text:
The Assimilation of Tikkun Olam*
Levi Cooper
Tikkun olam is most commonly heard as a slogan for activism, political
involvement and social justice. The term has had numerous lives, such that its
endurance and malleability over time are truly impressive. It has been used as a
pliable legislative justification for changing specific laws and as an eschatological
ideal that may describe a human process or the divine end. It has had practical
implications for some, and mystical connotations for others. In the twentieth
century, the term tikkun olam has been used when advocating Jewish political
involvement, or to argue for abstinence from any political participation whatsoever.
More recently it has become a banner for almost any laudable value, including
energy conservation, recycling, government health care packages, the fight against
terrorism, better nutrition, looking after stray animals, and the list goes on.
This paper will trace the main way stations of the term, starting with a brief
look at the etymology of the term, and move from rabbinic literature to modern
times. This whistle-stop tour will provide an overview of the vicissitudes of the
term "tikkun olam" and will demonstrate how it has come to connote a disparate
array of values.
Tikkun olam has been assimilated into modern, liberal, democratic discourse.
It has become a watchword for any value, even if a particular value—worthwhile
as it may be—is not rooted in Jewish tradition. This trend raises a question that
should be considered: what is the opportunity cost of the cultural assimilation of
the term tikkun olam?
The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola
Tikkun olam is now a familiar term, but it carries a variety of meanings and
associations which makes its translation an exercise in interpretation. The Hebrew
root ( תקןt-k-n) appears in Ecclesiastes where it is used in the sense of straightening,
repairing or fashioning.1 Many of its later uses, however, depart from those original
connotations. Thus, in rabbinic literature the root has a range of meanings such as
fixing a variety of items, preparing for a significant event, legislating, composing
liturgy, emending biblical texts, determining calendric calculations, propagating
the species, and pursuing spiritual objectives.2 The Hebrew noun 'olam also carries
more than a single implication: world, society, community, universe, spiritual
sphere, forever, and eternity.
In rabbinic literature the words appear together in the form of tikkun ha'olam (with the definite article), and occasionally as tikkuno shel 'olam (with a
Given the range of possible meanings, the contemporary Hebrew term
"tikkun olam"—which is how it usually appears in modern parlance—is not
easy to translate accurately. Different suggestions have been offered in a variety
of contexts: preparing3 or correcting4 the world; ordering the world or society
correctly;5 improving society;6 preserving the system as a whole;7 maintaining
proper order in the Jewish community8 or the public interest;9 making the
physical world inhabitable;10 healing, repairing, and transforming the world;11
and others.12 Given this flexibility, we can expect that in different ages, under
different circumstances, and in different contexts, tikkun olam will have different
Perhaps the best known reference to tikkun olam—and possibly the earliest
reference too—appears in the second paragraph of the 'Aleinu prayer. 'Aleinu is
a special prayer: it is an ancient passage that dates back to the Second Temple
Period and its recitation is laden with mystical import.13 On the one hand, 'Aleinu
occupies a place of pride in the liturgy of the Days of Awe, while on the other hand
it is recited thrice daily at the end of each service.14
In 'Aleinu, however, the phrase is somewhat ambiguous: assuming that the
sense is to transform the world, who is supposed to do this? From the opening
line of the second paragraph—"and therefore [looking] to You, we hope…"—it
would appear that tikkun olam is God's domain. The supplicant turns to God,
perhaps with a sense of frustration in the face of human ineptitude that precludes
repairing all that is broken, and voices the hope that God will fix society.15 This
Jewish Political Studies Review
understanding is buttressed by the context of the 'Aleinu prayer when it is recited
on the High Holy Days as part of the liturgy that recognizes divine sovereignty.16
Since the above is the correct reading of 'Aleinu, the modern meaning of tikkun
olam has changed from an aspiration for the divine to a human endeavor.
Several scholars have suggested that the correct text of 'Aleinu is not לתקןas
is assumed by most, but rather ( לתכןto establish).17 If we accept the emendation,
'Aleinu has nothing to do with tikkun olam.
Nonetheless, if the 'Aleinu reference is the inspiration for those who invoke the
contemporary notion of tikkun olam, then a caveat should be considered. The full
phrase in 'Aleinu is "le-takken 'olam be-malkhut shaddai"—to fashion the world as
the kingdom of God. In context, this specifically includes the abolition of idolatry
and universal recognition of the Almighty. In this vein, Maimonides refers to
tikkun olam in the sense that a putative Messiah will recalibrate the entire world
to serve God together.18 When tikkun olam is cited today, divine sovereignty
is not always mentioned and possibly not intended. The 'Aleinu notion of the
kingdom of God involves uncompromising rejection of any religion that does not
acknowledge the one deity. Such intolerance is likely to be anathema to many who
invoke tikkun olam.19
Notwithstanding the accuracy of the text, its contextual meaning, and the
use of the idiom as a "truncated quote"20—the tikkun olam of 'Aleinu as an
eschatological hope and expectation of an improved society and a repaired world,
reverberates in contemporary parlance and collective conscience.
The term "tikkun ha-'olam" appears in Talmudic literature in a normative context,
but its exact legislative function is not stated.21 Various suggestions have been
Rabbi Gilbert S. Rosenthal, executive director of the National Council of
Synagogues, advanced the following theory: "[A]lmost all the references are to
be found in the fourth and fifth chapters of Tractate Gittin, which deals primarily
with divorce laws. This leads me to conclude that the principle was originally
devised to protect the rights of women in divorce cases and to shield them
from unscrupulous, recalcitrant, and extortionist husbands."22 More generally,
Rosenthal suggested that the divorce law cases are similar in that "their teleology
is the improvement of society."23 According to Rosenthal, the legal principle was
expanded from divorce law into a variety of other areas.
Indeed, most of the cases deal with divorce law, but it is questionable whether
this necessarily indicates the source of the legal mechanism.24 More importantly,
there are a sufficient number of cases that have nothing to do with women's rights.
27 Regarding the scope of the tikkun olam legal justification. Indeed. including economic legislation. the universalist theme of 'Aleinu has its eyes set on repairing society in general. however. however. suggested that in rabbinic literature the term "is invoked in response to situations in which a particular legal detail threatens to overturn an entire system.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola These cases come from different areas of law. First. It is an overarching goal of rabbinic society to live with God in mind. there are a few examples in rabbinic literature of the universalist tikkun olam. legislation regarding Gentiles is justified by a different term: mipnei darkhei shalom (in the interests of peace)—a justification that sounds more pragmatic than idealistic. Thus."28 The tikkun olam legal justification reflects a serious turn from its liturgical counterpart. the rabbis fix the flaw that endangers the stability of the system as a whole. also offered stirring words when he suggested that the legal justification "is used for more than just tinkering with the law. was offered for the inner workings of the Jewish community. executive director of T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. It would appear that a more modest and tentative reading of the legislative context is appropriate."26 These scholars may have overstated the case: it is not clear why these cases loom as threats to the entire legal system more than other instances of rabbinic legislation (as Jacobs suggested)."25 Rabbi David S. Calling the rabbinic legal tikkun olam a "principle" (as per Rosenthal) or a "concept" (as per Jacobs) may also be hyperbolizing the term. it is difficult to see it as a guiding notion of the Jewish legal system. not just for reasons of justice and fairness. making society the best it could be. New Jersey. spiritual leader of Temple Beth El of Northern Valley. both Jewish and non-Jewish.29 Second. was limitless. Since tikkun olam appears as a justification for legislation in relatively few cases. The laws include matters of personal status and ransoming captives. Rosenthal's analysis appears to be correct: the principle's "initial application was limited. The legal justification. tikkun olam was used in a diverse array of cases that are not easily grouped together. nor is it apparent that there is an "overarching goal" particular to these cases (as Widzer suggested). Widzer. its potential. suggested that "[t]his may be symptomatic of the way the rabbis 13 . but because those ideals were what God wanted. Blidstein of the Department of Jewish Thought at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.… By invoking the concept of tikkun ha'olam. whereas the legal justification is clearly the province of humanity. they are aimed at encouraging or discouraging certain behavior. It can be said that when jurists perceived a need for legislation to solve a problem—large or small—tikkun olam served as a justification for such legislation. criminal law and matters of personal status. Rabbi Jill Jacobs. tikkun olam in 'Aleinu speaks of God and not humanity repairing the world. but those uses do not appear in legal contexts. Professor Gerald J. or circumventing problematic norms.
This usage focuses on the word tikkun. but nonetheless significant. The kabbalistic tradition also understood the injunction to be referring to human activity. God's task. yetzirah. divine design.33 According to Lawrence Fine. however. Indeed. Thus the phrase tikkun olam x describes the mystical repair of a particular sphere. perhaps. He rightly called this "an amazing journey of ideas.'" This was not necessarily a critique. whether kabbalistic tikkun is truly an offshoot of the liturgical expression or the legal justification? In Lurianic writings the term tikkun is common."30 Despite the potency of tikkun olam and its potential for justifying legal solutions to a large range of social problems. To be sure.31 The potential of the legal tikkun olam has not been realized. Tikkun is a central doctrine in Lurianic kabbalah and writers have discussed tikkun olam from this mystical vantage. it continues to be cited when the relevant Talmudic discussions are invoked. a process as old as 'tradition' itself. beri'ah."34 14 . so as ultimately to achieve that kingdom of heaven. seemingly insignificant acts. even minor. but the human task or the task of the sages is to correct any small injustice within society. Malkhut shaddai is. However. tikkun olam is rarely used as a justification for solving new legal issues. the identification of tikkun olam with the kabbalistic tikkun can be dated to the late 1970s. its impressive convictions about the power of the contemplative imagination. Tikkun olam also appears in the kabbalistic sense to describe an everlasting repair. atzilut). its multiple levels of reality. rather than tikkun olam. where x refers to one of the four "worlds" ('asiyah. tikkunim) describes a person's theurgic potential to repair the fragmented world with the goal of restoring it to its original. the term was not stricken from the record. the legislative tikkun olam was clearly the purview of human beings. professor of Jewish studies at Mount Holyoke College. the term subsequently dropped off the legislative radar screen." but noted that "[t]he highly charged mystical symbolism of Lurianic literature. where all matter returns to its original spiritual condition. Fine concluded: "A contemporary idea is thus legitimated and rendered all the more significant by clothing it in the garb of tradition. To be more precise: kabbalistic tikkun (pl. but it seldom appears as tikkun olam and in those cases it appears as tikkun olam x. way.Jewish Political Studies Review were appropriating terminology—in a very subtle and minor. Lurianic writings also refer to olam ha-tikkun (the world of tikkun)—a world beyond our current existence. MYSTICISM While it may not be clear in 'Aleinu who is charged with repairing the world. has given way to the bare bones of 'rupture' and 'mending. with its endless anthropomorphic description of God's inner life.32 We might wonder.
however." Moreover. writer and literary critic Daphne Merkin explained the history of kabbalah. tikkun olam is often used today with varying hues of mysticism. striving for social justice. SOCIAL JUSTICE. the Committee on Synagogue and Industrial Relations of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) adopted the Reform movement's first resolution on social justice: The next few decades will have as their chief concern the rectification of social and economic evils.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola Be that as it may. and grassroots activism. the earliest use of the term "tikkun olam" as suggesting political involvement comes from inter-war Europe. The ideal of social justice has always been an integral part of Judaism. When these values were first championed by the Reform movement. Alter Hayim Levinson published a work in Warsaw entitled Tikkun 'olam. eight-hour work day. Surprisingly. but the resolution made no mention of the term "tikkun olam. The world will busy itself not only with the establishment of political. but also with the achievement of industrial democracy through social justice. This is evident among those interested in modern."35 This incarnation of tikkun olam is also indicative of the inroads that the term has made in American public discourse. political and environmental activism. Its purpose was to encourage 15 . Madonna was credited with bringing "the Kabbalah Center's message of egoless dedication of tikkun olam (repairing the world) home to her fans both in her music and in personal appearances. ACTIVISM Tikkun olam as a modern turn of phrase generally refers to political involvement. accident compensation. In 1932. POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT. they were not labeled as tikkun olam.37 Social justice became the central theme of the Reform movement. assistance to the unemployed in finding a job. right to unionize and more.36 The resolution continued with the committee submitting a "declaration of principles as a program for the attainment of which the followers of our faith should strive. are hazy." The principles focused on minimum wage. Thus in a 2008 New York Times article. as we will see below. The origins of this popular usage. abolition of child labor. health insurance. In 1918. trendy kabbalah study. noting that the "fragmented and disordered state of affairs… can only be made whole through selfless devotion to tikkun olam. safety and sanitary conditions in the work place." Other early platforms and resolutions also did not employ the expression "tikkun olam. compulsory day of rest."38 The term would later become synonymous with a variety of types of social.
