Growing up with the Notion of Tikkun Olam-Repairing the World
The world seems broken into pieces of heartache, grief and fear.
I, in my 66 years have never experienced such times.
Everyday seems to deliver another package of worry, bloodshed and suffering.
Yet I was brought up on the notion of Tikkun Olam- translated from Hebrew, fixing or repairing the world.
A value handed down to me by past generations.
I was taught this is my obligation as a Jew, and as a member of humanity.
However, is Tikkun Olam- fixing the world still possible?
This Past Year, Repairing the World Felt Overwhelming.
Tikkun Olam is a Jewish value, to help those in need, connote social justice and pursue social action.
Also, to maintain ethical behavior, and repair the world.
Not just in the Jewish Community, but in the worldwide community.
However, this past year, repairing the world, Tikkun Olam, felt overwhelming.
The Oct 7th tragedy in Israel, the war that followed, elections in America and worldwide divide made it seem like a hopeless mission.
Tikkun Olam, fixing the world one step at a time.
But, if my family members that went through horrors of their own,
like the Holocaust, didn’t give up on Tikkun Olam, how could I?
That would mean giving up on humanity the essence of our world.
Something, that is not in the lexicon of my soul.
I realized that despair and hope could be held by the same hand.
For in their gentle balance, I would find my strength my resilience.
However heavy the storms of the world’s sky seem, there is a moment when the sky opens and the sweetness of the sun shines.
If I am to hold hope, I need to act.
Tikkun Olam, fixing the world one step at a time.
We must rebuild, together, a kinder, compassionate and hopeful world.
I am creator of the “Morning Inspiration” series, which provides readers with reflections and thoughts to start their day with spiritual inspiration.
If you feel the calling to receive it you can do so here
If hope seems distant, I invite you to read a Morning Inspiration I wrote inspired by what my heart shared in this column.
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