigail Klein |url=https://www.israel21c.org/sun-microalgae-powerful-antioxidant/ |date=March 17, 2003 |title=The powerful new antioxidant made of sun and algae |work=Israel 21c |access-date=April 24, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Ynet"/> The main Algatech product, AstaPure, is natural astaxanthin extracted from the algae.<ref name="Ynet"/> It is mainly sold the United States, Japan and Europe - in total, to more than 30 countries,<ref name="Ynet"/> where it is used as a natural ingredient and pigment for use in cosmetics;<ref name="Algatech">[https://www.algatech.com Algatech homepage]</ref> and as a [[nutraceutical]], including as an ingredient for dietary supplements.<ref name="Ynet"/> Research has proven astaxanthin to have positive health effects on a multitude of organs and body functions, such as: eyesight, skin, physical effort during sport activities, cognitive abilities, anti-inflammatory effects and so forth.<ref name="Ynet"/> Algatech, to which Kibbutz Ketura is a partner, is considered a leading company in microalgae agriculture and one of the most forward-looking innovators in the field, worldwide.<ref name="Ynet"/>
The red rainwater [[microalgae]] (''[[Haematococcus pluvialis]]'') are [[Unicellular organism|single-cell organisms]], part of the oldest group of living organisms.<ref name="Ynet">{{cite news |last=Kamar |first=Assaf |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5187505,00.html |title=Turning the desert green and red |work=YNet News |date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=April 24, 2019}}</ref> Their long evolution led them to adapt to extreme conditions and to develop survival mechanisms against [[bacteria]] and [[fungi]].<ref name="Ynet"/> Haematococcus pluvialis has been cultivated and processed at Ketura since 1998, when the '''AlgaTechnologies, Ltd.''' company was established, for their content of [[astaxanthin]], one of the strongest known natural [[antioxidant]] substances, considered to benefic to the [[immune system|immune]], [[cardiovascular system|cardiovascular]] and [[nervous system]]s, to joints and muscles.<ref>{{cite news |last=Leichman |first=Abigail Klein |url=https://www.israel21c.org/sun-microalgae-powerful-antioxidant/ |date=March 17, 2003 |title=The powerful new antioxidant made of sun and algae |work=Israel 21c |access-date=April 24, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Ynet"/> The main Algatech product, AstaPure, is natural astaxanthin extracted from the algae.<ref name="Ynet"/> It is mainly sold the United States, Japan and Europe—in total, to more than 30 countries,<ref name="Ynet"/> where it is used as a natural ingredient and pigment for use in cosmetics;<ref name="Algatech">[https://www.algatech.com Algatech homepage]</ref> and as a [[nutraceutical]], including as an ingredient for dietary supplements.<ref name="Ynet"/> Research has proven astaxanthin to have positive health effects on a multitude of organs and body functions, such as: eyesight, skin, physical effort during sport activities, cognitive abilities, anti-inflammatory effects and so forth.<ref name="Ynet"/> Algatech, to which Kibbutz Ketura is a partner, is considered a leading company in microalgae agriculture and one of the most forward-looking innovators in the field, worldwide.<ref name="Ynet"/>


==Environmentalism==
==Environmentalism==
⚫
[[File:Methuselah-Ketura-2018-10.jpg|thumb|The [[Judean date palm]] at Ketura, nicknamed Methuselah]]
Ketura is part of the Green Kibbutz movement. In addition to promoting awareness, recycling and opening a [[second-hand store]], Ketura planted a [[community garden]] and operates a high-tech algae farm.<ref name="Yield"/>
Ketura is part of the Green Kibbutz movement. In addition to promoting awareness, recycling and opening a [[second-hand store]], Ketura planted a [[community garden]] and operates a high-tech algae farm.<ref name="Yield"/>

⚫
[[File:Methuselah-Ketura-2018-10.jpg|thumb|The Judean date palm at Ketura, nicknamed Methuselah]]


===Arava Institute for Environmental Studies===
===Arava Institute for Environmental Studies===
{{main|Arava Institute for Environmental Studies}}
{{Main|Arava Institute for Environmental Studies}}


