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Tikkun Olam-Fixing the World: Is it Possible?

Tikkun Olam-Fixing the World: Is it Possible?

Last updated on: November 14, 2024 at 11:11 am by Susan P Lax

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Tikkun Olam-Fixing the World: Is it Possible? 2024-11-14T11:11:07-05:00 Susan P Lax

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Growing up with the Notion of Tikkun Olam-Repairing the World

The world seems broken into pieces of heartache, grief and fear.

I, in my 66 years have never experienced such times.

Everyday seems to deliver another package of worry, bloodshed and suffering.

Yet I was brought up on the notion of Tikkun Olam- translated from Hebrew, fixing or repairing the world.

A value handed down to me by past generations.

I was taught this is my obligation as a Jew, and as a member of humanity.

However, is Tikkun Olam- fixing the world still possible?

People Demonstrating 1979

photo-Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives-Jews Protesting in Support of Cambodian Refugees 1979

This Past Year, Repairing the World Felt Overwhelming.

Tikkun Olam is a Jewish value, to help those in need, connote social justice and pursue social action.

Also, to maintain ethical behavior, and repair the world.

Not just in the Jewish Community, but in the worldwide community.

However, this past year, repairing the world, Tikkun Olam, felt overwhelming.

The Oct 7th tragedy in Israel, the war that followed, elections in America and worldwide divide made it seem like a hopeless mission.

People protesting

Photo-Leonard Simons Jewish Community Archives-Jews Protesting for Soviet Jewry-1990

Tikkun Olam, fixing the world one step at a time.

But, if my family members that went through horrors of their own,

like the Holocaust, didn’t give up on Tikkun Olam, how could I?

That would mean giving up on humanity the essence of our world.

Something, that is not in the lexicon of my soul.

I realized that despair and hope could be held by the same hand.

For in their gentle balance, I would find my strength my resilience.

However heavy the storms of the world’s sky seem, there is a moment when the sky opens and the sweetness of the sun shines.

If I am to hold hope, I need to act.

Tikkun Olam, fixing the world one step at a time.

We must rebuild, together, a kinder, compassionate and hopeful world.

Clouds in Blue Sky

Fluffy Clouds in a Blue Sky

I am creator of the “Morning Inspiration” series, which provides readers with reflections and thoughts to start their day with spiritual inspiration.

If you feel the calling to receive it you can do so here

If hope seems distant, I invite you to read a Morning Inspiration I wrote inspired by what my heart shared in this column.

History and Religion

About Susan P. Lax

When one of Susan’s closest friends was fighting cancer and had to focus on trying to heal, they didn’t speak as often as they once did. To make sure Stephanie knew that Susan was always thinking of her each day, Susan emailed her friend a healing, positive thought first thing in the morning. Slowly, Susan discovered an ability to translate her heart words into written ones and more and more people began to receive Susan’s “Morning Inspiration” which is from where her book, A HEART’S LANDSCAPE, derived. Right now, especially with all happening in the world, Susan offers deep reminders with words and warm visuals – to take a moment and just pause – get away from the inundation and put the chaos away. Susan’s heart words and inspiring visuals guide readers to take a moment and escape all adversity and focus on carving out one joyful moment with the hope that it will lead to other good moments. You can read more about the author here.

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