Page 10 - C.A.L.L. #41 - Summer 2016

Back to Bruderhof:

Platte Clove Community

Close Up

Our outgoing editor writes about his family’s Passover visit to the Bruderhof community of Platte Clove, NY.

Anton Marks, Rockvil e, MD

MOST PROPERTIES come with a ‘feature’, an element that is aesthetically pleasing which sets it apart
from other run-of-the-mill homes. It could be a fireplace, exposed brickwork, or a bar.

My apartment in
Rockville is
advertised as having
a sunroom. In fact,
this refers to the
windows which
make up the whole
back (wall) of the
lounge. The
windows let in a
significant amount
of natural light, and
being on the
The beautiful landscape of the Bruderhof commune at Platte Clove, Elka Park, NY. seventh floor, when I
look out I feel like I
am a part of what I
see, and not separate and closed-in in my apartment.

So what is my view? A beautiful natural landscape? Not exactly. A big arterial road separates my
apartment building from a large strip mall. You know the kind, there’s a supermarket, a bank, umpteen
clothing stores. Something that can be found all over America, and actually all the way along this major
thoroughfare, for miles and miles in both directions.

I am in capitalist America, and it’s almost impossible to miss it. From the fast food industry to wage labor,
from begging on the streets to private health care. Kids on tablets, PCs and phones whilst adults amass
their own inordinate amount of screen time.

I miss my kibbutz. A place where we value human relationships over material goods, where we live
together with other people, sharing our lives, sharing in conversations. Being together.

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