Tikkun olam. The world wants us dead. Tikkun olam. The world hates Israel. Tikkun olam. The world defiles our synagogues. Tikkun olam.
In Hebrew, "to heal the world" or "repair the world" is Tikkun Olam (תִּיקּוּן עוֹלָם). This central Jewish concept signifies a shared responsibility to heal, fix, and transform the world through social action, justice, and loving-kindness.
It is why we marched with Martin Luther King Jr.; it is why we are fighting for the Iranian freedom fighters. Do we expect support in return? We hope for it, but we don’t expect it because we have learned.
Eve, each and every one of your newsletters is more beautiful than the one before it. I don’t know how you do it, but please continue.
actually, i don't really think tikun olam is truly central to judaism (i mean, it's there, but not really central imo). but unfortunately it has been made central in versions of judaism that emphasize judaism's universalist component at the expense of its at least equally important particularist component (ie, doing specifically jewish things, like mitzvahs and rituals and being jewishly educated and literate).
unfortunately i think this has made those versions of judaism into more of an off-ramp from jewish connection than an on-ramp. just my opinion, and maybe not all that relevant to this brilliant as always essay by Eve, but still food for thought i think.
I’m with you on this Brad G. Jews need to look after their own safety because as we are witnessing, no one else will. It is ok to care for others but like the instructions on every plane ride, fix your own oxygen mask before helping others.
Tikkun olam ("repairing the world") is a deeply significant and increasingly central concept in modern Judaism, particularly within Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist movements, where it serves as a cornerstone of Jewish identity, ethical living, and social justice activism.
While rooted in 16th-century Kabbalistic mysticism—which aimed to mend the cosmos—the term has evolved to represent a universal, proactive duty to improve the world through social action, charity, and repairing injustice.
Key aspects of tikkun olam in Judaism include:
Definition & Evolution: Originally, it appeared in the Mishnah (2000 years ago) referring to legal enactments to preserve social order, and in the Aleinu prayer to eradicate idolatry. The 16th-century Lurianic Kabbalah introduced the mystical concept of gathering the "sparks of holiness" to repair a shattered world.
Modern Interpretation: In contemporary Judaism, it is often understood as a call to action, addressing social, political, and environmental injustices to create a more equitable, inclusive, and peaceful world.
Centrality: Many contemporary Jews view tikkun olam as a core, defining purpose of Jewish life, representing a partnership with the Creator to complete the "good" creation mentioned in Genesis.
Universal vs. Particular: While some interpretations focus on specific Jewish rituals or spiritual, personal growth to "heal God," many emphasize universal social justice, making it a bridge between traditional Jewish law and universal ethics.
Thanks, but I think you misunderstood my comment, because I think your explanation reinforces my point. Although ideas about "healing the world" or "making the world a better place" are certainly compatible with Jewish ideas (yes, and I am well aware of the kabbalistic concept of tzimtzum or contraction and shattering of vessels, by which G-d created the world) this notion in itself of making the world better is something that would/should occur to any decent person with common sense regardless of their religion, whether Buddhist, Christian, atheist, etc. Thus, it is essentially a universalistic idea.
To the extent that Jews make universalistic common sense ethics the central part of their "Jewish" identity, they are thus neglecting or even excluding *specifically* Jewish activities from that identity, thereby becoming less connected to Jewishness. I grew up Reform, so I know this first hand. (Specifically Jewish ideas/practices might include substantial knowledge or at least some familiarity with the Hebrew language, regular ritual observance such as lighting candles and making kiddush on Friday night as well as other Sabbath observance, knowledge and understanding of Jewish history--and probably first and foremost a deep sense of Jewish Peoplehood, which seems to be particularly lacking in many current American Jews).
Sarah Hurwitz's recent book, As a Jew, explains this probably better than I am able to. I highly recommend checking out her books, both of which are excellent (although I disagree with some aspects of her politics).
Thank you Brad. Is Sarah's book you are referring to "As a Jew?" If so, this is an incredible coincidence as I downloaded a sample to my Kindle just yesterday! I can't wait to read it. Shabbat Shalom!
Yes, that is it. Happy reading. And if you like it (I am guessing that you will) then I think you would probably also like her first book. I really enjoyed and learned a lot from both of them (which is not to say that I agreed with everything, of course). Shabbat shalom to you, too!
My grandad warned everyone the titanic was going to sink, but no one listened. So he kept telling them. Eventually they just threw him out of the cinema.
You swing for the fences with each piece of work, Eve - emboldening and illuminating not just us argumentative Jews, your readers, but the convulsive world in its all new digitized, monetized round of this ancient generational fit of cruelty. Rani is home and we carry his example. Bless all who fight against oppression
I have been in awe of the number of Iranian men and women willing to step out in the streets to protest for a better future, knowing full well the likelihood of death. There's a complete absence of hubris in these actions, a link in a chain, being willing to sacrifice so that others may live and breathe freely.
The courageous and fearless went out there and faced a murderous government. I'm not sure I would have had the courage. There are still many more of the best and brightest.
Wonderful piece of writing. You are an extraordinary individual.
Tikkun olam. The world wants us dead. Tikkun olam. The world hates Israel. Tikkun olam. The world defiles our synagogues. Tikkun olam.
In Hebrew, "to heal the world" or "repair the world" is Tikkun Olam (תִּיקּוּן עוֹלָם). This central Jewish concept signifies a shared responsibility to heal, fix, and transform the world through social action, justice, and loving-kindness.
