Issue 8.3: Jewish Community: Models and Ideals

The fourth Mishnah in the second chapter of Pirkei Avot teaches “al tifrosh min ha-tzibbur- do not separate from the community.” Community is an integral aspect of Jewish practice and we have mitzvot such as those that fall under “devarim she-bikedusha” that cannot be done by individuals. Judaism does not allow us to live in isolation.