Join us for an exploration of
Tikkun Olam
and the Jewish approach to social justice. From the Torah’s
instructions to be holy by being engaged with the world, to the
prophetic call to pursue justice, we’ll examine what Judaism teaches us
about how to put our faith into action, how to reconcile multiple
positions on an issue, and how we Jewishly engage in social action in
our own lives.
Repairing the
World: Putting Our Faith into Action
These five sessions will explore the nature of Tikkun
Olam and the Jewish ideals of social justice. How do we put our faith
into action in the world today? How do we reconcile a multiplicity of
voices on an issue? How do we authentically come to find the Jewish
ideals in a social justice issue? What are the texts that push us toward
greater grounding in Jewish thought and ideals to embrace the prophetic
call to justice?
Session 1:
Introduction to the notion of Tikkun Olam and prophetic Judaism. Looking
at the mystical texts that provide the heart of the idea of Tikkun Olam
and in the liturgy too and the voice of the prophets.
Session 2 - I
am Holy, You Be Holy: A look at Leviticus 19 for the ways in which
God calls us to be engaged in the world. What are the values represented
by Leviticus 19? What is holiness according to this text?
Session 3 -
Putting our faith into action: What makes an issue Jewish? We will
also focus on pluralism, acknowledging multiple voices on a single
topic.
Session 4:
A personal look at the spirituality of social justice involvement,
including a moderated discussion with local rabbis.
Session 5:
Wrap-up discussion on social justice in our own lives; tzedakah vs.
gemilut chassidim; and a review of Maimonides on tzedakah.
Rabbi Denise Eger is founding rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami in West
Hollywood, Calif., and President of the Southern California Board of
Rabbis. Rabbi Eger believes that activism is an important part of her
rabbinate, and has received local and national recognition for her
dedication and action.
