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Portrait of Uriel, Kibbutz Samar

Uriel

Carpentry Manager

"Dismantling and Rebuilding: A Carpenter on the Kibbutz Economy"

January 14, 2026

Summary

In this interview, Uriel, a carpenter and member of Kibbutz Samar, shares his insights on the evolution of the kibbutz model, emphasizing the importance of economic partnership and mutual responsibility. He reflects on the ideological roots of kibbutzim, the transformations they have undergone over the years, and the need for deeper connections beyond mere financial cooperation. Uriel advocates for adapting to current realities while fostering individual autonomy within the community structure, emphasizing that lasting communities require an enduring spiritual or ideological foundation.

As Uriel reveals his role in the ongoing transformation of Kibbutz Samar, he highlights the necessity of dismantling outdated systems and rebuilding in alignment with contemporary economic conditions. His vision includes creating an environment where individuality coexists with collective responsibility, ensuring that the community can thrive in the long run.

Key Insights & Learnings

"A kibbutz is first and foremost a community with economic partnership, and that is something that barely exists in the world."

— Uriel, Kibbutz Samar, ToGather Project

"If there is an eternal value holding people together—like love—then it can last."

— Uriel, Kibbutz Samar, ToGather Project

"Living in a community is not easy. It requires giving up some privacy, giving up personal ownership."

— Uriel, Kibbutz Samar, ToGather Project

"I realized that a community cannot survive without adapting to today’s economic realities."

— Uriel, Kibbutz Samar, ToGather Project

"The future of communities is not in returning to the past, but in deeply understanding how people can truly cooperate over time."

— Uriel, Kibbutz Samar, ToGather Project

Uriel

Themes in Action

Governance

Kibbutz Samar has adapted its governance model to prioritize personal responsibility and freedom, moving away from rigid imposed equality to a partnership that respects individual choices while maintaining communal accountability.

This shift in governance highlights the evolving nature of authority and collective decision-making in intentional communities, emphasizing the need for adaptability to ensure long-term survival.

Kibbutz Samar shifted from enforced equality to allowing individual choice while maintaining a sense of communal responsibility and partnership.

This reflects a necessary adaptation in governance as communities evolve and the original external threats or motivations diminish.

Successful transitions in kibbutzim involve dismantling outdated systems and creating new structures that accommodate current economic realities.

Indicates that flexibility and responsiveness to external economic conditions are crucial for the longevity of intentional communities.

Uriel discusses the necessity of dismantling outdated systems to create a more trusting and cooperative community framework, indicating that leadership should be based on authenticity and mutual respect.

This perspective emphasizes the critical role of adaptive leadership in sustaining community bonds amid changing circumstances.

The kibbutz community must adapt its structures to align with modern economic realities to thrive, as rigid adherence to past models can hinder trust and cooperation.

This highlights the importance of flexibility in governance structures within intentional communities to reflect current social and economic conditions.

Money

The kibbutz has moved away from financial forced equality, recognizing that economic partnerships must reflect individual needs and security, promoting a culture where respect and personal achievement are valued instead.

This transition in economic models reveals how financial structures can influence community dynamics and member satisfaction, particularly in fostering an environment of trust and cooperation.

The kibbutz model highlights a struggle between maintaining economic partnership and individual economic security, emphasizing the importance of adapting financial structures to ensure community survival.

This underscores the need for innovative economic models in communal living that enhance individual well-being alongside collective support.

The shift from enforced economic equality to a model where respect and personal choice dictate contributions reflects a more individualized approach to labor and resource distribution in the community.

This acknowledges a broader trend in intentional communities where economic models must evolve to meet personal needs and encourage engagement.

Culture

The culture of Kibbutz Samar emphasizes a transition from a collective labor ideology to one that values individual contributions while fostering mutual respect and understanding of personal needs.

This cultural shift illustrates the ongoing challenge of balancing individual aspirations with communal goals, an essential aspect for the sustainability of intentional communities.

Kibbutz Samar fosters a culture where respect is earned through contribution and collective work, echoing a historical 'religion of labor' philosophy that has since required reevaluation.

This illustrates the dynamic nature of cultural practices within communities and the ongoing need to align cultural values with contemporary needs for motivation and engagement.

The emphasis on 'the religion of labor' and personal responsibility illustrates how cultural practices in Kibbutz Samar have shifted to prioritize individual contributions and respect over rigid equality.

This shift in cultural values reflects broader themes in community dynamics, suggesting a need for evolving rituals that resonate with current member needs.

Belonging

Uriel indicates that the kibbutz’s sense of belonging relies on fostering personal connections and trust among members, highlighting the importance of a relational foundation for collective identity.

The focus on building deeper relationships underscores the role of personal connections in enhancing community cohesion and retention, especially during challenging times.

The sustainability of a community relies on deeper connections among members beyond ideology, suggesting that shared values like love and trust are vital.

This highlights the importance of emotional and relational foundations in intentional communities which may often be overlooked in favor of structural or ideological cohesion.

Successful communities require more than just economic ties; they need a sense of mutual responsibility and deeper emotional connections among their members.

This assertion emphasizes the importance of fostering emotional bonds over mere economic cooperation for community longevity.

Uriel believes that a strong foundational ideology, akin to shared values or spiritual beliefs, is crucial for fostering deep connections in a community, which can prevent fragmentation during tough times.

This insight speaks to the fundamental need for shared purpose in maintaining long-term commitment and trust among community members.

Community

Kibbutz Samar
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