Members of Ketura founded the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES), which is located at Ketura. The institute promotes regional environmental cooperation between Israelis, Palestinians and residents of neighbouring Arab countries in environmental matters, with a focus on [[desert ecology|desert ecosystems]].<ref>[http://arava.org/about-our-community Arava Institute for Environmental Studies homepage]</ref><ref name="Yield"/>
Members of Ketura founded the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES), which is located at Ketura. The institute promotes regional environmental cooperation between Israelis, Palestinians and residents of neighbouring Arab countries in environmental matters, with a focus on [[desert ecology|desert ecosystems]].<ref>[http://arava.org/about-our-community Arava Institute for Environmental Studies homepage]</ref><ref name="Yield"/>
Line 61: Line 63:


===Date palm grown from germinated ancient seed===
===Date palm grown from germinated ancient seed===
The first surviving example of the [[Judean date palm]], artificially germinated from a 2,000-year-old seed discovered in archaeological excavations from [[Masada]], was planted in Ketura and continues to survive there. It was nicknamed 'Methuselah'. Several others have since been grown from seeds found in the [[Dead Sea]] area, including some female specimens, which are likely to one day be pollenated by material from Methuselah.
The first surviving example of the [[Judean date palm]], artificially germinated from a 2,000-year-old seed discovered during archaeological excavations in [[Masada]], was planted in Ketura and continues to survive there. It was nicknamed 'Methuselah'. Several others have since been grown from seeds found in the [[Dead Sea]] region, including some female specimens, which are likely to one day be pollinated by material from Methuselah.
==Notable people==
*[[Yosef Abramowitz]]


==See also==
==See also==
Line 68: Line 72:
*[[Social entrepreneurship]]
*[[Social entrepreneurship]]
*[[Solar power in Israel]]
*[[Solar power in Israel]]
*[[Ecovillages]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Ketura}}
{{Commons category|Ketura}}
*[http://www.ketura.org.il Official website]
*[http://www.ketura.org.il Official website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051210233353/http://www.kibbutzprogramcenter.org/Kibbutz_Profiles/kibbutz_Ketora.htm Ketura Kibbutz Program Center]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051210233353/http://www.kibbutzprogramcenter.org/Kibbutz_Profiles/kibbutz_Ketora.htm Ketura Kibbutz Program Center]
Line 81: Line 86:


{{Hevel Eilot}}
{{Hevel Eilot}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Ketura, Israel| ]]
[[Category:Ketura, Israel| ]]

Latest revision as of 07:43, 1 November 2024

Ketura
קְטוּרָה‎
كيتورا
Ketura is located in Southern Negev region of Israel
Ketura
Ketura
Ketura is located in Israel
Ketura
Ketura
Coordinates: 29°58′13″N 35°3′41″E / 29.97028°N 35.06139°E / 29.97028; 35.06139
CountryIsrael
DistrictSouthern
CouncilHevel Eilot
AffiliationKibbutz Movement
FoundedNovember 1973
Founded byAmerican Young Judaea Members
Population
 (2022)[1]
509
Websitewww.ketura.org.il

Ketura (Hebrew: קְטוּרָה) is a kibbutz in southern Israel. Located north of Eilat in the Aravah Valley, it falls under the jurisdiction of Hevel Eilot Regional Council. In 2022 it had a population of 509.[1]

Name

[edit]

The name Ketura was taken from a nearby hill and wadi, and is also the name of the second wife of Abraham (Genesis 25:1).

History

[edit]

Ketura was founded in November 1973 by a group of young American Jewish immigrants, most of them members of the Zionist youth movement Young Judaea.[2] Difficulties in the early years frustrated many of the inhabitants of the kibbutz, which caused many of the founders to leave. At the same time, more Young Judaeans joined the community, along with a variety of other immigrants as well as Israel Boy and Girl Scouts Federation graduates. Ketura is in the Southern Arava - Hevel Eilot Regional Council.

Today Ketura has about 165 members and several young families who are candidates to become members. During the year there are about 500 people living on Ketura, members and their families, students in the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, volunteers from around the world, Arava International Center for Agriculture Training (AICAT) students from around the world, NOAM youth movement members in various programs such as gap year or service year (shnat sherut), Israeli post-army 'avoda muedefet' participants, and researchers who come to work in regional institutes.

Religious culture

[edit]

Ketura is unique among kibbutzim for its religious pluralism. Although the kibbutz is not considered a religious kibbutz, Jewish dietary laws (kashrut) and Sabbath rules are observed in the dining room, public areas, and at social and cultural events, and there is a functioning congregation-led egalitarian synagogue. The population of the kibbutz is composed of observant, masorati (moderately observant), and secular members, an unusual situation for a kibbutz. Ketura received the Speaker of the Knesset Prize for religious tolerance as a result of its religious progressiveness.

