Ketura is unique among kibbutzim for its religious pluralism. Although the kibbutz is not considered a religious kibbutz, Jewish dietary laws and Sabbath rules are observed in the dining room, public areas, and at social and cultural events, and there is a functioning congregation-led egalitarian synagogue. The population of the kibbutz is composed of observant, masorati, and secular members, an unusual situation for a kibbutz. Ketura received the Speaker of the Knesset Prize for religious tolerance as a result of its religious progressiveness.
Economy
The kibbutz is best known for its involvement in ecological activities, mainly its partnership in the local algae factory, Algatech, and its guest house and educational seminar center, Keren Kolot. The solar power industry has been gaining importance locally. Economic cooperation with other kibbutzim in the area includes a regional date-packing plant, Ardom Computing Services, and Ardag, a large fish hatchery near Eilat. Many members work outside the kibbutz in professional positions such as teachers, physical and occupational therapists, researchers, social workers, and more. Ketura also offers accounting and bookkeeping services, with many members working in these positions. A number of members work in the local NGO - The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies.
Agriculture
Agricultural enterprises of the kibbutz include date orchards.
The kibbutz is well known for its guest house and educational seminar center — Keren Kolot
Algae production and processing
The red rainwater microalgae are single-cell organisms, part of the oldest group of living organisms. Their long evolution led them to adapt to extreme conditions and to develop survival mechanisms against bacteria and fungi. Haematococcus pluvialis has been cultivated and processed at Ketura since 1998, when the AlgaTechnologies, Ltd. company was established, for their content of astaxanthin, one of the strongest known natural antioxidant substances, considered to benefic to the immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems, to joints and muscles. The main Algatech product, AstaPure, is natural astaxanthin extracted from the algae. It is mainly sold the United States, Japan and Europe - in total, to more than 30 countries, where it is used as a natural ingredient and pigment for use in cosmetics; and as a nutraceutical, including as an ingredient for dietary supplements. Research has proven astaxanthin to have positive health effects on a multitude of organs and body functions, such as: eyesight, skin, physical effort during sport activities, cognitive abilities, anti-inflammatory effects and so forth. Algatech, to which Kibbutz Ketura is a partner, is considered a leading company in microalgae agriculture and one of the most forward-looking innovators in the field, worldwide.
Members of Ketura founded the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, which is located at Ketura. The institute promotes regional environmental cooperation between Israelis, Palestinians and residents of neighbouring Arab countries in environmental matters, with a focus on desert ecosystems.
Solar power
Ketura is a partner in the Arava Power Company, producing electricity from solar panels. There is one 4.95MW field on the kibbutz, Ketura Sun, with a second 40MW field opened in 2015, then the largest in Israel.
The only surviving example of the Judean date palm, artificially germinated from a 2,000-year-old seed discovered in archaeological excavations, was planted in Ketura and continues to survive there. It was nicknamed 'Methuselah'.
