Learn the Hebrew Words for Loving Kindness
and Worldwide Humanitarian Missions…

Chesed – Hebrew for acts of loving-kindness .

Tikkun Olam – A Hebrew phrase (pronounced tee-KOON oh-LUHM) meaning “world repair.” This Jewish concept is defined by acts of kindness performed to perfect or repair the world. The phrase is found in the Mishnah, a body of classical rabbinic teachings. It is often used when discussing issues of social policy, insuring a safeguard to those who may be at a disadvantage.

How do we apply these two principles to our daily lives?

  1. We recognize this world as our home and view all its inhabitants as our family.
  2. We realize our shared responsibility to heal, repair and transform the world.
  3. We become the change that we want to see in the world.
  4. We find opportunities for selfless service wherever we are.

Tikkun olam embodies the spirit of philanthropy. Increasing the well-being of humankind is one of the key elements of repairing the world. Helping those who are in need, no matter in what capacity, is crucial and “holy” work. Tikkun olam, as it relates to practical methods, applies to working in all communities, not just Jewish communities. Jews are members of greater society, and as such, their actions are not limited to their own communities. Social welfare and volunteer work, as well as the donation of monetary and physical resources, are ways in which people can be philanthropically involved, and at the same time, be involved in tikkun olam.


Other Hebraic Related Ideas

G’milut Hasadim (pronounced geh-mee-LOOT chah-sah-DEEM) refers to performing acts of loving kindness; and Jewish communal actions to help the needy, not only monetarily.

Chessed is defined as an act of kindness. Shimon HaTzaddik, also known as Simon the Righteous, stated that the world’s continued existence is due to three things including Torah Study, Hashem worship, and the performance of acts of kindness (gemilut chasadim).

Humanitarianism requires a concern for human welfare, especially as manifested through philanthropy; it is the belief that the sole moral obligation of humankind is the improvement of human welfare.

Photo Gallery of Global Tikkun Olam and Chessed in Action…