Tikkun Olam, To Repair The World
This year, as we light the candles and spin the dreidel, the story of Hanukkah resonates with profound significance. Hanukkah, a festival rooted in the triumph of light over darkness, mirrors the struggles and victories of so many who face oppression in our world.
Hannukkah is not merely a festival of historical remembrance but a living testament to the strength found in unity and the unwavering spirit to overcome. As we celebrate the miraculous jug of oil that sustained the menorah for eight days, we draw parallels to our own commitment to kindle the flames of justice, compassion, and true global systemic change.
As we celebrate Hanukkah, we draw inspiration from its story to understand the profound concept of Tikkun Olam— "to repair the world." We bear a collective responsibility to mend the fabric of our shared humanity. Tikkun Olam establishes justice, compassion, and equality as core pursuits of Judaism. It encourages us to actively engage in efforts to dismantle systems of oppression, uplift marginalized voices, and cultivate a world where everyone can thrive. Tikkun Olam calls upon us to recognize and respond to the fractures in society, inspiring a continuous commitment to healing, understanding, and creating a more just and equitable world for all; Palestinian, Jewish, Queer, Trans, Disabled, Black, and Indigenous alike.
Ask yourself, how can I be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ Jewish people?
How can I practice solidarity with Palestinians?
How can I learn to recognize anti-semitism and islamaphobia?
Let the story of Hanukkah urge us to be beacons of kindness and agents of positive change. As we light our candles and eat our weight in latkes, let's embody the spirit of Tikkun Olam, ensuring that our actions contribute to the repair and betterment of the world around us. May the light we kindle during Hanukkah be a symbol not only of historical triumph but also of our dedication to creating a brighter, more compassionate future for all.
The original Queer Kid Stuff episode on Judaism featuring Rabbi Abby Chava Stein focuses on the concept of Tikkun Olam, tying it to our existing understanding of social justice and activism as a core tenant of Judaism. We also recommend watching the Rugrats Maccababy episode for an excellent family-friendly refresher on the Hannukkah story!
