How does the author use symbolism in the novel, What To Do About The Solomons?

The kibbutz, as the place of origin for the Solomon family, symbolizes community and the lost home. Various characters originally from the community spend their adult lives trying to ignore their roots and every trauma that reminds them of their old home. However, they are only able to reconcile with their issues when they return to the kibbutz. The kibbutz also represents the old guard, a place where archaic cultural values are prominent, including homophobia and an aversion to age discrepancy in relationships.