It is why we marched with Martin Luther King Jr.; it is why we are fighting for the Iranian freedom fighters. Do we expect support in return? We hope for it, but we don’t expect it because we have learned.
Eve, each and every one of your newsletters is more beautiful than the one before it. I don’t know how you do it, but please continue.
actually, i don't really think tikun olam is truly central to judaism (i mean, it's there, but not really central imo). but unfortunately it has been made central in versions of judaism that emphasize judaism's universalist component at the expense of its at least equally important particularist component (ie, doing specifically jewish things, like mitzvahs and rituals and being jewishly educated and literate).
unfortunately i think this has made those versions of judaism into more of an off-ramp from jewish connection than an on-ramp. just my opinion, and maybe not all that relevant to this brilliant as always essay by Eve, but still food for thought i think.
I’m with you on this Brad G. Jews need to look after their own safety because as we are witnessing, no one else will. It is ok to care for others but like the instructions on every plane ride, fix your own oxygen mask before helping others.
Tikkun olam ("repairing the world") is a deeply significant and increasingly central concept in modern Judaism, particularly within Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist movements, where it serves as a cornerstone of Jewish identity, ethical living, and social justice activism.
While rooted in 16th-century Kabbalistic mysticism—which aimed to mend the cosmos—the term has evolved to represent a universal, proactive duty to improve the world through social action, charity, and repairing injustice.
Key aspects of tikkun olam in Judaism include:
Definition & Evolution: Originally, it appeared in the Mishnah (2000 years ago) referring to legal enactments to preserve social order, and in the Aleinu prayer to eradicate idolatry. The 16th-century Lurianic Kabbalah introduced the mystical concept of gathering the "sparks of holiness" to repair a shattered world.
Modern Interpretation: In contemporary Judaism, it is often understood as a call to action, addressing social, political, and environmental injustices to create a more equitable, inclusive, and peaceful world.
Centrality: Many contemporary Jews view tikkun olam as a core, defining purpose of Jewish life, representing a partnership with the Creator to complete the "good" creation mentioned in Genesis.
Universal vs. Particular: While some interpretations focus on specific Jewish rituals or spiritual, personal growth to "heal God," many emphasize universal social justice, making it a bridge between traditional Jewish law and universal ethics.
Thanks, but I think you misunderstood my comment, because I think your explanation reinforces my point. Although ideas about "healing the world" or "making the world a better place" are certainly compatible with Jewish ideas (yes, and I am well aware of the kabbalistic concept of tzimtzum or contraction and shattering of vessels, by which G-d created the world) this notion in itself of making the world better is something that would/should occur to any decent person with common sense regardless of their religion, whether Buddhist, Christian, atheist, etc. Thus, it is essentially a universalistic idea.
To the extent that Jews make universalistic common sense ethics the central part of their "Jewish" identity, they are thus neglecting or even excluding *specifically* Jewish activities from that identity, thereby becoming less connected to Jewishness. I grew up Reform, so I know this first hand. (Specifically Jewish ideas/practices might include substantial knowledge or at least some familiarity with the Hebrew language, regular ritual observance such as lighting candles and making kiddush on Friday night as well as other Sabbath observance, knowledge and understanding of Jewish history--and probably first and foremost a deep sense of Jewish Peoplehood, which seems to be particularly lacking in many current American Jews).
Sarah Hurwitz's recent book, As a Jew, explains this probably better than I am able to. I highly recommend checking out her books, both of which are excellent (although I disagree with some aspects of her politics).
Thank you Brad. Is Sarah's book you are referring to "As a Jew?" If so, this is an incredible coincidence as I downloaded a sample to my Kindle just yesterday! I can't wait to read it. Shabbat Shalom!
Yes, that is it. Happy reading. And if you like it (I am guessing that you will) then I think you would probably also like her first book. I really enjoyed and learned a lot from both of them (which is not to say that I agreed with everything, of course). Shabbat shalom to you, too!
Superb Eve. Thank you.
The progressives need their pet victims so they can create TikTok performances. There were no celebrations over the ceasefire.
Wonderful writing, Eve.
Extraordinary writing. A force. Xx
💕
Thank you for your steadfast courage and advocacy--your relentless support for hostage families--every one of the 843 days.
G-d bless and Am Yisrael Chai!
My grandad warned everyone the titanic was going to sink, but no one listened. So he kept telling them. Eventually they just threw him out of the cinema.
Hahahaha
Keep shining your bright light on the truth, dear Eve. Your wise words are beacons.
Thank you Eve. Am Yisrael Chai🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱
You swing for the fences with each piece of work, Eve - emboldening and illuminating not just us argumentative Jews, your readers, but the convulsive world in its all new digitized, monetized round of this ancient generational fit of cruelty. Rani is home and we carry his example. Bless all who fight against oppression
I have been in awe of the number of Iranian men and women willing to step out in the streets to protest for a better future, knowing full well the likelihood of death. There's a complete absence of hubris in these actions, a link in a chain, being willing to sacrifice so that others may live and breathe freely.
My fear is that too many of the Best and Brightest are dead.
The courageous and fearless went out there and faced a murderous government. I'm not sure I would have had the courage. There are still many more of the best and brightest.
Sorry gang but this is a world wide Muslim religious war ...it has only just begun
Finally. Am Israel Chai!
Sigh. Once again, one of your pieces leaves me dreaming of writing half as well as you do.
Wow, Eve! Brava!
I am so proud to be your Jewish Sister. Bless you and bless your efforts ❤️