The time is now to change the world
By Laura Seymour

seymourforweb2As we look at all that is happening in the world today, we wonder about what we can do to make the world a better place. Judaism calls that tikkun olam — repairing the world. It is our obligation to do our part.
The challenge of tikkun olam is our fear of acting. Too often, we stand back and think someone else will do the task. However, if everyone thinks another will act, the world will not get better. The time is now for everyone to act.
We begin by learning. Explore needs in your community. Find something that you can do or contribute to. Giving time is the best, but often giving money is important, as well. Save your change; it can change the world.
Text: Everything is foreseen, yet the freedom of choice is given. The world is judged with goodness, and everything depends on the abundance of good deeds. (Pirke Avot 3:19)

  • Judaism teaches that there is a plan for the world but that we are given free will, the choice to make decisions about our actions. What does it mean to have free will?
  • The world is judged with goodness means that we look for the good rather than the bad in the world. Why do some people always see the negative? Why is it better to see the goodness in the world?
  • The Mishnah says that everything depends on many good deeds. Why are good deeds important? Why do we need lots of good deeds and not just a few? What are some of the good deeds that you can do?

Value: Ometz Lev/courage
Ometz Lev actually translates as “strength of heart.” These are emotional, internal qualities. Courage is having the inner strength to take charge. Courage offers us the strength needed to face difficulty, danger, pain and fear. There is a midrash about the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. Moses raised his staff and the sea didn’t split. Everyone was afraid but one man stepped up and went forward. When he did, the sea split. Nachshon had courage and faith in God.
Things to do:

  • Know what you stand for and being willing to be counted.
  • All of us are afraid at times but we must handle our fears.
  • Think about a time when you did something that you were afraid to do.

Laura Seymour is director of Jewish life and learning and director of camping services at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center.

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