Originally published in Jewish Exponent
While we appreciate mention in Joshua Runyan’s column, it appears he has, in theory, confused spurious references to tikkun olam with the genuine article (“In Defense of Tikkun Olam,” Nov. 21).
It is not hard to tell the difference, as our prayer books include this term in the Aleinu prayer said thrice daily: l’taken olam b’Malchut Shakai — to fix the world under the Kingdom of God. What constitutes tikkun olam is not personal whim, but limited to that which realizes Jewish values found in Torah and traditional sources.
Not only do we regard having a positive impact on the world as a Jewish and moral calling, but it is the raison d’etre of our organization.
Rabbi Yaakov Menken