Economy

[edit]
Algae production at Kibbuz Ketura

The kibbutz is best known for its involvement in ecological activities, mainly its partnership in the local algae factory, Algatech,[3] and its guest house and educational seminar center, Keren Kolot.[4] The solar power industry (see below) has been gaining importance locally.

Economic cooperation with other kibbutzim in the area includes a regional date-packing plant, Ardom Computing Services, and Ardag, a large fish hatchery near Eilat. Many members work outside the kibbutz in professional positions such as teachers, physical and occupational therapists, researchers, social workers, and more. Ketura also offers accounting and bookkeeping services, with many members working in these positions. A number of members work in the local NGO—The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES).

Guest houses in Kibbutz Ketura

Agriculture

[edit]

Agricultural enterprises of the kibbutz include date orchards.[5]

Guest house and seminar center

[edit]

The kibbutz is well known for its guest house and educational seminar center — Keren Kolot[4]

Algae production and processing

[edit]

The red rainwater microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis) are single-cell organisms, part of the oldest group of living organisms.[6] Their long evolution led them to adapt to extreme conditions and to develop survival mechanisms against bacteria and fungi.[6] Haematococcus pluvialis has been cultivated and processed at Ketura since 1998, when the AlgaTechnologies, Ltd. company was established, for their content of astaxanthin, one of the strongest known natural antioxidant substances, considered to benefic to the immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems, to joints and muscles.[7][6] The main Algatech product, AstaPure, is natural astaxanthin extracted from the algae.[6] It is mainly sold the United States, Japan and Europe—in total, to more than 30 countries,[6] where it is used as a natural ingredient and pigment for use in cosmetics;[3] and as a nutraceutical, including as an ingredient for dietary supplements.[6] Research has proven astaxanthin to have positive health effects on a multitude of organs and body functions, such as: eyesight, skin, physical effort during sport activities, cognitive abilities, anti-inflammatory effects and so forth.[6] Algatech, to which Kibbutz Ketura is a partner, is considered a leading company in microalgae agriculture and one of the most forward-looking innovators in the field, worldwide.[6]

Environmentalism

[edit]
The Judean date palm at Ketura, nicknamed Methuselah

Ketura is part of the Green Kibbutz movement. In addition to promoting awareness, recycling and opening a second-hand store, Ketura planted a community garden and operates a high-tech algae farm.[2]

Arava Institute for Environmental Studies

[edit]
Main article: Arava Institute for Environmental Studies

Members of Ketura founded the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES), which is located at Ketura. The institute promotes regional environmental cooperation between Israelis, Palestinians and residents of neighbouring Arab countries in environmental matters, with a focus on desert ecosystems.[8][2]

Solar power

[edit]
Main articles: Arava Power Company and Ketura Sun

Ketura is a partner in the Arava Power Company (APC),[9] producing electricity from solar panels. There is one 4.95MW field on the kibbutz, Ketura Sun, with a second 40MW field opened in 2015, then the largest in Israel.[10]

Date palm grown from germinated ancient seed

[edit]

The first surviving example of the Judean date palm, artificially germinated from a 2,000-year-old seed discovered during archaeological excavations in Masada, was planted in Ketura and continues to survive there. It was nicknamed 'Methuselah'. Several others have since been grown from seeds found in the Dead Sea region, including some female specimens, which are likely to one day be pollinated by material from Methuselah.

Notable people

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Regional Statistics". Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Kershner, Isabel (April 20, 2012). "Israeli Desert Yields a Harvest of Energy". The New York Times. Retrieved April 24, 2019.
  3. ^ a b Algatech homepage
  4. ^ a b Keren Kolot homepage
  5. ^ Kibbutz Ketura homepage
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h Kamar, Assaf (March 22, 2018). "Turning the desert green and red". YNet News. Retrieved April 24, 2019.
  7. ^ Leichman, Abigail Klein (March 17, 2003). "The powerful new antioxidant made of sun and algae". Israel 21c. Retrieved April 24, 2019.
  8. ^ Arava Institute for Environmental Studies homepage
  9. ^ Arava Power Company homepage
  10. ^ Sharon Udasin, Israel's largest solar field begins flowing to the national grid, The Jerusalem Post, 29 July 2015. Accessed 24 September 2018.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ketura.
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