09/11/2026
Tonight is the beginning of the New Year, Rosh Hashanah.
A chance to reset and strive for a better self, and a better, more just world.
L'Shanah Tova!
Happy New Year!
TIKKUN OLAM!
"Tikkun olam is a Hebrew phrase that means "repairing the world" or "world repair". It is a central concept in Judaism that describes our shared duty to make the world better, fairer, and more complete.
Over time, this phrase has taken on different meanings.
Historical Meaning in Early Texts:
Betterment of society: In early rabbinic texts like the Talmud and Mishnah, the phrase meant creating fair rules to protect vulnerable people and keep society orderly.You can learn more about its historical evolution in this overview of The World is Broken, So Humans Must Repair It.
Mystical Meaning in Kabbalah: Reconnecting divine light: In Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah), teachers explained that the material world has hidden sparks of divine light trapped inside it.Doing good deeds: Performing religious duties (mitzvot) helps lift those sparks back up to God, repairing a broken universe.
Modern Meaning Social justice: Today, many people use tikkun olam to describe social activism, charity work, fighting poverty, and protecting the environment.Everyday actions: It includes any daily act of kindness that helps someone in need or improves the community."
