The Principle of Temporary Residence in a Collective Community

Nes Ammim is a communal settlement in Israel, populated by European Christians. It is similar to many other settlements, apart from one important characteristic: the condition limiting duration of residence. The population turnover resulting from this condition has repercussions on all aspects of life in the village: the economy, social ties with the surroundings, and social contacts among the residents. The principle of temporary residence has become a built-in limitation for the settlement.