Could living in a commune be the cure for society?

Summary

The video explores Honey Jew, an eco-communal living project in rural Italy, founded by Benjamin Ram after leaving London. This community fosters resilience, sustainability, and creative expression, offering an alternative to the pressures of modern Western society. Residents live collectively, sharing work and creativity while embracing intergenerational learning and ecological practices. With future expansion plans, including projects in Brazil, Honey Jew aims to build a global network of eco-communities. The video highlights the challenges and potential of communal living as a response to societal alienation and ecological crises.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Honey Jew is a community focused on collective resilience and sustainable living, adapting to ecological and social challenges.
• 🏡 Benjamin Ram established Honey Jew by purchasing an unoccupied hotel in Central Italy and transforming it into an eco-commune.
• 💡 The community aims to be off-grid by transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar panels and rainwater harvesting.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 The community welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering intergenerational connections and diverse perspectives.
• ⏳ Residents work for 4 hours a day on communal projects, with an additional hour dedicated to creative or personal development.
• 🌍 Honey Jew is the first of a planned network of eco-communities, with new projects already starting in Brazil and beyond.
• 🤝 The goal is not just to build a self-sustaining community, but to offer an alternative model for modern life where people can connect meaningfully.
• 🍞 Community engagement is crucial, as shown by events like the local bread festival, ensuring they integrate with the surrounding region.
• 🔄 Community life is transient, with visitors and residents coming and going, which brings both challenges and opportunities for personal growth.
• 🌟 The community is still in its early stages and must work hard to stay true to its founding principles as it grows and faces new demands.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind Honey Jew and its communities?

Honey Jew is a network of eco-communities focused on collective resilience, addressing ecological, social, and economic challenges. The aim is to create a positive alternative to mainstream society by fostering communal living, creativity, and connection with nature.

Why did Benjamin Ram choose to establish the first Honey Jew community in Central Italy?

Benjamin Ram moved to Central Italy and purchased an unoccupied hotel in the Ranan Hills to start the Honey Jew project. His motivation was to offer a space where people could come together, not out of fear but a desire to construct an alternative future, especially in response to increasing social, economic, and ecological difficulties.

What are the living and working arrangements for Honey Jew residents?

Residents at Honey Jew work for four hours a day, with a fifth hour dedicated to creativity and personal development. This model allows them to contribute to the community while nurturing their own well-being.

How does Honey Jew ensure it is not seen as a cult?

Honey Jew maintains an open gate policy, both literally and figuratively, meaning people are free to come and go. It was also never conceived as a standalone community but as part of a broader network. The openness and diversity of the residents prevent it from developing into a closed, cult-like environment.

What makes Honey Jew different from other similar eco-communities?

One of the key differences is that Honey Jew attracts individuals from diverse age groups and stages in life, unlike other communities that might be more homogenous. The focus is on building intergenerational resilience, making it a unique and inclusive space for a wide range of people.

What role does leadership play in Honey Jew's structure?

Honey Jew emphasizes a decentralized leadership model where different residents with expertise in various areas take charge of specific tasks. While there is some structure to guide creativity and daily life, Benjamin Ram, the founder, does not see himself as the sole leader.

How does Honey Jew incorporate sustainability into its operations?

Honey Jew is transitioning to off-grid living by installing solar panels, moving away from gas, planting trees, and implementing water collection systems. The community also keeps chickens and plans for other eco-friendly projects to enhance its self-sufficiency.

How does Honey Jew maintain a connection with the local region?

Rather than isolating itself, Honey Jew actively engages with the local culture and history. For example, it participates in the local bread festival and respects the traditions of the region while developing new skills for sustainable living.

What challenges do residents face in maintaining the communal lifestyle at Honey Jew?

One of the biggest challenges for residents is the constant arrival and departure of people, which can make it difficult to form lasting connections. Long-term residents often struggle with the emotional intensity of forming deep bonds with newcomers who may only stay for a short time.

How does Honey Jew address the needs of families and children in the community?

Honey Jew offers an intergenerational approach and is working on developing a forest school that provides alternative early learning methods for children. This helps ensure that families, including children, are integrated into the community and have educational opportunities outside conventional systems.