The Yellow Deli People Untangling the World of the Twelve Tribes

Step inside one of the most unusual and talked-about intentional communities in the world.

For decades, the Twelve Tribes—known to many as the Yellow Deli people—have fascinated outsiders with their simple living, communal lifestyle, and distinct interpretation of the Bible. Yet just as often, they have sparked confusion, controversy, and passionate debate.

This book provides a clear, accessible, and deeply informative look at the beliefs, daily life, history, and inner workings of the Twelve Tribes community. Drawing from detailed research and community accounts, it explores:

• How the movement began in the 1970s and spread across the United States and beyond

• Their spiritual teachings, rooted in a literal reading of the Old and New Testaments

• What daily life looks like inside Twelve Tribes communities—from shared meals to work, worship, childcare, and festivals

• Their emphasis on simplicity, sustainability, handmade craftsmanship, and communal responsibility

• Education, relationships, marriage, and family structure inside the community

• Leadership, governance, and decision-making

• Their outreach efforts through the well-known Yellow Deli cafés

• The challenges, rewards, and tensions that come with communal life

• The controversies and criticisms that have shaped the group’s public image

Rather than offering a one-sided portrayal, this book brings together the movement’s ideals, practices, and internal worldview—alongside the concerns, questions, and experiences voiced by former members and observers.

Whether you are a researcher, a spiritual seeker, or simply curious about alternative communities, The Yellow Deli People: Untangling the World of the Twelve Tribes offers a balanced and comprehensive guide into a world unlike any other.