Page 12 - C.A.L.L. #41 - Summer 2016

guess this is one of the positive manifestations stemming from the minimal use of televisions, computers
and phones in their communities.

Seeing: We were shown around the lovingly cared-for Platte Clove community: the main hall, the
kindergarten, the cemetery, the factory and we even had a chance to take in an impressive nearby
waterfall and lake in the beautiful Catskill Mountains.

Experiencing: Adi attended a community-wide meeting one night, and on another evening I
participated in a community-wide work mobilization in the factory. Eating together with the community
in the dining hall and spending time in the pre-school also added to the experience and gave us a good
feel for the social fabric of the community.

Tasting: The food was wonderful, made from fresh produce – much of it grown by the Bruderhof
themselves. From the homemade cookies mentioned earlier, to the homemade jams, milk and yoghurt,
maple syrup and even burgers. The meals in both the dining hall and those cooked by Becky in one of
the shared kitchens, were simply delicious – and deliciously simple.
Working: I spent some time
working in their factory,
which makes equipment for
those with special needs.
Not only do they run a very
profitable business, which
enables them to devote
people and resources to
extensive volunteer work,
but the products they make
are also congruous with
their desire for service – to
help those in society in
Working together in the gardens.
need.
Singing: Each meal begins with a song, sung with gusto as a communal thank you for the upcoming
repast. One evening we sat with the Ben-Eliezer family and a couple of young members of the
community to sing Hebrew songs. A very emotional way to spend an evening when we are so far from
home.
Visiting: We managed to visit two other Bruderhof communities in the area: Rondout and Maple Ridge.
Rondout is an urban community, situated in the City of Kingston. A multi-generational commune, they
run a pre-school for the kids of the community and of the neighbourhood. They also made us feel very
welcome, and as someone who was until recently responsible for running the pre-school of my urban
kibbutz, I found the visit inspiring and it reminded me very much of home.
And finally onto Maple Ridge, where we met Ephraim’s mother, and our dear friends Martin and Burgel
Johnson, who we have also had the pleasure of hosting in Israel.

In summary, we had a wonderful time with Ephraim and Becky and the rest of the people we met. I see
them as real and close partners in the work we are all doing in trying to make this world a better place.

And what is the ‘feature’ that sets Platte Clove apart?

Community, of course.

! 11