By Alan A. Mazurek, MD
The term “tikun olam,” which literally means repair of the world, has been popularized by mostly left and liberal-leaning activist causes as a way of “changing the world for the better.”
Michael Lerner, who became known as Hillary Clinton’s rabbi, a product of both Berkeley and JTS, founded Tikkun magazine in 1986 and it was his definition of tikun olam that became the predominant one in public consciousness. That is to say, since it was firmly identified with the Democrat party from its inception, it was always political in nature and mirrored the extreme leftward drift that has been so evident in new and younger Democrats. A perusal of Tikkun magazine, which had to close in April 2024, substantiates that it identifies strongly with the socialist message of Bernie Sanders, pursuit of “social justice,” which often favors the plight of the Palestinians over that of Israelis, while identifying with the left on almost all cultural issues. But what is tikun olam? What is its origin and what does it really mean?
The term originated in the Talmud, the Gemara, first appearing in the Talmud Bavli in Masechet Gittinwhere amendments were made to halachah for the sake of an orderly society—“mipnei tikun ha’olam.” Examples include specific procedures in validation and fulfilment of a get, a divorce, as well as the innovation of pruzbul in lending agreements. Collectively, those amendments were seen as refinements or improvements in established halachah, taking on an official legal role that was enforceable by a beit din. Clearly it was always meticulously associated with traditional halachic law.
This was because Chazal were mindful of the concept of tikun olam found in the “Aleinu” prayer (or more accurately the second portion of it, the “Al ken nekaveh” prayer) which tradition states was composed by Joshua as he led the Children of Israel into the Promised Land. It specifically refers to the removal of idolatry from the Land: “L’haavir gellulim min haaretz v’ha-elillim karot yikaretun”– to remove idolatry from the Land and false gods will be utterly cut off.” And then: “l’taken olam b’malchut Sha-dai,” to repair the world in the Kingdom of the Almighty. Note tikun olam was always firmly theologically, philosophically, and legally connected to the Kingdom of the Almighty G-d.
This concept was elaborated upon by Maimonides, the Rambam, who saw acts of kindness, integrity, and honesty as “tikun et kol haolam kilo,” fixing the entire world and “allowing the Shechina (G-d‘s glory) to rest upon Israel” (Mishnah Torah, Hilchot Sanhedrin 23:9).
At no time was there any allowance for a violation of halachah, to espouse ideas that were antithetical to Judaism—Jewish law, behavior, cultural norms, and even Jewish survival, in the name of tikun olam. And that is why the “progressive” ideas promoted by the left in the last 15–20 years have been vehemently rejected by the Torah community—ideas such as there are more than two genders; no one should be judged on merit or qualifications but their skin color, level on the “oppressed hierarchy,” or sexual preference; parents must be subservient to the state in raising their children; abortion on demand; and so many more. Furthermore, once these ideas, especially the notion that Jews are white oppressors and Muslims/Palestinians are people of color and the victims, were tied to the “virtuous” belief in social justice, (i.e., their definition of tikun olam), then the persecution, discrimination, and acts of violence upon Jews and Israel were justified and applauded. Jews who thought they had allies in the “progressive community” were shocked to find they were outcasts, villains, or worse. And not just Jews. It became apparent that this perversion of social justice—tikun olam, once it was divorced from being under the Kingdom of G-d, became synonymous with insanity. For how else could sane, rational people say mathematics is inherently racist, fully grown biological men can compete in sports with young women and change in their locker rooms, as long as they say they are women, illegal “migrants” have more rights and benefits than citizens, or think that the best way to combat racism is to be even more racist to the so-called “offending” group (critical race theory). These ideas would become official, national policy under the previous administration, defying logic and common sense, and for that reason more than any other, were roundly rejected by a majority of the American people.
This is a time for rejoicing because no matter what your political persuasion, common sense and logic will be the operative principle. We all, especially Jews and especially Americans, the most generous people on the planet, believe in tikun olam—repairing our world—charity, kindness, honesty, integrity, and respecting the rights of others. But it must be firmly tethered to the Kingdom of the Almighty if it is to succeed. For as the “Alenu” prayer continues “Then all humanity will call upon Your name.”
And regardless of how you feel about the man who in January assumed the office of the presidency, you can certainly agree with his affirmation in his inaugural address:
“In everything we do, my administration will be inspired by a strong pursuit of excellence and unrelenting success. We will not forget our country, we will not forget our Constitution, and we will not forget our G-d.”
Shabbat Shalom.
Dr. Alan A. Mazurek is a retired neurologist, living in Great Neck, Jerusalem, and Florida. He is a former chairman of the ZOA.
