KIBBUTZ NAHAL OZ, Israel — Shakespeare wrote “All the world’s a stage…………. His acts being seven ages”. However, that was at the end of the sixteenth century. Today we divide our life into different stages. Between the fifth and sixth periods we can introduce another time line. Most people retire in their mid to late sixties but instead of rapidly declining into a life of feebleness, medicine and science have given many of us a “second wind” Today old age is divided into three – Young old age, Old age and Old old Age. People in the first and second catergories can start enjoying life afresh without the burden of making a living or “keeping up with the Joneses” This is the time to really take off and enjoy pastures new and fulfill dreams.
Here in the Sha’ar Hanegev area our options are limited because of the size of the community and its relatively low income bracket. However, for those who are determined to make their”golden days” meaningful, there are many opportunities. Firstly there is the Day Centre for the Retired which offers a variety of programmes for different tastes from pottery to computer studies. We are blessed with the Educational Campus which caters to six year olds in the primary school, through the high school and on to the Sapir College which has one of the largest student bodies in the country. Retired people can audit all lectures. There is also the Hydro- theraraputic centre with its swimming pools gym and spa facilities. They cater for the disabled, injured or those of need of special care of all ages. But also the young and young at heart can make themselves fit and keep their bodies in trim.
In the nearby nearby town of Sderot there is a Cinematec supported by Italian Jewery which offers a wealth of films which are often off-beat. The Kibbutz-Netanya Chamber Orchestra gives a series of yearly concerts on a very high level at the Kibbutz Dorot area theatre. However, as the theatre was built over forty years ago it cannot compete with the marvelous Cultural Centres which have recently been built in Ashkelon and Beersheva. Therefore if we want to see shows or theatrical performances we have to travel to these centres.
All in all, though the Sha’ar Hanegev area is remembered for being the target of kassams, rockets and violence, in reality, in times of tranquility, and there are many, this area is a haven for its population , young and old.
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Hartuv is correspondent for San Diego Jewish World for Sha’ar Hanegev — the partnership region in Israel of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County. He may be contacted at dov.hartuv@sdjewishworld.com