When I was studying to convert to Reform Judaism I learned a vital concept called Tikkun Olam. It means to actively perfect or heal the world through deeds of kindness, social justice, and advocacy. Originally in the Mishnah, the first written collection of Jewish oral tradition, Tikkun Olam is the mending of the law to keep society working correctly. Generally, it’s designed to improve social conditions.

Another take on Tikkun Olam is found in the Aleinu, the final part of the congregational prayer and focuses on the end of time. It pleads with God “to speedily see Your mighty splendor, to cause detestable (idolatry) to be removed from the land, and the (false) gods will be utterly ‘cut off’, to takein olam – fix/repair/establish a world – under the Almighty’s kingdom.” So, when all the people in the entire world walk away from false Gods the world will have reached perfection.

What does Tikkun Olam mean in our more modern and liberal world? It is our responsibility to work with God to make the world better, to help others, and to honor God more fully. Whether it is related to practical issues or eschatological goals, it involves improving the world through positive societal changes. This can be through acts of charity and the pursuit of justice as well as through ritual observances. During Rosh Hashahnah the Aleinu prayer aspires that “all will form a single union to do Your will with a whole heart”. It is a plea for Universal Justice. “A Prayer for Our Country: May citizens of all races and creeds forge a common bond in true harmony to banish all hatred and bigotry” and “uniting all people in peace and freedom and helping them to fulfill the vision of your prophet: ‘Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they experience war anymore.’”

Basically, all people should know peace, freedom, and equality. In Reform Judaism the prayer book Gates of Prayer contains the words “You [Lord] have taught us to uphold the falling, to heal the sick, to free the captive, to comfort all who suffer pain”.

Tikkun Olam is not about one religion, one race, or one country. It’s about the whole world and all the people who inhabit earth. “For in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal”. President John F. Kennedy, June 10th 1963

Tikkun Olam – The first written collection of Jewish oral traditions, the Oral Torah. – Mishnah – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mishnah Mishnah comes from the verb shanah, which means “to repeat”, “to study”, “to heed oral instruction”, or “to teach”.