The Way into Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World

Making the world a better place as fundamental principle of Judaism:
In this work Elliot N. Dorff explores the historical meaning of the concept of 'tikkun olam'. He begins in Mishnaic times and traces it to our own contemporary world. He then considers a number of specific areas in which the concept of 'tikkun olam ' is specially relevant. He concludes with the following summary. "Our ultimate goal in tikkun olam, then is a world at peace.That, as we have seen, does not just mean a cessation of hostilities.It also means a world in which we have the blessings of children, a Jewish state in the land of Israel to which Jewiish exiles can and do come to live, prosperity, health, procedural and substantive justice, recognition of Israel's God and of Torah values as authoritative, and peace." Dorff writes that working for such values will give us a sense of having meaning in our lives . He stresses that such actions must be taken as cooperative covenantal action with God. This work is commendable and inspiring. I have only one difficulty with it. Given the conflict- ridden violent world we live in, the tremendous dangers facing the Free world as a whole, and most especially Israel it would seem to me that more stress should have been made on the whole concept of dealing with dangers and threats, the whole concept of self- defense and survival. Nonetheless this is a fine and highly recommended work of Jewish thought.

A deserving finalist of the Jewish Book Council's National Jewish Book Awards:
Dr. Ellot N. Dorff, Rector and Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of Judaism, presents The Way Into Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), an in-depth introduction to the fundamental building blocks of belief and regulation grounding the Jewish commitment to improve the world. From the motivations offered by sacred texts, to the social and family relationships celebrated by Jewish tradition, to the definition of "tikkun olam" (identified as a wide range of moral and humanitarian duties), to the concept of an ideal world as illuminated by Judaism's understanding. "Many, many medieval and early modern rabbis were also physicians, involved in both clinical care and research. This vision of a world free of diseases imposes a duty on us to work toward that end as individuals. Some of us will work in health care directly, as doctors, nurses, medical social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. All of us have the duty to visit the sick, however distasteful we may find it... the Jewish tradition even provides some advice about how to overcome that discomfort and make your visit effective for both the patient and the visitor." A deserving finalist of the Jewish Book Council's National Jewish Book Awards, The Way Into Tikkun Olam is a respectful treatise that evenhandedly joins ancient spiritual wisdom with the needs of the modern-day world, and is highly recommended.