A story is told of a woman who stood before God, her heart saddened by the pain, suffering and injustices of the world.  “Dear God,” she cried out, “look at all the problems in this world.  Why don’t you send help?”  God responded, “I did send help--I sent you.”

What's a mitzvah?

The word ‘mitzvah’ means ‘commandment’ or ‘rule’.  Mitzvot (plural of mitzvah) are the things that God wants us to do--they are the  613 precepts and commandments written in the Torah that are intended to guide human behavior.  There are mitzvot about foods, holidays and prayers, kindness and cleanliness, honesty, how to treat other people and much more.

What's Tikkun Olam and how is it connected to doing mitzvot?

Tikkun Olam --repairing or fixing the world--is a Jewish concept that we find references to in Jewish literature dating back nearly 2000 years.  In the Mishnah (a compendium of classical rabbinic teachings codified circa 200 C.E.), the term "mipnei tikkun ha-olam" is used to refer to social policy legislation that provides extra protection to people who may be at a disadvantage in society (ex. widows, slaves, and resident aliens).

Today, tikkun olam has taken on a more general meaning:  we should seek out opportunities to do mitzvot that help others, help our community and help our world.  Doing mitzvot brings about tikkun olam.

How can we bring the concept "down to size" for our children?  Start small!  Here are some examples of doing mitzvot that lead directly to tikkun olam.  Don't be afraid to use these terms with your kids to describe their actions and the consequences of their actions. 

helping with errands

cleaning up the playroom

recycling

helping another person

showing compassion

giving tzedakkah

using kind words such as "please" and "thank you"

If you're interested in taking your children to volunteer at an organization in our community, here are some ideas of places that welcome volunteers of all ages:

Mitzvah Food Project 

The Mitzvah Food Project is coordinated by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. The goal of the program is to bring people together to perform mitzvot and provide opportunities to do tikkun olam through community projects. Most importantly, it exists to assist people in our community who are in need. For more information call 215.832.0531 or email Drisana Davis
 

JRA Food Distributions
Each month, volunteers are needed to package kosher, non-perishable food in boxes and to deliver the food packages to recipient families according to pre-determined delivery routes.  To volunteer, call the JRA office at 610-660-0190.

The Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center for Jewish Life 

Volunteers make friendly visits to patients and their family members. Visits include talking, listening, sharing a hobby, and providing a compassionate presence at a difficult time in life. This is an opportunity to perform a true mitzvah and make a meaningful difference in someone's life. Multi-generational Activities: work with both children and seniors to help prepare and run artistic programs. For more information call 215.371.1393 or email the Center. 

Mitzvah Circle Foundation  

The Foundation provides meaningful support to individuals and families during difficult times by coordinating donors of supplies and services with people who are truly in need of them. Mitzvah Circle also provides opportunities for participants of all ages including children, teens, adults and senior citizens to take part in meaningful service projects that help people in your own neighborhood as well as communities across the country. For more information call 610.930.5928 or email the Foundation.

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Rachael Goodman - Tikkun Olam 

Madelyn Gives for her Birthday 

Tikkun Olam in Action