What is the meaning of the phrase tikkun olam?
Tikkun Olam It is basically a Jewish act of kindness. To enter the concept of tikkun olam, one needs to understand the concept of world. Tikkun olam expression is included in the Jewish prayer named the Aleinu which is recited thrice a day that actually thanks God for letting the Jews give service to the Almighty.
This phrase ensures that the whole world would become perfect someday, where the word "perfect" has a broad meaning. It means when everyone on this planet starts to believe in God and abandon false Gods, this world would become a better place to reside in. A more general Tikkun olam definition would be being responsible for the material, moral and spiritual well-being of the society as a whole. Tikkun olam embodies philanthropy.
Projects under tikkun olam:
The projects under tikkun olam are further categorised into:
1. Grade level project
2. School wide project
3. Temple programs
Each grade level project is focussed on one year long Tikkun olam project providing opportunities for participation in repairing the world and it integrates the social action values in daily activities. Teachers and students develop a project that has a meaning to them and would make a difference in other's lives. These Tikkun olam projects consist of Kindergartens helping others by communicating and providing food items for the underprivileged African families.
First grade students focus on the nature, they clean the beaches and create a garden. The second graders support the Israel Levin Center. Third graders feed the hungry by supporting food pantries, collecting and packing food at the pantries. It also comprises of elder students helping the children with disorders, giving aid to the homeless people by serving meals, assisting needy people, and such philanthropic activities.
What are the various tikkun olam activities?
Jews commit to social activities regularly as well as promote the concept of tikkun olam among their friends and families. The Tikkun olam activities include donation in the form of monetary or material resources. The phrase tikkun olam has a strong association with social justice or any action related to social welfare.
The community takes progressive action against poverty, racism, violence and such things. The concept supports peace in the Middle East for both the Palestinians and the Jews.
There are various committees formed for instance, the committee against abuse, Anti death penalty action group, Bikkor Cholim, Chevra Kadisha, Economic Justice organizations, Greening committee, Middle East Peace committee, Jewish youth for community action, Tzedakah, etc.
Various practical methods can be applied by the members of the listed communities. Thus, the phrase tikkunolam is a platform for the fulfillment of justice, righteousness, fight with the evil, awareness of unity, and spirituality.