It is undeniable that contemporary liberal tikkun olam activism. Czechoslovakia.Jewish Political Studies Review Jews to join the Agudas Yisroel political party (founded in 1912). and Agudas Yisroel. dealing with the correct place on the head for laying tefillin (phylacteries). another volume with the same title was published in Mukačevo (Munkatch). published in Kołomyja in 1901 by Moshe Yaakov Szwerdszarf (1857–1922). The party was to be an organization that would unite observant Jews under one banner. and an outspoken opponent of Jewish political organization. including the various secular and religious Zionist parties. and subsequently reprinted in other prayer books.40 (5) A compilation of a few short works that deal with eclectic topics written by Rabbi Moshe Klig of Hrubieszów and published in Piotrków in 1904. The work was printed in Vilna as an appendix to an 1879 prayer book. I suspect that many contemporary political tikkun olam activists would be surprised to learn of the earlier use of the term. contemporary tikkun olam is universalist in essence. pro-Agudas Yisroel Tikkun 'olam. while the universalism of the earlier versions of political tikkun olam was to be achieved via a decidedly particularistic focus. leader of the Munkatch Hasidim. by Rabbi Shelomo Kluger (1785– 1869). religious or social agendas. Significantly. (3) A short work in Hebrew and in Yiddish.39 (4) A small collection of rabbinic legislation in Poland from the sixteenth and seventeen centuries. 16 . In 1936. The proofreader wrote a poem that begins with the line from 'Aleinu. (2) A work dealing with bills of divorce. The Munkatch Tikkun 'olam was a collection of letters and documents against the Jewish political organizations of the day. Munkatch Tikkun 'olam and the eponymous volumes dating back to the seventeenth century—each advocated different political. The work was produced by Moshe Goldstein at the behest of his teacher Rabbi Hayim Elazar Shapira (1871–1937)—rabbi of Mukačevo. The work was printed in Żółkiew in 1854 at the back of Kluger's Shi'urei tahara. To complete the bibliographic picture—Levinson's Tikkun 'olam and the Munkatch Tikkun 'olam were predated by other works with the same title: (1) A commentary on Isaiah by Shelomo Mamrini of Padua. printed in Verona 1652.
as the United Synagogue Youth named its charity program "Tikkun Olam. as follows: "Partners with God in ( ּתִּקּון עֹולָםtikkun olam). recently wrote: "Tikkun olam is the gateway for most young Jews to live a life of Jewish commitment. David Bleich of Yeshiva University. "social action became a dominant concern of the Reform movement with the result that such activity quite incorrectly became suspect within the traditionalist sectors of our community. most notably via the journal Tikkun.48 The emphasis on tikkun olam in progressive circles was not shared across the denominational spectrum. the traditionalist camp displayed a relative disinterest in universalistic activities. while the second underscores universalism. partly because of a dearth of primary sources advocating tikkun olam in its social activist incarnation."46 The approach of Reform towards tikkun olam drew on the universalism of 'Aleinu. it is important to add that 'Aleinu is comprised of two significantly different paragraphs."50 In 1997. for many American Jews. To be sure. to strive to improve the world in which we live. Liberal liturgists did not always identify with the first paragraph of 'Aleinu. but the universalism of the second paragraph has become a banner which they proudly wave. I have found no evidence to suggest that the political activist connotation of the term migrated from Europe to America. tikkun olam as social justice became no less than a pillar of Judaism.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola BANNER FOR LIBERAL AMERICAN JEWRY While tikkun olam as political activism may have been a European innovation. as the URJ's website declares: "To be a Reform Jew is to hear the voice of the prophets in our head."44 Professor Yehudah Mirsky of Brandeis University suggested a later date for its propagation: "The term [tikkun olam] entered contemporary usage as the rubric for spiritually charged social justice efforts in recent decades. Rabbi Rick Jacobs. former Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks put it in harsher terms: [E]very phrase associated with the idea of Tikkun Olam. the term was used in the Conservative movement. the term was used. While I discussed tikkun olam in 'Aleinu above. In fact."45 In the Reform movement's 1999 Pittsburgh Platform.47 The first paragraph emphasizes chosenness and particularism. The president of the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ).43 During the 1970s.49 In general. founded in 1986. Regardless. the elevation of tikkun olam as a major value by liberal Jews had a negative impact on Orthodox circles. phrases like— 17 . the founder of the Brandeis Camp Institute in California. repairing the world."42 Fine suggested that the first use of the expression "tikkun olam" in America was in the 1950s by Shlomo Bardin (1898–1976). According to Rabbi J. to be engaged in the ongoing work of tikkun olam. it would be on the shores of progressive America that it would blossom."41 Or. we are called to help bring nearer the messianic age.
"54 Blidstein's conclusion went further: I think we can safely say that "responsibility for the welfare of general society" is not the highest priority in our scheme of things." but also noted that the nature of the sources meant that they did not "decide either concrete questions of prudence and priority. Blidstein discussed the fact that the sources displayed "an authentic call for broad Jewish involvement with the welfare of society as a whole. In his comments on tikkun olam. the coveted ideal only appears when it is not in focus. What a tragedy that is today. reform.55 At the same conference. Like an autostereogram (an optical illusion of depth). convened by Yeshiva University President Norman Lamm. like Blidstein.Jewish Political Studies Review "light unto the nation. at least on the day-to-day level. disseminate." He explained that the first divine promise 18 . and the whole concept of Tikkun Olam became suspect.52 At this conference. the Sixth Orthodox Forum. In 1994. Bleich discussed tikkun olam from the perspective of the Jewish obligation to determine." all those things became code words for assimilation. promote and enforce the Seven Noahide Laws among Gentiles. to serve God and to witness to Him. and even then it was not with the same enthusiasm as their liberal co-religionists. he opened his analysis with similar sentiments.56 Three years later when Sacks spoke about tikkun olam. The people Israel seems called upon primarily to keep its house in order and to care for its own.51 It was some time before Orthodox communities took up tikkun olam as a cause."53 Thus Blidstein suggested that tikkun olam is best fulfilled indirectly rather than by actively pursuing the goal. Blidstein called this a "paradoxical possibility that Israel best fulfills whatever responsibility it has for the welfare of mankind by acting in devotion and probity before the Lord." or "ethical universalism. At the same time this exemplary life ought to have an overall incremental impact on mankind as a whole." or "the Jewish mission. rather than by busying itself in attempting to directly affect the spiritual or material state of the world. While Bleich advocated voicing Jewish approaches to contemporary issues in light of the Noahide laws. Bleich also reflected on sources that consider the eventuality of Gentile fidelity to standards that are normative for Jews.57 It would appear that the contemporary Orthodox notion of tikkun olam is best realized by focusing on Jewish values that are not directed toward realizing tikkun olam. discussed tikkun olam in the context of Jewish responsibility for society in general and a conference volume was subsequently published. he did not emphasize them as being tikkun olam. nor…provide any guidance to religionists who do not wish simply to be swept along by the faddish social current of the day. Sacks embarked upon a journey that he called "an exercise in historical imagination.
60 it appears that tikkun olam as a call for social and political activism is still most closely associated with liberal strands of Judaism. Jacob J."59 Despite continuing efforts by the Modern Orthodox community. African American Studies Professor Cornel West. Both promises have been realized in the present era. at a gathering marking Jewish American Heritage Month. Schacter's survey included quotes from former New York Governor Mario Cuomo. Sacks acknowledged the enormity of the challenge: "It is the last task of Jewish history. AMERICAN VALUE The ideal of tikkun olam has become so pervasive in America that the Hebrew term is often used without an English translation. and placed this literary phenomenon in its historical context. when he referred to "the concept of tikkun olam that has enriched and guided my life."63 It was not the first time President Obama invoked the notion of tikkun olam: in 2010. and it is the hardest task. Schacter then offered traditional sources in an attempt to ground the contemporary understanding of tikkun olam as social justice. Rabbi Dr. survey of modern expressions of tikkun olam as the Jewish ideal of social justice. while the second divine promise spoke about the Children of Israel. Obama spoke about the contributions and values of Jewish Americans and summarized: "So what we are called upon to do now is to continue to live up to those values as a nation—to continue to uphold the principle of 'tikkun olam'—our obligation to repair the world.58 More recently.61 Schacter provided an eclectic. Mirsky commented that "the historical moment in which we find ourselves is without precedent in human history" and therefore "in many respects the corpus of Jewish tradition is of limited usefulness in addressing many contemporary questions of social justice—and certainly on a global scale.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola focused on the Land of Israel." Given the centrality of this task. Jewish Americans carry on their culture's tradition of 'tikkun 19 ."64 The presidential proclamation marking the event also mentioned tikkun olam: "Today. leaving the third promise as the next challenge: to perfect the world under the sovereignty of God. Madonna and then-Senator Barack Obama. Schacter of Yeshiva University noted that there was scant discussion of tikkun olam as an ideal.62 A well-publicized example of the Americanization of tikkun olam was President Obama's speech at the AIPAC convention in March 2012. why is it apparently absent from traditional sources? Sacks explained that this was by dint of the historical reality of Jewish existence in a hostile Gentile world: "It would have been absurd to raise our sights any higher … because who were we to change the world?" The paucity of primary sources has also been observed by other scholars. and at times entertaining.
