Tzell HaTamar/Desert Sojourns at Kibbutz Lotan is one of Israel's leading institutions offering creative approaches for integrating the study of Liberal/Progressive Judaism, kibbutz, desert ecology, and environmental protection. Through informative, interactive, and experiential activities that touch hearts and minds, participants enrich their awareness of these issues in a relaxing and fun atmosphere.

Intended for groups from Israel and abroad, Jews and non-Jews, youth, university students, adults, and families, Tzell HaTamar/Desert Sojourns provides 1/2 day, full-day, and multi-day programming. The activities take advantage of Kibbutz Lotan's unique location in the Southern Arava desert: A forty minute drive from Eilat and the Red Sea, twenty minutes from the Hai Bar Biblical Nature Reserve and Timna Valley/Solomon's Pillars, and surrounded by breathtaking views and wildlife.

All activities are tailor-made for the specific needs of the individual or group. Methods included in the program "menu" range from drama and art, encounter groups, hiking and jeeping, cooperative work projects, sculpting, environmental design, and leadership development techniques.

The following are brief descriptions of the broad subject categories in which Tzell HaTamar/Desert Sojourns is engaged. Methods and subjects can be mixed and matched according to individual or group desires.

Pluralism in Israel An increasingly cutting edge issue in Israeli political realty; hear personal accounts of how one community in Israel deals with recognition of rights and public advocacy. General background to the development of "streams of Judaism" in Israel, and the implications for Israel/Diaspora relations.

Progressive Judaism and Kibbutz Learn about this new form of kibbutz--a religious non-orthodox community engaged in religious pioneering, utilizing classic kibbutz institutions for the creation of democratic Jewish communal traditions.

Judaism and Ecology Genesis suggests two approaches to our environment: "To have dominion over the earth and all living things" or "to till and tend it well." Concern for preserving the environment guides Tzell HaTamar's orientation for studying traditional sources, and how these effect practical applications on kibbutz and urban settings.

Practical Ecology and Alternative Building/Recycling Committed to achieving a balance with its surroundings, Kibbutz Lotan has undertaken many projects on and around the kibbutz to try to minimize its impact on nature. Such "treading lightly" approaches include organic agriculture, establishing a migrating bird reserve, and alternative building techniques utilizing recycled materials from the kibbutz and region. Participants take part in expanding these projects including the Noah's Ark Recycled Playground.

The Desert as Home Up close and personal, experience the adaptations which plants, animals, and people make to survive in this "hostile" environment. Analyze the implications of human settlement and urbanization in the desert, while striving to preserve the delicate natural balance.

Birdwatching Tzell HaTamar is situated on the migratory route of most European birds to and from Africa, providing an excellent base for a variety of birding activities. In addition to utilizing the bird reserve, the services of a professional guide are available for local and Negev touring.

Jewish-Christian Dialogue Encouraging interfaith understanding and enrichment, kibbutz members host discussions on subjects of concern to both communities.