When Arava Power launched its first solar field, Ketura Sun, in 2011, the company decided to embrace the Jewish law of Pe’ah – which requires the four corners of any field be left untouched by harvesters and instead saved for gleaners. For this field and every new field the company dedicates a symbolic portion of the yield to various non-profit organizations in the form of an annual donation for the next 20 years.
“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field when you reap, nor shall you gather any gleaning from your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger: I am the Lord your God“
-Leviticus 23:22
The NPO’s
“Arava Power” dedicated time and thought to choosing the NPOs and these are:
Jewish Heart for Africa – operates Israeli solar systems supplying energy and pumping water for schools, infirmaries and orphanages in Africa.
Elie Wiesel Humanitarian Foundation – Committed to fighting indifference, intolerance and injustice through international dialogue and youth-oriented programs furthering acceptance, understanding and equality.
Red Mountain Therapeutic Riding Center – at kibbutz Grofit, serves those with special needs and disabled persons who may benefit from therapeutic riding as part of their rehabilitation.
Latet Eilat – the primary activities of the organization include a soup kitchen, a shelter for disadvantaged children, workshops for at-risk youth and support for cancer patients.
Micha – is the Israeli organizations for children suffering from hearing impairment, we have chosen to donate to the Beer Sheva facility.
Moving Traditions – helps American Jewish pre-teens and teens to develop their Jewish identity via programs in synagogues, community centers and other venues.
Children at Risk – The Association for Children at Risk is the largest organization in Israel providing educational-therapeutic treatment for toddlers, ages 2-7, with Autism Spectrum Disorder, in approximately 140 frameworks throughout the country.
Young Judaea – The Young Judaea-Ketura relationship has always been a part of Arava Power: Kibbutz Ketura was founded by Young Judaea and two of our founders, took their first steps in Ketura as part of the Young Judaea year program. Our donation is put toward a scholarship fund for one of several programs Young Judaea has to offer Jewish youth. We believe these programs strengthen the commitment of Young Judaeans to Israel, Ketura and the environment at large.
Hope for Life Project – This project, run by the Israeli Cancer Association, assigns qualified teachers or students to school- age children, from kindergarten through high school assisting them in catching up with their schoolwork during and following treatments so they will not fall behind in their schoolwork.
Eilot Community Center – The center has a department for the Senior citizens of the Arava region. Our donation helps with the enrichment programs they offer.