72 In some cases.Jewish Political Studies Review olam'—or 'to repair the world'—through good deeds and service."74 With Obama's reelection. Obama's tikkun olam has been directed to Jewish audiences. the Forward ran an article by Noam Neusner entitled "Mitt Romney Is Real Tikkun Olam Candidate.71 The context of the article was President Obama's references to tikkun olam at the biennial convention of the Union for Reform Judaism."—wrote Neusner. Florida."65 In 2011. in August 2012. Bob whose headline heralded Obama as "the 'tikkun olam' President.S. before the 2012 presidential election. the Jerusalem Post ran an article by Rabbi Steven M. Prior to the 2004 election."66 In fact."70 Bob serves as senior rabbi of Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard. at the White House Hanukah celebration. referring to Obama policies such as the health care package—"is going to wreck the country. classifying Obama's accomplishments as tikkun olam employed an extremely broad definition of the term ("General Motors is alive and Osama bin Laden isn't. is pretty much the opposite of the goal of tikkun olam. it would appear that tikkun olam is one of Obama's talking points—or to use George Orwell's term. all that tikkun olam. not just in words. His article addressed "tikkun olam minded voters. if I'm not mistaken. Tikkun Olam Ted—an English-language Jewish children's book—tells of Ted whose "family calls him 'Tikkun Olam Ted' because he wants to help fix the 20 . In December 2011. The press reported that Clinton used the term "tikkun olam" when addressing Jewish voters "to tout Kerry's promise to improve relationships with nations that Democrats say were alienated by the U. and that. He's the real tikkun olam candidate. Obama asserted: "Let's extend a hand to those who are in need. he addressed the people of Israel and referred to tikkun olam as "that timeless calling within the Jewish experience.68 In recent years.-led invasions of Iraq.") Bob concluded his praises of Obama by declaring: "That's tikkun olam in deeds. former President Bill Clinton stumped for Senator John F. Similarly." Thus."75 To be sure. presidential election. This was not the first time that tikkun olam has been used on the presidential campaign trail. In March 2013. snickering at their notion of tikkun olam: "At some point. Obama's staff and official appointees have also regularly invoked tikkun olam in Jewish contexts. the term has not fallen into disuse." Neusner specifically turned to Rabbis for Obama." Neusner concluded his article by declaring: "Vote Mitt Romney. Bush." Then. and as the White House Jewish liaison."73 Neusner served as a speech writer for President George W. "ready-made phrases"67—at least for Jewish audiences. Kerry in Baco Raton. Illinois and was a co-founder of Rabbis for Obama.69 An interesting exchange occurred prior to the 2012 U. policy questions were refracted through the lens of tikkun olam and this watchword suggested a standard for judging the candidates. when the newly reelected president visited Israel.S. and allow the value of tikkun olam to guide our work this holiday season.
Tikkun Olam Ted never actually defines the term. it is assumed that the reader will understand the idiom. "Tikkun Olam is simply a commitment Americans share. and with it came a covenantal obligation to serve God with gladness by living as best as we could. The summary of our aspirations was in the Hebrew phrase tikkun olam … [T]his concept of tikkun olam presumes the inherent but unfulfilled goodness of people and requires action for the benefit of the community."77 Perhaps Halkin should have used the Hebrew. It accepts our imperfections and concludes that we. as good and grateful citizens. according to the law and values that God gave Moses at Mount Sinai. Matthew Baigell. it has now become almost impossible to avoid hearing or reading references or inferences to tikkun olam. and seem even more profound and true to me today. schmooze. Lieberman concludes the book with the following call: The day is short.80 While Lieberman makes no secret of his Jewish roots and identity. … These beliefs were a powerful force in my upbringing. repairing our government and improving our beloved country and world. are constantly in the process of improving and becoming complete. Each of us has the opportunity and responsibility to advance that process both within ourselves and the wider world around us. his book and these stirring words address Americans. it appears that tikkun olam is no longer confined to Jewish discourse."78 As Bob succinctly noted."79 Thus. tikkun olam. pointed out the term "has become a catch-all term used by Jews and non-Jews in America" to the extent that "[i]n the course of a single day. We are not required to complete the work ourselves. but. and there is much work to be done. and schmaltz. as that rabbi said so long ago. we cannot withdraw from it either. as individuals and as society. walking dogs from an animal shelter. Indeed." Ted spends his week recycling. rather than the translation. professor emeritus at Rutgers University.76 Literary critic Hillel Halkin noted that "'Repairing the world' is now as much of a Jewish contribution to the American language as are chutzpah. cleaning up fallen leaves.81 21 . watering the plants. and feeding the birds.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola world and make it a kinder. the Creator. better place. While the target audiences discussed thus far have largely been Jewish. in his autobiographical book—In Praise of Pubic Life: The Honor and Purpose of Political Service—former Senator Joe Lieberman freely waved the tikkun olam banner: My parents and my rabbi … taught me that our lives were a gift from God.
in 1955. but the film is not about a Jewish girl. Tikkun olam was one of the select values touted as a Reform export: Confident that Reform Judaism's synthesis of tradition and modernity and 22 . this use is distinct from the political and ideological usages that I have highlighted.Jewish Political Studies Review Tikkun olam has even been assimilated into popular American culture. It would seem that tikkun olam has been assimilated into American culture on many levels. the American Reform movement voiced its potential contribution to the State of Israel. The fifth (and last) issue of the journal carried an additional title: Le-takken 'olam be-malkhut shaddai.82 The character of Norah Silverberg is Jewish. It says that the world's been broken into pieces and it's everybody's job to find them and put them back together again. we may ask: what is the place of tikkun olam in Israel?84 From 1939 to 1941. Maybe we are not supposed to find the pieces. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. IMPORTED IDEAL With tikkun olam so firmly ensconced in the Jewish American agenda. was published in Tel Aviv. Christian and Islamic thought. In the 1997 Miami Platform. It's called Tikkun olam. In this simple nineteen-page booklet.86 Later. Maybe we are the pieces.87 Neither of these publications offered serious analysis or discussion of tikkun olam. Pollak (1910–1970). Nick: Well maybe we're the pieces.85 Seven of the nine short pieces were penned by Akiva Aryeh Weiss (1868–1947). nor were they representative of Israeli discourse. Aִ huzat bayit (renamed Tel Aviv in 1910). Avraham N. As such. as well as other short articles. a founder of the first Hebrew city in the Land of Israel. compared the optimistic Jewish idea of tikkun olam to the pessimism and fatalism of Greek.83 Employing the term "tikkun olam" in this movie reflects Jewish social integration in American society. the author. which includes the following conversation: Norah: It reminds me of this part of Judaism that I really like. tikkun olam has not been part of Israel's agenda. it is about an American girl (who is Jewish) and her budding romance with Nick (who is not Jewish). the education department of the Israel Defense Forces printed a short work entitled Tikkun ha-'olam. Indeed. a short-lived journal entitled H ִ evrah ִ hadasha—Hashalom (New Society—The Peace). The journal printed the transactions of the eponymous society. This is evident from the 2008 romantic comedy-drama.
The specific context of Ettinger's observation was a news item in the summer of 2013 that "for the first time. Shalom Sesame was not written for Israeli audiences. Shalom Sesame—a coproduction of Sesame Street and the Israeli version Rechov Sumsum—the characters talk about fixing the world and note "in Hebrew that's tikkun olam."89 They then sing a song with the refrain: "We help the world when we help someone / Do what you can to make things right / tikkun olam. and resources of a globally dispersed people. Jewish organizations from the United States will offer humanitarian assistance to refugees from Syria. suggested that tikkun olam could be a possible vehicle for strengthening the bonds between Israel and the Diaspora: Imagine now the powerful potential comprised in the power of a state and the spirit. but sought to bring Israeli life and Jewish culture to Americans. He further proposed that "[a] joint tikkun olam mission can be a way to strengthen the common bonds of the Jewish people in a time of growing gaps between Israel and world Jewry communities.88 In a 2010 episode of the children's television program. can make a unique and positive contribution to the Jewish state. Moreover. know-how. we resolve to intensify our efforts to inform and educate Israelis about the values of Reform Judaism.92 Infeld argued that tikkun olam was the appropriate rubric for such a vision. and distinctly Jewish and Israeli. together mobilized in pursuit of a common vision of making a significant." but tikkun olam is not necessarily the banner under which those issues are considered.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola its historic commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world). it is more difficult to imagine Israelis embracing the suggestion." While it is easy to envisage how Infeld's vision would speak to the hearts of American Jewry." implying that tikkun olam does not attract their Israeli counterparts. a recognized authority in the field of informal Jewish education. local pressing problems are at the foreground of Israel's consciousness 23 . Israelis may be interested in addressing "humanity's most pressing problems." Despite the Israeli input. contribution to solving humanity's most pressing problems.90 Writing on the gulf between the American Jewish community and the Israeli Jewish community. Israeli journalist Yair Ettinger noted that "the concept of 'Tikun Olam'… appeals to so many young Jewish Americans. We call upon Reform Jews everywhere to dedicate their energies and resources to the strengthening of an indigenous Progressive Judaism in Medinat Yisrael."91 Avraham Infeld.
editor and publisher of The Jewish Week of New York."95 Ne'emanei Torah va-'avoda is a religious Zionist movement founded in 1978 that advocates "strengthening tolerance and openness in Orthodoxy. Undoubtedly. Ne'emanei Torah va-'avoda posted a letter under the words of 'Aleinu: "le-takken 'olam be-malkhut shaddai.94 But apart from the title." The aforementioned Avraham Infeld mentored this tikkun olam initiative. even this apparent Israeli expression of tikkun olam caters mainly to an American public. imported products or programs for tourists. 24 . it is hardly a realization of Infeld's vision of a joint mission. Israeli expressions of tikkun olam are often new immigrants. commented on the boldness of the proposal and described its possible positive impact on Israel. it has no apparent link to contemporary notions of tikkun olam. The liberal version of tikkun olam is not entirely absent from Hebrew discourse in Israel. and its partners are geared to the population that is most attracted by the tikkun olam motto. Ne'emanei Torah va-'avoda argued that maintaining the mixed school was an act of tikkun olam. its components. A year later. namely liberal American Jewry. In an earlier appraisal of the proposal Gary Rosenblatt. This letter did not refer to a specific event. such as the program of MASA Israel Journey called "Tikkun Olam in Tel Aviv-Jaffa. The letter itself did not use the term tikkun olam. prior to Rosh Hashana. rather than humanity at large.97 (3) In 2012. First.Jewish Political Studies Review and Israelis may not have the luxury to confront the problems of the world as long as they have to struggle with local challenges. the program. the program involves study and volunteering in lower socioeconomic areas. but opened with a statement to the effect that there is much to repair in this world of ours. prior to Yom Kippur 2014. the name of the program has a strong impact on potential participants. Second. most of whom have participated in a Birthright trip to Israel and have come to Israel to volunteer or intern for five to ten months. Ne'emanei Torah va-'avoda posted another Hebrew letter under the same title. Let me mention a number of curious examples. since 2011 the program has integrated Israelis—according to MASA. the Reut Institute together with the Alliance for Global Good issued a paper audaciously titled "21st Century Tikkun Olam: Improving the Lives of a Quarter of a Billion People in a Decade—A Global Engagement Strategy for the State of Israel and the Jewish People. Still. it focuses on challenges in Israel. 20 to 25 percent of Tikkun Olam participants are Israelis. While the venture— valuable as it is—brings together Diaspora Jewry together with Israelis. followed by a summary of the organization's activities and achievements over the year. (2) In 2013."93 Established in 2006. (1) The Religious Kibbutz Movement issues a weekly Torah sheet for youth entitled Tikkun 'Olam. It caters to participants aged 18–35. Despite this."96 The letter in Hebrew was an expression of thanks in appreciation for support in the battle to prevent the separation of boys and girls in a religious elementary school in Gedera.
rabbi in Illinois and co-founder of Rabbis 25 . in 2010 the company opened a shop in Tel Aviv for its sale to customers with a permit to purchase medical cannabis. signs and official publications are in English. The company is a leader in the field and has received international acclaim. In the context of the Americanization of tikkun olam." On July 1.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola together with its worldwide focus. particularly in light of the fact that the proposal called for coordinated efforts that included the government of Israel and American Jewish organizations. The banner of tikkun olam largely remains an American phenomenon. Initially permitted to grow medical cannabis." that was held in the Industrial Park of Nazareth. The truth continues to ring in Infeld's wry comment that the term tikkun olam "is probably better known to American non-Jews than it is to Jewish Israelis.98 (4) For three days in the summer of 2014. it must be said that these inroads are exceptions. I mentioned Rabbi Steven M. Bob. are somewhat quirky."101 EXPANDING THE UMBRELLA It would appear that the term continues to evolve. and one of Reut's projects entitled XLN (Cross-Lab Network)."99 (5) "Tikun Olam Ltd" is the name of the Israeli company that grows. and are limited to particular sectors of Israeli society. and even the Israeli expressions seem to be heavily influenced by American Jewry. However. there was clearly strong American influence and involvement." He also reported that questions were raised over the practicality of the initiative. The event was billed as "72 hours to make a better world. The main participants were the Schusterman Philanthropic Network. the term "tikkun olam" may be found in Israel. the Reut Institute. While this was ostensibly an Israeli tikkun olam initiative. efforts are being made to accommodate speakers of Hebrew and Arabic as well. supplies. its website was solely in English. 2014. thirteen teams presented working prototypes that they had created using 3D printing. a number of institutions partnered in what they called "Tikkun Olam Make-a-Thon" or "TOM. While this innovative and laudable initiative was held in Israel. and advocates medical cannabis in Israel. and the FAQ section clearly stated: "The official language of TOM is English. yet in the land where Hebrew is the native tongue." and involved "gathering individuals from around the world to use 3D printing and design to address the needs of people with disabilities. Printed material. and not only in the political arena.100 Without minimizing these initiatives and efforts. this Hebrew idiom seems to be a foreign import. Rosenblatt noted that the plan was conceived by "a small group of Israeli and American Jews. True. below are several examples.
