We have heard the term Tikkun Olam, but do we know its origin? The phrase Tikkun Olam is found in the Mishnah, a body of classical rabbinic teaching compiled in the 3rd century and is used when discussing issues of social policy, insuring a safeguard to those who may be disadvantaged.

Isaac Luria, the renowned sixteenth century Kabbalist, used the phrase “tikkun olam,” usually translated as repairing the world, Luria taught that God created the world by forming vessels of light to hold the Divine Light. But as God poured the Light into the vessels, they catastrophically shattered, tumbling down toward the earth. Thus, our world consists of countless shards of the original vessels entrapping sparks of the Divine Light. Humanity’s great task involves helping God by freeing and reuniting the scattered light, raising the sparks back to Divinity and restoring the broken world.

In the 1950s, the phrase tikkun olam was used by Shlomo Bardin, the founder of the Brandeis Camp Institute (BCI). To Bardin, the phrase “l’taken olam b’malchut shaddai,” encapsulated the essence of Jewish values. The term, meaning “when the world shall be perfected under the reign of the Almighty,” is found in the “Aleinu” Bardin taught that Jews are obligated to work towards achieving a more perfect world.

Since the 1950s, other Jewish movements have adopted the use of the phrase and concept tikkun olam as a platform for the fulfillment of mitzvot (commandments) and tzedakah (justice, righteousness). Jews are often involved in social action/volunteer projects, motivated by the concept of tikkun olam.

In 1989 Roberta Shevin, the first chairperson, recognized the need for our synagogue to make a contribution in our community by doing social action, Tikkun Olam. This has continued through our Past and current chair people which include Sheila Chabrow, Phyllis Pincus ( of blessed memory) Carol Stein, Joe Serota, Clarice Shtrax, Cookie Wright, (co-chairs) Lori Blum and Marleen Applebaum ,Barry Gubernick and currently co- chairs Barry Wright and myself.

Last year the Tikkun Olam committee developed a mission statement: Some of the key phrases are: organizes and performs acts of kindness and good deeds, to organize projects; collect items needed by others, and help where needed. The Tikkun Olam Committee supports projects locally, nationally, internationally, with emphasis on Israel.

Our projects included Project Isaiah collecting for Kosher Food Bank, working with Habitat for Humanity Synagogue Sunday, Packing Hanukkah Baskets, Serving lunch at the Miami and Homestead Community Partnership for the Homeless shelters, Sports Day at Inn Transition a shelter for Abused families, a baby shower for Lotus House, shelter for homeless women, refurbishing gardens at Gelber House, Mitzvah Day activities at the synagogue and in the community, collecting camp items for critically ill or terminally ill children and school supplies homeless children.

Our ongoing project is collecting nonperishable food for the Kosher Food Bank. Through the generous donations of Bet Shira Congregation the Tikkun Olam Committee made contributions to various charities including: Camp Boggy Creek-Project Cradle for critically ill children, Community Partnership for the Homeless, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Jewish Community Service Kosher Food Bank, Joseph Samuel Isicoff Memorial Fund, our Sister Synagogues in Jerusalem and Ashkelon, Lotus House, Masorti Foundation, MAZON, The Michael Grey Wheelchair Repair Fund, Shalom Bayit Miami, The Jewish Braille Institute, The Melissa Institute, and Ventilator Assisted Children’s Center Camp.

Tikkun Olam has heeded the call when there was need in the community or the world. Additional donations were made to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Officer Johns Family Fund, Haiti Relief, and school supplies.

From Generation to Generation, B’nai Mitzvah complete a Tikkun Olam Project. These projects are displayed at Mitzvah Day. To help continue their commitment to the concept of Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah, B’nai Mitzvah are presented with a beautiful Tzedakah box provided by the Tikkun Olam Committee.

On behalf of the Tikkun Olam committee, Barry and Cookie Wright, Velma and I wish you a happy, healthy, New Year.

–Paul Papier