Kibbutz Lotan
Israel
An intentional community and permaculture training center in the desert connecting Earth, spirit and regenerative technologies.
SAMPLE COURSE TOPICS
- Ecological & Permaculture Design
- Organic Gardening
- Alternative & Natural Building
- Green Technologies
- Building Regenerative Community
- Peace and Social Justice
- Community Service
- Waste Management
- Desert Soil Nutrition and Irrigation
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
- Living in the EcoCampus
- Integration into Community
- Local Organic Food Systems
- Alternative Building Projects
- Grey/Black/No-Water Systems
- PV Solar Systems
- Desert Ecology & Bird Migration
- Local Ecological Communities
- Agricultural Research & Develop
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
- Kabbalat Shabbat service
- Israeli folk dancing
- Community cultural gatherings
- Potluck dinners
- Desert Night Walks
- Yoga and movement
- Bonfires with live music
- Sharing Circles
- Community Farmers Market
- Arava regional events
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION:
Kibbutz Lotan is an intentional eco-Jewish community linking spirit and Earth, connecting cultural heritage with environmental awareness while adapting tradition to a contemporary lifestyle. Situated in the extreme arid climate of Israel’s southern Arava desert, Lotan is home to around 200 people and is a tightly-knit pluralistic community which maintains a strong focus on social engagement through educational work and activism. Lotan’s Center for Creative Ecology, rooted in the idea of Tikkun Olam – “repairing and transforming the world”, demonstrates permaculture design techniques in extreme desert conditions, natural building methods, local organic food systems, renewable energy, sustainable waste management and alternative technologies. The Center serves as a catalyst to inspire, motivate and empower people to build sustainable community and to take creative action for positive change towards social and environmental justice.