Tikkun olam (תיקון עולם) is a Hebrew phrase which translates to "repairing the world." It is important in Judaism and is often used to explain the Jewish concept of social justice. In some explanations, the more mitzvot that are performed, the closer the world will be towards perfection. Some Jews that believe that acts of tikkun olam will either trigger or fulfill the prophesied coming of the Mosiach (messiah) or messianic age (the World to Come). The belief in tikkun olam is also central to the Zohar, the most important book in kabbalah (Jewish mysticism).
The phrase is used in the prayer, such as in Aleinu: l'takken olam b'malkhut Shaddai; "to repair the world in the Kingdom of God." It is also used in the Mishnah, in the phrase mip'nei tikkun olam ("because of tikkun olam") to indicate that a practice is followed not because it is the law but because it helps avoid negative social consequences.
In progressive streams of Judaism
In Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism, Tikkun olam has taken on political and religious significance in that it implies that Jews should work towards social justice. Tikkun magazine, edited by Rabbi Michael Lerner, reflects this worldview.