Judaism. Bob's synagogue had a "Solar Celebration" ceremony on the occasion of the installment of 136 solar panels on the roof of the synagogue. art historian Matthew Baigell discussed how social concern has been reflected in Jewish American art from the late nineteenth century and that recently this trend has turned to tikkun olam as the subject of art. a leader of the Jewish Renewal movement. and…expatriate American. Bob is also the founder of the Fourth Day Initiative.Jewish Political Studies Review for Obama. if we are talking about tikkun olam. we must encourage correct eating. however. The new sanctuary was constructed from sustainable materials and carpeted with rugs made from recycled fibers. In a fascinating article. the ideal has also been given artistic expression. New York. Baigell explained this development by pointing out that "in today's market-driven. Thus."103 Tikkun olam has thus become synonymous with environmental issues and concerns for ecology. In the February 2012 issue of Nashim—a Hebrew magazine published by the Makor Rishon newspaper and aligned with Orthodox Religious Zionism— there was an article about healthy eating and the front cover of the magazine ran the headline "Education towards Correct Nutrition is Tikkun Olam. while the eternal flame is powered by solar energy. the interviewee was quoted as saying: "In a better world. Rabbi Rick Jacobs.104 Tikkun olam is not reserved for the rhetoric of social action. featured an interview with Phyllis Glazer—chef. and an art of social concern go hand in hand. The synagogue's website hails this project as "a physical example of one of our congregation's five pillars: Tikkun Olam—Repairing the World. the creation of works with tikkun olam in mind provides the artists with moral and sociallyminded reasons to create and to give purpose to their art. accomplished cookbook author. Rabbi Arthur Waskow."105 Baigell further noted that there was a gender difference and that women "are in the forefront of contemporary Jewish American artists who explore aspects of tikkun olam… For them. feminism. In 2011. author and activist. has championed tikkun olam as a Jewish ideal. URJ president and formerly rabbi of Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale.102 Similarly."107 In the article. tikkun olam has also expanded to include nutrition. The article. for instance. and in the process has expanded the parameters of the term."108 At first. October 2013 was declared "Arts and Culture Month" by the American organization Repair the World. Waskow advocated 26 . Bob explained the environmental initiative in terms of tikkun olam." In line with Baigell's observations.106 In addition to ecology and art. oversaw the eco-friendly renovation and expansion of the synagogue that was dedicated in 2009. such that fewer children will be overweight and we will raise here a stronger and healthier nation. and a long-time advocate of tikkun olam. profit-making artistic climate. In his 2009 Rosh Hashana sermon. this version of tikkun olam appears to be an Israeli expression—it appeared in a Hebrew publication that was addressed to a sector of Israeli society. an interfaith solar energy project. when he launched the program.
trying valiantly to redeem the term from its use "as 27 . and perhaps even what to do about it". the importance of the Land of Israel. These sites champion an array of causes: "Promoting Israeli democracy. how to differentiate good from evil. wrote that "this strange and half-understood notion becomes a huge umbrella under which our petty moral concerns and political panaceas can come in out of the rain. exposing secrets of the national security state". and more generally to best Jewish practices in all walks of life— what has been termed "Eco-Kosher. a Conservative rabbi and social justice activist. The aforementioned Jill Jacobs." For Wolf this meant asking hard questions: "Is our ethical system finally theocentric or pragmatic? Do we want what we want or what God wants?"114 Mirsky described a different challenge facing those who wave the broad tikkun olam banner by asking "How Jewish is Tikkun Olam?" Mirsky wondered whether there was "a distinctively Jewish way of doing humanitarian work in developing countries?" Exemplifying the irony of the situation."113 CRITIQUE OF THE CATCH-ALL That tikkun olam has evolved into a catch-all that is bandied around for such a variety of causes." While Wolf did not advocate abandoning tikkun olam.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola a mealtime spiritual practice of "talking about the day's world news not as a spectator gossip but as a problem in tikkun olam. aptly described the term's pliability. Arnold Jacob Wolf (1924–2008). as tikkun olam constantly appears to be encompassing an even broader spectrum of values.109 Tikkun olam can also be found as a rallying cry in new media. a well-known Reform rabbi and advocate of progressive politics."112 Needless to say." Waskow's uses of the term include Jewish attitudes to food preparation and consumption. a number of blogs and websites carry the term Tikkun (or Tikun) olam as their title. Mirsky offered a Jewish perspective on tikkun olam." He also encouraged gay couples who want to draw up a ketubah to address "whether their political views are similar enough that they can work together for tikkun olam. the term tikkun olam is liberally used in Waskow's writings in a variety of contexts. when she commented that "the meaning of the term tikkun olam has expanded to apply to virtually any action or belief that the user thinks is beneficial to the world. he openly declared that "[o]ur world does need repair.111 "Live and volunteer for 5 or 10 months with Israelis in Israel's most exciting city.110 "[M]y view of the purpose and essence of life as a Jew. the healing of the world. one writer's tikkun olam. So do we." Indeed. has not necessarily been seen as a positive development. Thus. The elasticity of the term is truly remarkable. may be another's incubus.
Jacobs summarized her proposal in the following points: 1) the Aleynu's concept of tikkun as the destruction of any impurities that impede the full manifestation of the divine presence. Any attempt to make the world a better place should be celebrated.Jewish Political Studies Review a substitute for universalist moral concern" by "articulating a distinctively Judaic moral vision. while at the same time advocating liberal values."116 In response to this situation. tikkun olam helps people rally around an ideal. beginning with traditional understandings and recasting the original meanings in light of contemporary sensitivities. As a flag. 2) the literalist midrashic understanding of tikkun olam as the establishment of a sustainable world. and 4) the Lurianic belief that individual actions can affect the fate of the world as a whole. the end is laudable. The marketing utility is clear. the authenticity is dubious." Jacobs deftly outlined the tikkun olam objectives. The Hebrew idiom lends a tenor of Jewish tradition to contemporary values: those who champion modern tikkun olam believe they are drawing from hallowed traditional Jewish sources.117 the rabbinic desire to sustain the social order. the midrashic call to preserve the physical world. So what is the course for an individual seeking to contribute to repairing our fragmented world? There is no definitive answer to this question. we may ask whether the term should be defined in an encyclopedic fashion? HOW TO REPAIR THE WORLD Tikkun olam has become a catch cry with an array of connotations."115 Jill Jacobs also bemoaned that "the term has become so overused and so little understood as to be meaningless. described Jewish culture without Jewish religion in America: "[T]elling funny jokes and some 28 . even if it should not be classified as tikkun olam or does not suit the historical definition of the term. 3) the rabbinic willingness to invoke tikkun ha'olam as a justification for changing untenable laws.118 Jacobs' proposal notwithstanding. Leon A." She pointed out that "[s]ome have suggested imposing a ban or hiatus on the term tikkun olam. given the general confusion about the meaning of this phrase. Jacobs proposed "weaving together the four primary definitions of tikkun olam present in Jewish history: the anticipation of the divine kingdom in the 'Aleinu prayer. and the Lurianic belief in our power to restore divine perfection. a large part of being Jewish is living an ethical life and working for justice and equality. Morris.119 Or as the rabbi of Temple Adas Israel in Sag Harbor. The 2013 Pew Survey reminded us that for Jews in America. alas.
multiculturalism is not an absolute value. but perhaps even a greater loss for any multiculturalist dream. then we may have lost tikkun olam as a feature of Jewish culture. rather than focusing on whether a particular endeavor can be classified as tikkun olam. and the destination of changing the world. Returning to the words of the former British chief rabbi: "Jewish history is a journey through three destinations: the destination of Jewish land."120 Surely. The question is how do we do it?" Sacks' answer is simple yet profound. Alas. it is of greater value to discuss what steps are beneficial. This would be a blow to Jewish tradition. historically tikkun olam has always been a grand ideal. the destination of Jewish children. such as national unity and universal liberal values. grassroots activism. minority cultures must avoid erosion. such that "anyone who has tried to teach will know the answer. Americanizing tikkun olam might seem harmless or even desirable as tikkun olam seems to promote national unity and universal liberal values. Political involvement."121 29 . energy conservation and healthy eating are all laudable values that we would do well to earnestly promote and actively engage. Any discussion of a multicultural mosaic must balance other values. To be sure. often very specific and narrow means.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola abstract commitment to repair the world. Besides the dubious authenticity and the risk of monoculturalism. Because a particular goal reflects a liberal democratic worldview does not mean that it is necessarily a Jewish value. As we have seen. But they should not be subsumed under an encyclopedic rubric of tikkun olam. a sincere effort should be made to clarify how that enterprise is perceived in Jewish law and tradition. If we can no longer distinguish tikkun olam from the gamut of American or liberal democratic values. we would be remiss to ignore the cost of dissolving tikkun olam into the melting pot of liberal democratic values." that is "to be a particular. Instead of labeling a particular undertaking as tikkun olam. and what is its relative weight. Yet the assimilation of tikkun olam is indicative of a turn towards monoculturalism. specific living example of how to live. blurring the definition of tikkun olam may entail a further cost. Using tikkun olam as a watchword for any action that purports to improve society may lend a fictitious stamp of Jewish approval to policies and projects that run counter to values that are deeply rooted in Jewish sources. yet it is to be achieved through modest. In order to guarantee the diverse tapestry of a multicultural society. social justice.
