Kvutza, kevutza or kevutzah ( "group") is a communal settlement among Jews, primarily in pre-state Israel, the word was used in reference to communal life. First there were kvutzot (plural of kvutza) in the sense of groups of young people with similar ideals living and working together; and after 1909 and for many years to follow, in the sense of collective settlements created by such groups. The kvutza collective settlement was distinguished from the kibbutz settlement in that it intended to remain small and mainly agricultural, whereas the larger kibbutzim were intended to expand with agriculture, industry and other productive pursuits. Later, as the distinction disappeared, most kvutzot were renamed kibbutzim. Notable example: Degania Alef. Further reading Ideological motives in the formation of kvutzot in the days of the Second Aliyah Israeli culture Intentional communities in Israel Agricultural labor Agriculture in Israel Cooperatives in Israel Hebrew words and phrases Rural community development Socialism Types of populated places