August 2024 - Tikun Olam

Tikun Olam, an ancient phrase, which means “mending the world,” has taken on new life in the past few decades.  It may refer to the betterment of the world, the relief of human suffering, the achievement of peace and mutual respect among peoples, and the protection of the planet from destruction.  These values, which sound modern, are deeply rooted in Jewish tradition.  We have been instructed to take care of the feeding, housing, and general health of all.  The Torah calls on us to “pursue justice” (Deuteronomy 16:20) and to “work and guard” (Genesis 2:15) God’s garden. 

I happened to catch a news story on the national news a few months ago about a woman in Pittsburgh who heads up an initiative to crochet and knit scarves and to put them out around the city for people to take if they are cold and need a scarf to warm their bodies and their souls.  When I saw this post I contacted the woman, Suzanne Volpe, and I met her to find out more about what she does.

At the same time, I had just learned a newer, quick method of knitting called finger-knitting.  As its name implies, there are no needles or crochet hooks needed.  It’s easy and relaxing, and a scarf can be finished in a few hours.  I’ve made a couple dozen already.   I plan to hold a workshop in October or November at the synagogue to teach finger-knitting and to let people know how get the scarves out there.  So, look for an announcement in the next couple of months!  

This feels to me like a lovely Tikun Olam project, and I am eager to invite you to join me in the fun of doing a little bit of kindness for someone who may need it.  At the same time, we will be making connections with each other and doing something to mend our world. 

B’shalom,
Cantor Rena