1 (Winter 2013). 4. Shemaryahu Talmon (Sheffield: JSOT. 2." Judaism 50. The Code of Maimonides: Book Fourteen—The Book of Judges. the English language quarterly published by Michael Lerner since 1986 (see: www.Jewish Political Studies Review notes * 1." in: The Life of Covenant: The Challenge of Contemporary Judaism—Essays in Honor of Herman E. 1951). Edelheit (Chicago: Spertus College of Judaica Press. 30 This research was supported by the I-CORE Program of the Planning and Budgeting Committee and the Israel Science Foundation (grant No 1798/12). and Moshe Kornfeld for assistance and suggestions at various stages. Lerner founded Beyt Tikkun. 479. 9. "Tikkun ha-Olam. In 2005. In 1996. ed. Because of the prevalence of the term in English literature (as will become apparent). Rosenthal. trans. June 2007. unless I cite from a source that has the term italicized. Eugene J. Schaalman. in the pi'el verbal stem. Arnold Jacob Wolf. Gilbert S. "Tikkun Olam: Defining the Jewish Obligation. 6.org). Lipman. 215–16. My initial musings appeared in Jewish Educational Leadership 11. Yaffa Epstein. Elliot Dorff. Menachem Butler." in: Rav Chesed: Essays in Honor of Rabbi Dr.org).'" Hillel Halkin. section 4:6. 240. Lerner founded The Network of Spiritual Progressives as an interfaith advocacy arm of Tikkun (see: http:// spiritualprogressives. See: Jacob J. ed. H. in the kal verbal stem." The Journal of Religion 85. no. I will not deal with uses of the verb t-k-n that appear without 'olam or with other words. 64. no. "Repairing Tikkun Olam. no. "Tikkun ha-Olam: The Metamorphosis of a Concept.zeek. 3. 108. a Jewish Renewal Synagogue in the San Francisco Bay Area. 1 ( July-August 2008).net/706tohu. whose goal is "spirituality and social transformation" (see: www. Abraham M. 2 (April 2005). for it unnecessarily expands the parameters of the discussion without advancing our understanding of the idiom tikkun olam. 1986). Hershman (New Haven: Yale University Press. 1991). 10. Yitzchak Brand. 2. "How Not to Repair the World. Lipman also noted that "[i]t is a long way from that definition to 'build a better world. "A History of 'Tikkun Olam. n. "The Import of Early Rabbinic Writings for an Understanding of Judaism in the Hellenistic-Roman Period. 7:13. 31. 46–53. no. 11. Blidstein. Zvi Grumet. 5. Rafael Medoff ( Jersey City. the publication of Bar-Ilan University's Lookstein Center. "Mipnei Tikkun Ha'Olam in the Talmud: A Preliminary Exploration. 12:9. Baruch Feldstern. Avigail Hurvitz-Prinz.'" Zeek. 2:182–83." 217. Ecclesiastes 1:15." in: Jewish Civilization in the HellenisticRoman Period. 7.org). 1949). In both places the phrase is le-tikkun ha-'olam u-le-yishuvo (and to settle it). ed. . 12. In this paper." Commentary 126. Jill Jacobs. www.tikkun. Rosenthal. trans. 108. Schacter. Joseph A. 2009). 22–3. It is my pleasure to thank Nahum Binder. or when transliterating Hebrew phrases. that is. Gerald J. This is the sub-heading of the Tikkun magazine. 8. Midrash Rabbah: Genesis.beyttikkun. I have retained the common spelling "tikkun olam" and not italicized the term. Haskel Lookstein. 4 (Fall 2001). NJ: Ktav. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy. This paper was written while I had the privilege of being a post-doctoral fellow in Bar-Ilan University's Faculty of Law. section 13:13. Freedman (London and Bournemouth: Soncino.
ed. see: Jewish Encyclopedia (New York: Funk & Wagnalls. Mitchell First." but "it is almost certainly a mistake to read such a concept into the Aleinu prayer" ("Aleinu. Two further examples of the phenomenon of modern truncated quotes that expunge God: (1) The late nineteenth century Bilu movement whose goal was the agricultural settlement of the Land of Israel. September 3. she acknowledged that "[s]uch apologetics…go only so far" ("A History of 'Tikkun Olam'"). Meir Bar-Ilan.jewishencyclopedia. 43. "The Censorship of Aleinu in Ashkenaz and Its Aftermath. Alter Drujanow. 173– 75 n." I mean a partial citation of a source that excises salient parts of the original and thus alters the meaning. Regarding the provenance and adventures of 'Aleinu. the rejection of other religions appears intolerant and proselytizing. 17. Joseph Heinemann. Jerusalem: Magnes. Ruth Langer. 71–2. Mitchell First. 1963). "Aleinu: Obligation to Fix the World or the Text?" H 187–97. 72. 1901–1906). See also: Rabbi Yoel Sirkis. and it was taken from there to the daily service: "It was of high religious significance that the lofty ideal of the future union of all mankind in the world to come in the service of the one God became part of the daily service" (Elbogen. Debra Reed Bank (Leiden & Boston: Brill.. oraִ h ִ hayim. 11:4. 2008). "Le-Tacen Olam ()לתכן עולם: Establishing the Correct Text in Aleinu.org/1997/tikkun-olam-orthodoxys-responsibility-to-perfect-g-ds-world. 1:143–44. 14." in: The Experience of Jewish Liturgy. Sefer ha-bediִ ha ve-ha-ִ hidud (Tel Aviv: Dvir. 1–10. trans. "Mekorah. 1:336–38. 1913). 133. see the collection of Hebrew sources gathered in: Raִ hamei ha-'av (Elad: Y. n.ou. Jewish Liturgy: A Comprehensive History.. December 1997. Bar-Ilan posited this correction and First dedicated a study to the topic (Bar-Ilan. 20.H. First. 1966). Scheindlin (Philadelphia: JPS.p. took its name from the verse: beit Ya'akov lekhu ve-neilkha (House of Jacob: Go! And we will go). 2011). First. www. Laws Concerning Kings and Wars. This duality is part of a famous joke. 2013. http:// advocacy.'" Daat 43 (1999)." 197). "to our contemporary pluralist ears. 16. Bayit ִ hadash. Jonathan Sacks. 5–24. By the term "truncated quote." the Seforim blog. According to Elbogen. On the mystical import of 'Aleinu. 19.co." While Jacobs offered some solace in explaining the historical context of 'Aleinu.html. "Mekorah shel tefillat ''Aleinu leshabei'aִ h.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola 13. 71). As Jill Jacobs accurately noted. Ketina.il/2013/09/le-tacen-olamestablishing-correct-text. com/articles/1112-alenu. First noted that "[t]here is no question that social justice is an important value in Judaism. without the end of the verse that adds "by the light of God" (Isaiah 2:5)." delivered at the Orthodox Union West Coast Convention. Maimonides. In his conclusion. 1993).blogspot. 43. entry 'Alenu. Ismar Elbogen. 18. Ha-tefilla bi-tekufat ha-tana'im ve-ha-'amora'im (2nd ed. ִ akira 11 (Spring 2011). see: Mordecai Weissmann-Chajes. 'Aleinu was originally part of the New Year service. (2) "Shalaִ h et 'ami" or in English "Let My people go" became a slogan demanding freedom for oppressed people. such as African Americans and Soviet Jewry. though in its biblical 31 . Osem bosem (Vienna: n. "Le-Tacen Olam"). 405 n. "Tikkun Olam: Orthodoxy's Responsibility to Perfect G-d's World. http://seforim. "Aleinu". 15. Jewish Liturgy. section 54. 25. 147– 66." 20. Raymond P. Most contemporary Jews who extol the value of tikkun olam certainly do not understand this term as a mandate to impose worship of the Jewish God on all other peoples.
"Mipnei Tikkun Ha'Olam". (4) best orienting society in the service of God ("Mipnei Tikkun Ha'Olam." 222). 28. no. 32 context the phrase appears with a goal that the free should celebrate God or serve God (Exodus 5:1. "Tikkun ha-'olam be-maִ hashevet ִ hazal" (PhD disserta tion. Halkin. Hebrew University. "A History of 'Tikkun Olam. 24–51. the Talmud may not have been concerned with delineating the tikkun ha-'olam justification because it did not conform to prescribed parameters. "Tikkun ha-Olam.'" Widzer. Mor understood that Hillel's prosbul legislation was the earliest use of tikkun olam and pointed out how the various tikkun olam laws come from different periods. 23. see also: Sagit Mor." Tarbiz 64. In a number of cases. 30. Blidstein. Jacobs. 2003). 34–45. "Import of Early Rabbinic Writings. Mordecai Margulies ( Jerusalem: Mosad Harav Kook Publishing. 25. " 'Tikkun 'olam' al pi ha-rambam: 'iyun be-takhliyot ha-halakha." 107). note 12. On medieval uses of the term see: Menachem Lorberbaum. 26). Midrash ha-gadol. One wonders whether Widzer was trying to limit the scope of the legal justification by delineating these categories." 23. "Tikkun Olam. Widzer. ed. 31. It is not clear how Widzer's categories further the discussion. Exodus 21:1. 1956). Sagit Mor's doctoral dissertation is the most comprehensive treatment of tikkun olam in rabbinic literature. Ibid. 452." 184–85. The Talmud's silence may be because the reason is selfevident (as per Widzer." Mo'ed 15 (2005). and. 22. (2) preventing harm to society. "Tikkun haOlam. 27. 26. Rosenthal. given how broad and general they are. Lipman wrote: "It is impossible to designate the legal status of tikkun olam in the Talmud as it is to define the phrase in a way which will cover all its uses in talmudic literature" ("Mipnei Tikkun Ha'Olam. "'Tikkun 'olam': le-mashma'uto hakeduma shel ha-munaִ h ve-hashlakhato 'al dinei ha-geirushin bi-tekufat ha-mishna. "Mipnei Tikkun Ha'Olam." 220–21)." 37–8)." 214–20. see: Lipman. "How Not to Repair the World. I am not convinced that 'Aleinu should be described as an "other-worldly" pursuit.Jewish Political Studies Review 21. Schacter. 1 (October-December ." 217. The way the Talmud deals with the tikkun ha-'olam justifications that appear in the Mishnah may be indicative. For shorter analyses in English. 192–97." CCAR Journal (Spring 2008). 7:16. Rosenthal. Rosenthal noted this turn and added that 'Aleinu is an "other-worldly" pursuit as opposed to the "this-worldly" focus of the legal mechanism in the Talmud ("Tikkun ha-Olam." 42. the Talmud discusses laws enacted with this justification without explaining why they fall under the rubric of tikkun ha-'olam. The scope of this paper does not allow me to present her detailed analysis that differentiates between stages of development in rabbinic literature. See Sagit Mor. "The Use of Mipnei Tikkun Ha'Olam in the Babylonian Talmud. 29." 220. Rosenthal. Rosenthal succinctly highlighted four such rare cases and concluded: "But these are remarkably few exceptions to the phenomenon that a potentially broadly applicable principle of law was essentially ignored for centuries by jurists and codifiers" ("Tikkun haOlam. "Tikkun ha-Olam. (3) maintaining communal wellbeing." 35–42). David S. See also: above. 24.. Widzer grouped the appearances of tikkun ha-'olam in the Babylonian Talmud into four categories: (1) addressing issues of social status. 218." 65. "Mipnei Tikkun Ha'Olam. Alternatively.
