JewsByChoice.Org

As I settle into the new Jewish year, I find myself yearning for the regular, the mundane. I had thrown myself body and spirit into the holiday season, observing most no work days, and attended all but one service at my synagogue.  My husband and I also attempted to experience the essence of each distinct holiday in our home, entertaining friends and family and honoring the rich tradition of this faith.

What I would like to share is that this total immersion into what could be called a quintessential Jewish experience, caused me to contemplate how one integrates walking the path of the Mitzvot, while fully participating in our world.

During the past holiday season, much occurred in my small world and the large “World” we all share. Each day presented new cataclysmic economic predictions and chaotic real time experiences. The United States presidential election campaign took on added dimensions, and overall the march of pressure and urgency persisted despite the fact I had to walk to Shul for another service.

This conflict occurred in a very concrete way for me. I had been volunteering for an election campaign when the woman who was organizing the store front asked me to go to another state for the weekend to assist in voter registration.  I told her that was difficult for me because of my observance of Shabbat. The woman, also Jewish, looked at me and said “you’re not orthodox, this is more important!” I ended up having a conversation with her, and half the campaign office about balance and equanimity in ourselves and our community.

In the past I had, I must confess, some prejudicial thoughts regarding the orthodox community. I did think “they are so insular that they are not a part of the larger community. They live in a different world than me.”  Now I think my perceptions have shifted, I am not so quick to judge. I believe it is complicated. Neither extreme, not observing Shabbat because something else is “more important,” or totally emerging oneself in an insular religious community appears to feel right for me.

All this musing brings me back to the concept of Tikkun olam  תיקון עולם. This concept can be found in the  Mishnah , in the phrase mip’nei tikkun ha-olam “for the sake of tikkun of the world” This indicates that a practice should be followed not because it is required by Biblical law, but because it helps avoid social chaos. I believe that Tikkun olam encompasses both the outer and the inner, both service to society by helping those in need and service to the Divine by liberating the spark within. The phase has been uttered by many including non jews , Bill Clinton,  Cornel West, Condoleezza Rice and Barack Obama. Often there is confusion on what exactly the phrase stands for. Adding to this confusion  tikkun olam often is combined with  other Jewish concepts :  tzedakah (financial support of the poor), g’milut hasadim (acts of loving kindness), and tzedek (justice). To explore the meaning of Tikkun olam, check out this blog by Jill Jacobs  http://www.zeek.net/706tohu/ also My Jewish Learning has some information as well, http://www.myjewishlearning.com/daily_life/GemilutHasadim/TO_TikkunOlam.htm.

Ultimately  we each can define how we walk our religious path as we engage in the world. How do you do it? For me, I strive for balance and, equanimity, of course not always achieving it. I believe the act of trying is rich and rewarding for both my inner spiritual life and for my connection to the many faceted communities I belong to and to the world.