moshavot

A moshav (plural: moshavim) is a type of cooperative agricultural village in Israel. The term is derived from the Hebrew word for "market place" or "settlement." Moshavim are characterized by a communal approach to farming and living, where land is owned by the state and leased to the moshav. Individual families are allocated plots of land for their own farming operations, but they often cooperate in purchasing supplies, marketing produce, and providing shared services like irrigation and machinery. Each family is expected to be economically self-sufficient, but there is a strong emphasis on mutual aid and support within the community. The moshavim were largely established during the early periods of Zionist settlement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They represent a distinct model of rural settlement, differing from the kibbutz, which is a more communally owned and operated settlement. The moshavim have played a significant role in the agricultural development and settlement of Israel, contributing to the country's food production and national landscape. While originally conceived as purely agricultural communities, many moshavim have diversified their economies over time, with residents engaging in various professions and businesses alongside or instead of farming.