"In Search of the Skeptical. who charged Green (and others) with "the manipulation of the esoteric doctrine to support political views of the soft left in our own time" ("Repairing Tikkun Olam. "All You Need is LAV: Madonna and Postmodern Kabbalah. Jacob Neusner et al. Halkin. 2 ( June 1955). Repair. see: Arthur Green. Leonard J. 2008. 175–76. Justice and Judaism: The Work of Social Action. 286–89. 4:51). Lipman. 2012). "How Tikkun Olam Got Its Groove." in: Ha-halakha: heksherim ra'ayoniyim ve'ide'ologiyim geluyim u-semuyim." in: From Ancient Israel To Modern Judaism: Essays in Honor of Marvin Fox.com/ Exclusive/2010/06/Jewish%20Word. Sarah Breger. Hopeful. 52. "The Social Justice Movement and the American Reform Rabbi. 2010)." JQR 95 (2005). inter alia: Wolf. "Tikkun: A Lurianic Motif. see: Michael A. 33. 34. Meyer. These Are the Words: A Vocabulary of Jewish Spiritual Life (Woodstock. Lawrence Fine. 102–15. 3–11.html. 1933/1934?]. On the contemporary influences that precipitated the resolution. IN: Indiana University Press. David M. 1 [1986]." 4:51–53. ed. 2005). Jonathan Sacks. that "Michael Lerner's original editorial statement in TIKKUN makes absolutely no mention of and betrays no interest in the kabbalistic tradition which is the source of his journal's name" (Michael Lerner. Gurock and Jacob J. Arthur Green—no stranger to Jewish mystical tradition—did not invoke the Lurianic concept of tikkun. This would appear to be the subtext of Tikkun magazine. no. See also: Vorspan & Lipman. "A History of 'Tikkun Olam'" ( Jacobs went so far as to call this "the most well-known use of the term"). ch. Response to Modernity: A History of the Reform Movement in Judaism (New York: Oxford University Press. Daphne Merkin. 1994). Judith Lynn Failer. 37." not in the sections headed "God and Worlds Above" or "Spiritual Life". "Tikkun: To Mend. Jeffrey S. http://ftp. "Takkinut politit: bein 'takkana' le-'tikkun' be-mahashavto ha-politit shel ha-rashba." Tikkun 1. May/June 2010. 178. 1966). Kuntras divrei torah… shenat [5]694 [Mukačevo: Grafia." 479). Green included the definition in the section headed "Community. 1988). "How Not to Repair the World. 7." 479. 253. Orthodoxy. To Heal a Fractured World: The Ethics of Responsibility (New York: Schocken. Albert Vorspan and Eugene J.momentmag. 65–82. David H. 36. As in the 1933 sermon of Hayim Elazar Shapira cited in: Anonymous. Moreover." New York Times." in: Religious Giving: For Love of God. Green's definition of tikkun olam appears not to be drawing on the esoteric doctrine. Fine. Heschel. (New York: Union of American Hebrew Congregations. but on liturgical and legal usages of the term." I find it indicative that in his definition of tikkun olam. "Tikkun: A Lurianic Motif in Contemporary Jewish Thought. 611–24." American Jewish Archives 7. no. The Insecurity of Freedom: Essays on Human Existence (Philadelphia: JPS. however. Mystical Jew That Could Be Me. vi–vii. 72. VT: Jewish Lights. See. and American Judaism (New 33 . 75–8. Life with Others. April 13. Feuchtwanger. Justice and Judaism. 7: "And behold Adam was created to repair an everlasting repair (tikkun olam)." Moment. "Repairing Tikkun Olam. 49–64. Fine noted. A Modern Heretic and a Traditional Community: Mordecai M. 1999). Schacter. Mervis. 1961). 35. [Atlanta: Scholars." 23. ed. Compare the critique of Wolf. see also: Boaz Huss. Kaplan. "Jewish Giving by Doing: Tikkun Ha-Olam. Abraham J.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola 32. 4th ed. 1989]. ed. and Transform the World. Jacobs. Smith (Bloomington. Avinoam Rosenak ( Jerusalem: Magnes Press and Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. magazine.
www. October 10. "Tikkun Olam. 47. 1928). She'elot u-teshuvot minִ hat el'azar. "Don't give up on Jews who care about being Jewish. 3–4." Facing Tomorrow. Schacter. though the booklet was ִ ukat 'olam. Eilon Schwartz. 41. adopted in Columbus. "Why Advocacy is Central to Reform Judaism.haaretz. vol. "Le-Tacen Olam. note 93). See: Declaration of Principles. however." 4:51. 1925).usy.org/yourusy/sato/tikun_olam. Kol benei yehuda he-ִ hadash (Warsaw: Pospiech. "Tikkun Olam: Basic Questions and Policy Directions. Regarding the journal Tikkun. 298–306." Kol Hamercaz 10 (April 2008)." See also: I. fwusy. For social justice in the Reform movement." n. Hebrew words appear in the original.M. 1946 Columbus Platform. 1918 resolution cited herein. In the Commentary on the Principles for Reform Judaism that also appears on the CCAR website. 10a–11b. 1 (Munkács: Kahn & Fried. Jakob J. and 1976 resolution adopted in San Francisco. Vorspan & Lipman. 1997). without the Hebrew. Response to Modernity. 30). One piece of legislation was reprinted in Hayim Elazar Shapira." Two years before the Pittsburgh Platform. 1902). A Statement of Principles for Reform Judaism. proposed that the paragraphs are complementary and "our presumption should be one of unitary authorship" ("Aleinu. 40. Pinkas va'ad arba aratsot mistakenly referred to as "H ( Jerusalem: Bialik. Justice and Judaism. Kol benei yehuda (Vilna: Frodel. 2008." 238–39. Petuchowski quotes Abraham Geiger who. 45. 1930). 1945). 1928 report of the Commission on Social Justice. and then the Reform use is explained: "In the latter part of the 20th Century. Alter. 28. 1912). 214. www. Platforms and resolutions may be found at the CCAR website http://ccarnet. www. 102–3. Or le-yisra'el he-ִ hadash (Warsaw: I. 43. 1927). see above: note 11. Piment. Yehudah Mirsky. Jewish People Policy Planning Institute ( JPPPI). 4–12. ca. 42. The 1999 Pittsburgh Platform was officially titled.org/ socialaction/judaism/advocacy. 3–4. 39. Petuchowski. the Reform Movement appropriated this phrase to refer to acts of social justice which could help repair our broken world. 1928). 1898). wrote the following in 1869: "The separation . tikkun olam is contextualized by reference to 'Aleinu and to the "kabbalistic overtones" of the phrase. 255–60. the 1997 Miami Platform also used the term (below.cfm?PublicationID=5245.com/opinion/. Kol benei yehuda (Vilna: Rom. 1885. adopted in Pittsburgh. www.net/international-programs. adopted in San Francisco. First. according to the index. Reform Judaism: A Centenary Perspective. Kol benei yehuda (Riga: Star. 2013. The work was written by the unknown Eliezer Lippman and reprinted numerous times. Fine. 48. ca. Rosenthal. The 1885 Pittsburgh Platform.premium-1. 1976. [5–7]. including the following prayer books: Tefillot yisra'el (Vilna: Yehuda Leib. Marla Feldman." Haaretz. 1968).551719#. see: Meyer. vii–xiv. "Tikkun ha-Olam. 1879). 34 York: Columbia University Press. 44.bjpa. ca. Shir u-shevaִ ha (Vilna: Yehuda Leib.org.org/Publications/ details. 1937. 46.Jewish Political Studies Review 38. Kol benei yehuda (Warsaw: G. Halperin. The Kol benei yehuda editions reproduced the Yiddish and the drawings. 62–5." 189–91." 195 n. The Guiding Principles of Reform Judaism. xi–xii. "Social Responsibility and Educational Audacity: Heschel's Challenge to 21st-Century Jewish Education. 1." http://urj. Rick Jacobs. Prayerbook Reform in Europe: The Liturgy of European Liberal and Reform Judaism (New York: World Union of Progressive Judaism. "Tikkun: A Lurianic Motif.
57. appearing as it does in some Reform rites in its pristine form as one of the lengthier Hebrew selections to be found in the prayerbook. Cory Willson (Woodstock." For Sacks' fuller treatment of the subject. 54. Diament [Northvale. Ibid. 1998). Isadore Twersky's 1963 essay. 192–200. Sacks." 201 n." 61–102. "Tikkun Olam. ed. 2 (1995). Indicatively. Twersky did not use the term tikkun olam ("Some Aspects of the Jewish Attitude toward the Welfare State. 2005). and the critique of Rosenthal. which existed at one time." Tradition 5. the least rooted in law"." 98. For a critique of Blidstein. Diament." 214 n. Bleich. Mirsky.'" Schacter. eds. the relative length of this Hebrew passage is striking." 237 n. 2007). Regarding Elliot N.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola 49. between Israel and the other people. Tradition in an Untraditional Age (London: Valentine Mitchell. idem. 1). Bleich observed: "Indeed. Response to Modernity." 215." in: Tikkun Olam: Social Responsibility in Jewish Thought and Law. "Tikkun ha-Olam. One searches the entire volume almost in vain for any sources that specifically address the Jewish obligation towards non-Jews. this book deals virtually exclusively with Jewish obligations and responsibilities to other Jews." 189–90." ("Tikkun Olam: Jewish Obligations to a Non-Jewish Society. 99). Compare the more recent Reform approach as exemplified by the 1975 Gates of Prayer prayerbook (Meyer. see: Sacks. "[Tikkun olam] is not a concept given to precise definition. Chaim I. 51. Waxman and Nathan J. See also: Jonathan Sacks. Dorff. 9). Schacter wrote: "Despite its title. The Way into Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) (Woodstock. 58. "Tikkun Olam. Blidstein. Blidstein. and the approaches of liberal Jewish communities as described by Jacobs. 2 [Summer 1963]: 137–58. see: Meyer. "Tikkun Olam. 14 (Blidstein's article appeared before the conference volume). Schacter. For two specific episodes. Rather ought there to be an expression of the joy that such barriers are increasingly falling" (ibid." 184–88. has no right to be expressed in prayer. Aronson. 35 . 82). VT: Jewish Lights. Chaim I. 1990)." Tradition 29. "Tikkun Olam. David Shatz. "Tikkun Olam. Schacter. 166. "Tikkun Olam. no. still less is it spelled out in the crisp imperatives of Jewish law" (To Heal a Fractured World. "Tikkun Olam. NJ: J. "Tikkun Olam. 1998]. 52. Bleich. 374–75). 158. not Gentiles. see Rosenthal. 50. at times. Cf. 2008). "Tikkun Olam. Gerald J. 56. which is how the phrase tikkun olam is generally understood. Elliot N. Dorff. 1. NJ: Aronson. 72. 53. 33. "A History of 'Tikkun Olam. entitled "Some Aspects of the Jewish Attitude Toward the Welfare State" is an early Orthodox exploration of social responsibility and would undoubtedly fit into the contemporary category of tikkun olam. VT: Jewish Lights. 299). For the Love of God and People: A Philosophy of Jewish Law (Philadelphia: JPS." 202 n. Response to Modernity. Tikkun Olam: Social Responsibility in Jewish Thought and Law (Northvale. "Tikkun ha-Olam.. Waxman and Nathan J. 108–10. 132. The Jewish Approach to Repairing the World (Tikkun Olam): A Brief Introduction for Christians. Sacks." 11. Sacks commented: "Of all the ideas in Judaism's ethics of responsibility [– tikkun olam] is the least halakhic. 55. no. "Tikkun Olam." ("Tikkun Olam.." In his later work. Regarding the second paragraph of 'Aleinu.. 101. To Heal a Fractured World. with Rev. 59. 56. David Shatz.
