What Is ‘Tikkun Olam’? The Principle PM Modi Mentioned In His Address To Israeli Parliament

Tikkun Olam is a profound Jewish concept literally translating to "repairing the world." Originally rooted in mystical theology, it has evolved into a powerful call for social justice, environmental stewardship, and acts of kindness to restore harmony to the universe.

Origin: In Lurianic Kabbalah, the universe began with a "shattering of vessels" that scattered divine light. This principle suggests that sparks of holiness are now trapped within the material world, waiting for human intervention to be liberated and returned home.

The concept positions humans as active partners with the Divine. It suggests that creation is intentionally left incomplete, providing humanity with the sacred responsibility to finish the work through ethical living, thoughtful labour, and a commitment to global improvement.

Today, many apply this principle to ecological preservation. Repairing the world includes protecting the planet from climate change and pollution. It views the Earth as a sanctified gift that must be healed and preserved for future generations to inhabit.

Every mitzvah (commandment or good deed) is seen as a restorative act. By performing ethical or ritual obligations, an individual "lifts a spark," contributing a small but vital piece to the grand mosaic of a perfected, holistically healed world.

While Jewish in origin, the principle is often viewed through a universal lens. It suggests that every person, regardless of faith, has a role in the global restoration. It emphasizes that our collective fate is deeply and inextricably linked.

Tikkun Olam is an optimistic philosophy. It rejects despair by insisting that no matter how broken the world appears, repair is always possible. It encourages persistent, incremental progress toward a future defined by wholeness, justice, and light.

Meanwhile, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a foundational Sanskrit phrase originating from ancient Indian scriptures, translating to "The World is One Family." It represents a holistic philosophy of global unity, emphasizing that all living beings are interconnected and share a common destiny.