In the passage from the morning worship service called yotzer, we read that God “renews day-by-day the work of Creation”. This suggests that we too, as God’s partners in maintaining the world, have an ongoing, daily possibility to make a difference with our lives. Perhaps our most sacred task is to assist God in the very process of “renewing Creation.” I see this as the origin of our commitment to tikkun olam, repairing the world, which is the foundation of the Jewish ideal of social justice.
How powerful and satisfying it is to know that striving for social justice – addressing the ills that face our community and world – has always been a priority of Jewish tradition. A vast majority in this community (South Bend, IN) have been involved in a wide variety of historic causes and actions, spearheaded over the years by our congregation and it historic professional and lay leadership. (Truly, I would dare say, a significant number of my own congregation would define their Judaism in terms of commitment to such concerns.) I’m certain that we could share stories regarding every major civil movement of the last century, taking pride in the contributions of members of our families, congregations and communities. Here in my home, we have been bolstered by our recent engagement in Nothing but Nets, Just Congregations, calling for justice in Darfur, and increasing awareness and supporting efforts regarding cancer and disease, just naming a few. (For more on these programs, see www.nothingbutnets.net and www.urj.org/justcongregations/.)
Most significantly, each of these causes reminds us and guarantees us that the larger effort provided by a community is made up of the actions of individuals, and every one of us individuals can make a difference. Even when these colder days of winter might find us shying away from formal activities – our work of tikkun olam ever continues enthusiastically. We are mindful of the world-wide pleas for humanitarian aid; our challenge to operate our homes and work places more effectively also helps to “green” the world, protecting our environment; and the ever-present conversation about health care access and health care advocacy.
Through these days of a long, cold and snowy winter (at least here in northern Indiana!), we return to our opening blessing: baruch atah adonai – Praised are you, Eternal God, for granting us this sacred opportunity to renew our lives by repairing the world.
What will you do in 2010 to make a difference? I’d love to know.
Amen!
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