utzedek. www. "How Tikkun Olam Got Its Groove. note 111. "A White House Hanukkah Celebration. see the organization mentioned below.gov/photos-and-video/video/marking-jewish-american-heritagemonth?page=18. March 8. 2011 by Jarrod Bernstein. in his 2011 address to the Union for Reform Judaism (below. www. See. 63.whitehouse. and in his 2013 address at the Jerusalem International Convention Center (below. for instance. www. in his 2012 remarks upon the presentation of the Medal of Freedom to the president of Israel. forward. 2011.p." 57–62. 61. See also: Breger." 190–92. "Can Obama Really Stand with Israel as Iran Raises Stakes?" Detroit Jewish News. 65. December 9. Two years later. 64. "Social Concern and Tikkun Olam in Jewish American Art. For an exception to this rule. Robert Skar. a recent publication on social justice by Orthodox rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz. 259. Obama also used the term in his 2008 address to AIPAC. has inspired innovation to help solve modern day problems" (www.gov/the-press-office/2011/12/08/remarks-president-hanukkahreception." For another survey that focuses on social concern (not just use of the term tikkun olam).] olam. http://zeek. For more on tikkun olam in Modern Orthodoxy. Repairing the world.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/04/remarks-president-aipac-policyconference. the presidential proclamation marking the same event similarly mentioned tikkun olam." Ars Judaica 8 (2012): 55–8. note 80).whitehouse. regarding the work of the Jewish Federations of North America: "I was struck by the overwhelming sense of commitment to tikun [sic." Horizon (London) 76 (April 1946).Jewish Political Studies Review 60. 2010.whitehouse. 2012. US ambassador to the UN. associate director in the Office of Public Engagement.whitehouse. www.gov/blog/2011/12/09/white-house-hanukkahcelebration. note 82). Matt Compton. 2012: "This extraordinary gathering is a testament to the strength and dedication of the pro-Israel community and the American Jewish community—a 36 .org). Jewish Ethics & Social Justice: A Guide for the 21st Century (n. "Jewish Giving by Doing. To cite a few examples: The post from November 14. at the AIPAC Synagogue Initiative Lunch on March 5. see: Failer. 2012). www. 67.whitehouse.whitehouse. "Tikkun Olam.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/01/ presidential-proclamation-jewish-american-heritage-month-2012. a central Jewish value dating to biblical times. Shimon Peres (http://www. Schacter.gov/blog/2011/11/14/ exciting-week-american-jewish-life).com/articles/117526). see: Matthew Baigell. 62. The event was held twelve days before Hanukah.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-jewish-americanheritage-month. 66. Previously in 2007.com/can-obama-really-standwith-israel-as-iran-raises-stakes.thejewishnews. www. 69. The remarks by Susan Rice. 68. gov/the-press-office/2012/06/13/remarks-president-obama-and-president-peres-israelpresentation-medal-fr)." The White House Blog.whitehouse.: Derusha. March 22. See also the favorable review by Margie Klein in which she notes that Yanklowitz is effectively rebuking his Orthodox peers "to think beyond the bounds of their community to engage with the more universal aspects of the Jewish tradition" ("Why Liberal Jews Should Read an Orthodox Social Justice Book. see: www. George Orwell.whitehouse. "Politics and the English Language." Zeek. Yanklowitz founded the Orthodox social justice organization Uri L'Tzedek (www.
gov/ blog/2012/03/26/unbreakable-bond-state-israel). Manuel Roig-Franzia.gov/blog/2012/03/08/ambassadorsusan-rices-remarks-aipac-synagogue-initiative-lunch). washingtonpost. Clinton was awarded the Presidential Medal of Distinction—Israel's highest civilian honor—at the Facing Tomorrow conference in Jerusalem. http:// forward. August 31. President Shimon Peres said: "You offered us what we call in Hebrew tikkun olam." Haaretz. to the Anti-Defamation League on April 29." Forward. Goldberg. com/news/entry/obama-for-america-launches-rabbis-for-obama.whitehouse. share: a culture committed to justice. August 21. for your tireless efforts to make this world a better place—for your tireless commitment to the state of Israel and tikkun olam" (www.255502). see "600 Join Rabbis for Obama. www.S. Clinton also used the Hebrew term. a people devoted to tikkun olam" (www. 2012: "In the spirit of 'tikkun olam. presidential election. 2012.whitehouse. at the J Street Conference on March 26. as Americans. Hispanic Voters. "[American Jews] pursued tikkun olam. and to the wider principle of tikkun olam" (www. President. secretary of Homeland Security. October 27. 2012. http://forward.gov/the-press-office/2014/06/26/remarks-nationalsecurity-advisor-susan-e-rice-dinner-honoring-israeli-p). by history.gov/blog/2012/05/01/remarks-secretary-janetnapolitano-anti-defamation-league). A14.S.com/articles/161460/-join-rabbis-for-obama." Organizing for Action. which means making the world a better place.J. 2014: "So thank you." The Washington Post. October 16. www.' you stand for civil rights and civil liberties for all" (www. "Obama for America Launches Rabbis for Obama. Haaretz rated Bob as one of the thirtysix Jews who shaped the election (Bradley Burston and J." The Jerusalem Post. 73." and constantly repeating the term. "The 'tikkun olam' President. August 21. Mr. at a dinner honoring President Shimon Peres. describing tikkun olam as "a good and constant responsibility we all have. 2011. The remarks by National Security Advisor Susan Rice. Just before the 2008 U.jpost. a land that welcomes the weary." In his response. the hard work of repairing the world". 72.com/articles/161869/mitt-romney-is-real-tikkun-olamcandidate/?p=all. On Rabbis for Obama. 2012. Max Slutsky. senior advisor to the president.S. friend).com/wp-dyn/articles/A449-2004Oct26. 71. "Mitt Romney Is Real Tikkun Olam Candidate. "Campaign Trail Takes Clinton to South Florida. The address by Valerie Jarrett. 2004. See: Greer Fay Cashman.whitehouse.-Israel bond. "We stand with Israel as a Jewish democratic state because we know that Israel is born of firmly held values that we. The remarks by Janet Napolitano.haaretz. community devoted to the unshakeable U.gov/photos-and-video/ video/2011/12/16/president-obama-speaks-71st-general-assembly-union-reform-judaism). 2008.barackobama. of course. Noam Neusner. 74. with the words shalom ִ haver (goodbye.whitehouse. December 31. Steven M.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola 70. www.com/Opinion/Op-Ed-Contributors/The-tikkun-olam-president. to human rights for all.com/36-jewswho-have-shaped-the-2008-u-s-election-1. In conferring the honor. your community has always helped make our union more perfect" (www.whitehouse. www. "36 Jews who have shaped the 2008 U. on June 25. election. In 2013." Forward. Clinton.html. and by a belief in Tikkun Olam. "Peres confers Medal 37 . 2012: "Guided by faith. Bob. was no stranger to using Hebrew phrases: in 1995 he famously ended his eulogy for assassinated Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. He Touts Kerry to Jewish.
2009.scripps. com/blog/parenting/friday-night-repairing-the-world-means-helping-people. www. On the positive portrayal of Norah. The movie is based on the eponymous novel in which tikkun olam is discussed at greater length: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.whitehouse. illustrated by Steve Mack (Minneapolis: Kar-Ben." Kveller. http://momentmagazine. www. see the website of Kehilat Nitzan.. thejewishweek. "Filmmaker marries Hollywood to tikkun olam. 77. other words could easily be added.org/2010/11/19/arts-entertainment/ filmmaker-marries-hollywood-to-tikkun-olam. Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist (New York: Knopf. 80. H ִ evrah ִ hadasha—ha-shalom 5 (1941). In Praise of Public Life: The Honor and Purpose of Political Service (New York: Simon & Schuster. I have not dealt with tikkun olam outside the two largest Jewish concentrations. See: Jessica Leader.html?_r=0. 83. June 19. 32.html. 85. Bob. 79.com/news/national/arkansas_federation_honor_president_clinton_0. the Jewish heroine of the film. See also: Ellen G.com/NationalNews/Peres-confers-Medal-of-Distinction-on-Clinton-317100.org/2012/01/30/newsopinion/politics/arkansas-federation-to-honor-president-clinton. see: Uri Fintzy. Halkin's list does not claim to be exhaustive. 82. 2012. Halkin. see also p. www.kehilatnitzan. "Jewish American Art. 2006). Ted rests and dreams of Tikkun Olam"). 81. Clinton's home state. Tikkun Olam Ted. "Arkansas Federation To Honor President Clinton. www. 2000). Cole. 78. see. Lieberman." 23. "The 'tikkun olam' president.jewishbookcouncil. See www. Vivian Newman. 84.spellingbee. In 1983.nytimes.jta. even though many forms of tikkun olam are appropriate for Saturday. The critique focused on the narrow scope of Ted's tikkun olam. www. 2010. in particular the Yiddish word for matza balls. with Michael D'Orso. Clinton was awarded the Tikkun Olam Lifetime Achievement Award of the Jewish Federation of Arkansas.au/tikkun. in particular.com/press/pdf/1305. In 2012." The Jerusalem Post. "'Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist' And Its Young Jewish Heroine.gov/photos-and-video/video/2013/03/21/president-obama-speakspeople-israel. com/2013/06/01/nyregion/some-say-spelling-of-a-winning-word-wasnt-kosher. The New York Times reported a dispute among Yiddish speakers over whether the winning spelling was indeed the correct spelling.org/book/tikkun-olam-ted. For an example of tikkun olam in Australia. 2012). 25. . For another silver screen tikkun olam foray. 38 of Distinction on Clinton. www. 161. January 30.com/2009/03/02/nick-and-norahs-infiniteplaylist-and-its-young-jewish-heroine. In this paper. see: Melissa Langsam Braunstein." 55. see: Mishnah. opining that tikkun olam is broader than the children's book suggests. a congregation in Melbourne associated with Masorti Australasia and affiliated with Masorti Olami.jta. 2013. For "that rabbi.org. June 21.Jewish Political Studies Review 75." JTA. 145. the winning word was Purim. "Friday Night: Repairing the World Means Helping People. 76. March 2. "Tikkun Olam Ted.jpost. For a critique of Tikkun Olam Ted.kveller. The book also emphasizes rest on the seventh day ("On Shabbat. 2:15–16.wordpress. the World Council of Conservative Congregations: www. www. see: Marista Lane. com/champions-and-their-winning-words." Joseph I. which was the winning word in the 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee. 2013. pp. also available at www. www. November 19. Ibid. Subsequently. Baigell." Moment." JTA." meaning Rabbi Tarfon. "How Not to Repair the World." Jewish Book Council. Avot. 7–12.
