historically, Jews were stereotyped as merchants, quintessential capitalists.
True enough that there is a strong socialist streak among Jews both in Europe and here. However, the more orthodox (Hassidim) are more often conservative, and in Europe they still maintain their merchant origins (Antwerp).
BTW, there are very few kibbutzim remaining in Israel compared with the past.
BTW, there are very few kibbutzim remaining in Israel compared with the past.-dontreadthisIn an earlier comment, #40 , ought-six suggested the following:
"To: dontreadthis “Jews represent capitalism.” Actually, Jews are far more widely known as embracing socialism. Ever of kibbutzim? European socialism was pretty much created by Jews, and most certainly was applauded by Jews. It’s one of the reasons Jews tend to flock to the Dims. Never made any sense to me, given their respect for education.
The suggestion that kibbutzim is a Jewish tradition since it's beginnings causes me pause.
It brings up an interesting question.
I thought kibbutzim sprang up in Israel post WWII as a viable new beginning for Jewish survivors arriving with nothing but their willingness to persist by the sweat of their brow and firm belief in maintaining cultural and religious traditions. It makes sense that those who miraculously survived the holocaust and pograms arrived with no physical shelter or monetary means to settle with a family to support. Forming a collective like a kibbutz made it possible for survivors to work, provide for and raise a family.
Surely kibbutzim created industries which operated on capitalist practices creating profit.
This would also explain why there are fewer kibbutzim today than in the post war era. As the deserts of Israel bloomed from the profit of decades of kibbutzim industry, families no longer relied on kibbutzim to survive. Families could move to independent households and into the rapidly expanding & profitable commercial industries of Israel today.