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transformation as an infinite process to further Tikkun Olam – social and environmental
justice.

With the onset of modernity, traditional community began to disintegrate. The process is
still very much with us today. Most of us are not born into community. We are born into a
framework of nuclear family, sometimes only partial nuclear family. An important aspect
of the modern movement for Jewish national renewal, the Zionist movement, was the call

for a return to purposive Jewish community. The best known expression of this aspect of
Zionism was the kibbutz.

Within the context of modernity, the decision to participate in community meant the
conscious decision of the individual to do so – in particular if the community is an intentional
community. The individual has to decide if he/she wants a life of meaning and that such a
life is best realized in a community of like-minded others. This was the essential personal

decision in personal Tikkun, personal self-transformation, for those who sought to
participate in Jewish renewal. The Labor Zionist philosopher, A.D. Gordon, 1856-1922, put

it thus:
“Insofar as I have not yet experienced a change in my purpose for living there is no reason
for me to seek a new life, as I will not find it. A new life is first and foremost a new
purpose for living…”

Gordon’s view was a balanced one. He rejected those who would sacrifice their personal
self-fulfillment in work and love (“Life of the Hour”) for the sake of an ideal (“Life
Eternal”). He believed that the purpose for living had to permeate self-fulfillment in the

here and now in order to realize a link to Life Eternal.

INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY, PEACE AND TIKKUN OLAM.
National and international movements of intentional community begin with individuals who
seek a life of purpose. Tikkun Olam is a message of peace and sustainability for all.

“Rabbi Shimon said: The world stands on three things – on the Law, on the Truth and on
Peace. (Talmud, Avot 1:18)

The intentional community becomes the unit for “being the change” (Gandhi) which seeks to
realize “in micro” a vision for society “in macro”. The striving for Tikkun Olam is a universal

message for all peoples. Each people, in cooperation with other peoples must seek social
and environmental justice in its allotted portion of Divine Creation through the lens of its
unique culture. Only thus can universal sustainability and peace be realized.

In the words of the prophet:
“…all the peoples walk each in the name of its gods” to the goal – “Nation shall not take up
sword against nation, they shall never again know war." (Micah 4:5)

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