May 29. 2013.pdf/Original/ ShalomResearchMemoFINAL. Pollak. 1938). "3D printing tech can help the disabled live better. For the program." Research Memo. www. http://xln.org/ parents-and-educators/jewish-values/making-a-difference. "Shalom Sesame's Educational Value for Children and Families. "Jewish groups aiding Syrian refugees—sort of.thejewishweek. 93.org/documents/shalom/Sesame%20Printables/ ShalomResearchMemoFINAL/ShalomResearchMemoFINAL." The Jerusalem Post. episode five. Gary Rosenblatt. August 8.org. The memo is based on the unpublished research of Dr.masaisrael.com/news/middle-east/.haaretz." eJewish Philanthropy.premium-1.il/en. 92.org.htm. see: Anshel Pfeffer. and in English http://xln. 2013. 2014. Back issues from June 2012 can be accessed at www.aspx?PublicationId=4110. May 29.com/obamas-tikkun-olam-lost-in-translation. other. Uriel Heilman. 2013. Rivkah Ginat.il/tlv/?page_ id=70.com/activist-disabilities-no-match- 39 .jtYTBz6t.org/en/Publication. 90. "Our Uncle from America: A Family Divided. March 10.toravoda.il/node/8145. Weiss also published a volume under the same title.toravoda. Shalom Fisch of MediaKidz Research & Consulting." Haaretz. www.org.org.prozion.org. Similar to Tikkun Olam Ted who "helps walk the dogs at the animal shelter" (above. 87. season three. 99. August 9. Various documents from the initiative are available for download at both Reut's website and the Alliance's website.org. The material included in the fifth issue of the journal was taken from a planned further volume. "Putting 'Tikkun Olam' To The Ultimate Test. 89.537759. 1997 Miami Platform was officially titled Reform Judaism & Zionism: A Centenary Platform. "Jewish groups launch program to aid Syrian refugees living in Jordan. 91. "Obama's 'tikkun olam': Lost in Translation. com/editorial_opinion/gary_rosenblatt/putting_tikkun_olam_ultimate_test. Avraham Infeld. before and after Ettinger's piece. http://afgg." 97. 98." The New York Jewish Week. also available at www. For MASA.dpuf. similar slogans also appear on their English website: "Fostering an open and engaged Modern Orthodoxy". 6–9.timesofisrael.il/node/8555. Avraham N. that outlined an ideal society: H ִ evrah ִ hadasha—ha-shalom (Tel Aviv: Herzliya.timesofisrael. see: www. 2012. 88. says activist. Magazine. For relevant items. equality. 2012.uk/our_uncle_from_ america_a_family_divided.org. 94. www. 96. http://tomisrael. Yair Ettinger. 1955).org. also available at http://reut-institute. Shalom Sesame.il/tlv. the particular episode of Shalom Sesame involved returning a stray cat to its owner.com/our-uncle-from-america-a-family divided/#sthash. January 2012. http://blogs. Tikkun ha-'olam: be-maִ hashevet yisra'el ve-ha-'amim (Tel Aviv: Matkal.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola 86. the clip is available at www. July 24.shalomsesame. "Its orientation aims to promote the values of tolerance.jta.htm." The Times of Israel.kdati. see: www. http://toravoda. September 11. http://ejewishphilanthropy.shalomsesame." The Times of Israel.org/ programs/tikkun-olam-tel-aviv-jaffa. note 83).org. www." JTA. and justice in religious society. 95. www.il/scandir/scandir79. 2013. http://reut-institute.org. www.org.org/2013/09/11/news-opinion/united-states/jewish-groups-sending-aid-tosyrian-refugees-sort-of. "The real hands-on experience. http://www.masaisrael.pdf. David Shamah.
Baigell. 2009. www. "What Can We Do?" Koach. "The Scarsdale Dynamo. including: feeding the hungry.congetzchaim.inside3dp. 101. CT: Maggid. 2014.org/page/social_action. May 20." Geektime." Haaretz. "Chanukah Party for Developmentally Disabled Adults".wrtemple. 2009. helping others outside the synagogue walls ("Breast Cancer Walk".thejewishweek.com/pdffiles/EBulletin/2009/October/Oct709. "Coming Soon: World's First Humanitarian 3D Printing Makea-thon.Jewish Political Studies Review 100. "Light-up Nation: What Israel can teach America about medical marijuana. March 29." Inside 3DP." etc). 2011. For the impressive list.com/cover_story/article/ green_gold_israel_sets_a_new_standard_for_legal_medical_marijuana_reasearch. 2014.601386.com/life/science-medicine/. collecting for others. June 26.org/koach/koc_5768_shevat_ashery.pdf.triblocal.wrtemple.leafscience.com/coming-soon-worlds-firsthumanitarian-3d-printing-make-thon. 405–7.com/2014/07/02/makers-show-off-working-prototypes-after-three-days-attom-israel. February 24.geektime.com/forest-park/community/ stories/2011/09/synagogue-celebrates-pioneering-solar-roof. see: Adam Shery. www.tikun-olam. www. 2014. 2010). "Makers show off working prototypes after three days at TOM Israel. July 2.com/2014/02/25/ canadian-company-medreleaf-source-cannabis-israel. This was followed up with a message from the congregation's president once again connecting the initiative to tikkun olam (Congregation Etz Chaim of DuPage County e-bulletin.il (Hebrew site). www. "How to save the world with 3D printing. Aviva Gat.uscj. see the colorful vignette in Shlomo Riskin. October 2. 2011.com/2014/06/11/how-can-you-repair-the-world-in-72hours. 2014. www. June 23. geektime." Leaf Science. "Obama's 'tikkun olam. www." The Jewish Week. www. "How can you repair the world in 72 hours?" Geektime. See also: Marcia Kaplan. . www. Bob's sermon was recorded in Congregation Etz Chaim of DuPage County e-bulletin. www. "Men's Club Blood Drive. These websites contain detailed information and links to newspaper reports. October 7. See also: Simone Wilson. www. 104." 80 (see also pp.co. 8.premium1. welcoming particular groups ("Thanksgiving Dinner for the Visually Impaired". For a summary of the prototypes produced see Aviva Gatt.info (English site). www.com/news/new_york/scarsdale_ dynamo. 105. www. 78–9). For another example.congetzchaim.htm.). Shanie Phillips. 102. 2014." etc. www.leafscience.org/page/wrt_is_green. November 4. June 11. Amy Spiro. January 8. www. com/2014/05/20/healing-world-cannabis-qa-medreleaf ). "Synagogue Celebrates Pioneering Solar Roof. Westchester Reform Temple is involved in many programs that it classifies as tikkun olam. Recently a Canadian company was authorized to sell medical cannabis and the company announced that it had formed a partnership with Tikun Olam Ltd to grow the product in Canada rather than import it ("Canadian Company MedReleaf To Source Cannabis From Israel. 103. 2014.'" For a curious example from Israel." Jewish Journal." TribLocal. 40 for-3d-printing.tikun-olam. www." Leaf Science.haaretz. "Healing The World With Cannabis: Q&A With MedReleaf. 2–3. "Passover Luncheon for Elderly Jewish Poor. September 14. Listening to God: Inspirational Stories for My Grandchildren (New Milford. 2008.jewishjournal. Danna Harman.pdf ). "Jewish American Art.com/pdffiles/EBulletin/2009/ November/Nov4-09. "Holiday Party for Homeless Children and their Families". 2013. Infeld. see: www.
www. 139. This blog published the Shamai Leibowitz leak and the Anat Kamm-Uri Blau affair. July 1. "How Not to Repair the World. 224–29. 41 . Waskow credits Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (1924–2014) with coining the term "Eco-Kosher. Wolf.co. 114. is a qualitatively different thing from living as a Jew. 2012. eds. 115. 2012.ajsus.org." Halkin's article is a review of a collection of essays that cover a range of social justice causes. Rose. 111. http://tikkunolamisrael.org/blog/arts-and-culture-month-at-repair-the-world/20125. Down-to-Earth Judaism: Food. 113. the first question has been discussed in non-Jewish forums. 112. "Repairing Tikkun Olam. http://lady-light.richardsilverstein. grouping many of them under the rubric of tikkun olam: Or N. and in the 1970s campaigned for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ruth Wisse wrote: "We both know that merely being born Jewish. "The Cost of Short Term Missions. www. Halkin critiqued the trend of using tikkun olam as a buzzword for every cause." 107. Wolf had a long history of social activism: he marched in Selma for civil rights. In his brusque review. "5 Popular Forms of Charity (That Aren't Helping). to protest the Vietnam War. An audio recording of a talk delivered by Waskow at the Brandeis-Bardin Institute on February 19. www.tikkunolamisrael. February 24. namely: how to ensure that tikkun olam work is not merely aimed at assuaging the conscience of those involved..org.org/details/calaajul_000026.blogspot. Mark Hill. Mirsky. And of course by 'Jewish way of life. "A History of 'Tikkun Olam." The Other Side." can be accessed at https://archive. www. and according to its website—"Repair the World works to inspire American Jews and their communities to give their time and effort to serve those in need. 2012.C. and the relationship between tikkun olam and political advocacy. November 2013. February 24.com." For more on Waskow and his work.cracked. Jo Ellen Green Kaiser and Margie Klein.'" Baigell wrote that tikkun olam and social concern are "concepts which today are basically interchangeable" ("Jewish American Art. This website has numerous articles on tikkun olam." 482.The Assimilation of Tikkun Ola 106. Arthur Waskow. front cover. Righteous Indignation: A Jewish Call for Justice (Woodstock. 109. entitled "The Spiritual Roots of Tikun Olam. Sex.com/article_19899_5-popular-forms-charity-that-arent-helping." Nashim. January and February 2000.org). 110." Mosaic. 47. see: Jo Ann Van Engen. 108. Money. See also: Halkin. html. Tammy Polak. Nashim.com/supplemental/2013/11/by-our-effortscombined). In a recent response to Halkin's reissuing of his 1977 Letters to an American Jewish Friend. "Lo 'al ha-kino'ah levada. Jacobs.' I don't mean tikkun olam—the perversions of which you exposed in one of my favorite essays by you" ("By Our Efforts Combined. 20–23 (the author is a board member of the Association for a More Just Society.il." 216–20. http://werepair.co.il. 345–46. Mirsky also addressed other issues in his paper. We aim to make service a defining part of American Jewish life. and the Rest of Life (New York: William Morrow and Company. "Tikkun Olam. Repair the World is headquartered in New York City. 128–29. see: https://theshalomcenter." 58). 1988. VT: Jewish Lights. On this point." Cracked. 1995). whether tikkun olam can ground Jewish identity. http://mosaicmagazine.blogspot. travelled to Washington D. As Mirsky pointed out. 2008). whether in Israel or America.
http://forward. the responsum was approved by the Rabbinical Assembly's Committee on Jewish Law and Standards in 2008 and is available at www. 49% being intellectually curious. 56% working for justice and equality. 121. 117.551291. and Ph. Let's Teach Social Justice in an Effective Way. Shaalvim Hesder Yeshiva. from the Law Faculty of Bar-Ilan University and is a member of the Israel Bar Association.com/articles/123856/ next-time-let-s-teach-social-justice-in-an-effec/#ixzz2gf9s6XLp. 119. 14. 42% having a good sense of humor.'" Haaretz. Jews.com/opinion/. Leon A. and his current research focuses on the evolution of Hasidic lore. Above.. Halkin wrote: "Classical rabbinic thought represents a turning-away not only from utopian thinking about humanity but from the notion that it is the Jews' task to help save humanity—except. dignified workplaces and related issues. "A Portrait of Jewish Americans: Findings from a Pew Research Center Survey of U.haaretz. 19% observing Jewish law.premium-1. the Bar-Ilan University Kollel and Beit Morasha. is the author of There Shall Be No Needy: Pursuing Social Justice through Jewish Law and Tradition (Woodstock." In starker words. Morris. 28% being part of a Jewish community. and wrote a responsum dealing with minimum wages. that is. see: Jill Jacobs. 2009). holds an LL. "Tikkun Olam. His doctoral dissertation explores the interaction between Hasidism and Halakha. LL. Jacobs. www. He studied at Chabad. 54–7).D." 25–6). 14% eating traditional Jewish foods (pp.org/files/2013/10/jewish-american-surveyfull-report. I have yet to identify these people.pdf ?phpMyAdmin= G0Is7ZE%252CH7O%252Ct%252CZ1sDHpI8UAVD6. insofar as it is their task to build a society that the rest of humanity might some day wish to emulate.M. "Religion matters: Beware the American 'cultural Jew.Jewish Political Studies Review 116. www.pdf." October 1. Sacks. VT: Jewish Lights.pewforum.'" Jacobs serves as executive director of Rabbis for Human Rights-North America. "Next Time. 118. Cooper served in the IDF's Golani Brigade and continues to do reserve duty as a commander in an infantry unit. originally from Australia. For Jacobs' suggestions for effective programming. Responding to the question "What does being Jewish mean in America today?" 73% said remembering the Holocaust. 42 . 2013. October 9.org/sites/default/ files/public/halakhah/teshuvot/20052010/jacobs-living-wage. January 29.B." Forward.S. 2010." ("How Not to Repair the World. 2013. Levi Cooper. 69% leading an ethical life. 120. "A History of 'Tikkun Olam.rabbinicalassembly. note 12. 43% caring about Israel.